Good morning, Bethlehem.

On Nov. 28, Payrow Plaza hosted a community celebration kicking off the advent season.

Local residents enjoyed the lighting of the Christmas tree, festive music, costumed characters, treats from sponsors, and a joyful message from city leaders.

Bethlehem Area School District bus drivers launched the Stuff the Bus campaign on Black Friday to collect toys for Tots, food, hygiene supplies, coats & cash donations at Bethlehem Square and Christkindlmarkt.

Collection runs on weekends until Dec. 21 and at Bethlehem Square on Dec. 22-23 if weather permits.

WFMZ–Phantoms Drive will donate its last coats to kids, parents, and others in need this winter in Bethlehem, offering essential warmth for families.

Tickets for Kansas and Aries Spears at Wind Creek Event Center (77 Wind Creek Blvd.) go on sale Friday, Dec.

12 at 10 a.m. Kansas will perform at 8 p.m. May 29 while comedian Aries Spears will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 12; prices range from $39.50 to $99.50.

Becky Diamond introduced a new Christmas cookbook that brings back classic recipes such as sugar plums and chocolate wine over ice cream -- it also offers traditional dishes for Hanukkah and New Year celebrations in Salisbury Twp.

Today, Pennsylvania senators in the Education Committee unanimously approved SB 1014, a bill that bans phone use from the first bell to the last class dismissed in public schools.

The bill now heads to the full Senate and requires House approval before becoming law.

LANTA approved route changes that reduce fixed route service by 5% to take effect Jan.

26, 2026. New schedules (available on the website by Dec. 26 and at transit centers by Jan. 12) accompany a public input process on a fare hike set for early 2026.

Dozens of residents and local leaders, including a small business owner from Bethlehem, spoke out against PPL's proposed 7% rate increase at a public hearing in Catasauqua Tuesday night.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will review the proposal and decide by July 1.

Judge Abraham Kassis reinstated two conservation easements protecting 200 acres of forest—originally removed by Lower Saucon Township—to block the Bethlehem Landfill's expansion; the landfill now has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling.

USPS staff at the Bethlehem Post Office demonstrated proper packing techniques Tuesday to ensure holiday packages arrived safely.

They explained how to secure items, use Bethlehem's Christmas stamp, and sign up for Informed Delivery (a free tool for shipment updates).

At Nitschmann MS, teachers and students continue the Pink Out fundraiser (in its 15th year) during Breast Cancer Month, with pink Friday costumes and shirt sales to support treatment and awareness.

The initiative honors teacher Tanya Hood's mother and involves staff and students in raising funds to fight cancer.

Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center now offers Synovetin—a new injection for severe dog arthritis—to help pets like Brady return to playful activity, said veterinarian Berit Fischer.

The treatment costs about $4,000, with some insurance coverage available.

The Chrin Commerce Center plan received preliminary development approval Tuesday night in Palmer Township.

The mixed-use retail center spans 17.5 acres—4.55 in Palmer—with a quick-service restaurant, stormwater facilities, and a 120,000 sqft warehouse planned for Tatamy.

Lehigh football head coach Kevin Cahill signed a multi-year extension worth $2.5 million after a record 12-win season; he earned the 2025 Eddie Robinson Award and led the team to consecutive Patriot League titles and a playoff victory.

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Wind Creek Event Center — Tickets $49.50 to $129.50 — Experience the heartwarming tale of belief and magic in the holiday classic.

Miracle on 34th Street The Musical

8-9:30 p.m. — Wind Creek Event Center — Tickets from $49.50 — Experience the heartwarming story of a Santa who may be the real deal in America’s Christmas City.

The Nutcracker

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Zoellner Arts Center — Check event page for pricing — Experience the magical ballet of Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ performed by nearly 100 dancers with a live orchestra.

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical

1:30-3:00 p.m. — Wind Creek Event Center — Tickets from $49.50 to $129.50 — Experience the heartwarming musical adaptation of the holiday classic where a little girl learns to believe in Santa Claus.

Tom Petty Tribute Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Ticketed event — Experience an authentic tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Damn The Torpedoes.