Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays in South Bethlehem at the SouthSide Tree Lighting and the Naughty or Nice Cocktails & Cookies Crawl
Bethlehem, PA – November 14, 2025 – The SouthSide Arts District invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with two upcoming festive favorite events: the annual SouthSide Christmas Tree Lighting and the Naughty or Nice Cocktails & Cookies Crawl.
SouthSide Arts District Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Gateway at Greenway Park | 324 South New Street
Join us on Small Business Saturday as we kick off the holiday season and celebrate the small and local businesses that make South Bethlehem shine. The Tree Lighting Celebration will feaature a Christmas concert by band “The Beautiful Distortion” and tasty treats from two local restaurants.
Families and friends are invited to gather at the Gateway at Greenway Park to enjoy live music, hot chocolate, cider, and homemade cookies from local restaurants Roasted and ZEST Bar + Grille. Donations for the Bethlehem Parking Authority’s Toy Drive will be collected at the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to bring joy to children in need during the holiday season.
“2025 has been a challenging year for many people and families,” says Katy Knibbs, SSAD Assistant Manager. “But the empathy and care our businesses have shown the community and for one another is commendable. Several have proactively organized food drives, fundraisers, and shared resources with our most vulnerable neighbors, like after the fire at Five Ten Flats earlier this year. We encourage everyone attending holiday events in Bethlehem to show your support for these businesses— especially on Small Business Saturday— and thank them for all they do, even if it’s as simple as buying a small giftcard or a stocking stuffer.”
The 2025 South Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting is made possible through the generous support of the Benner Family.
Naughty or Nice Cocktails & Cookies Crawl
Dates: Saturdays, December 6 & 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 3rd & 4th Streets, South Bethlehem, PA
Tickets: $35 per person (sold online only)
Ages 21+
The holiday fun continues with the beloved Naughty or Nice Cocktails & Cookies Crawl. Participants will enjoy a walkable sampling adventure throughout the SouthSide, featuring holiday-themed mini cocktails and cookies crafted by participating SouthSide businesses. Tickets for each date are sold separately, and guests are encouraged to purchase early as space is limited. SouthSide Arts District will again be collecting donations for the Bethlehem Parking Authority’s Toy Drive. Guests who bring a new, unwrapped toy when picking up their tickets will receive a complimentary parking validation to the New St. Parking Garage to use during the holidays.
To find tickets, visit www.southsideartsdistrict.com/events/naughty-or-nice/
The Naughty or Nice Cocktails & Cookies Crawl is sponsored by Wind Creek and The Bethlehem Parking Authority.
About SouthSide Arts District
The SouthSide Arts District is a vibrant hub of culture, arts, and business in the heart of South Bethlehem. Its mission is to enhance and promote South Bethlehem’s unique identity as a destination for arts, dining, shopping, and entertainment while supporting and celebrating the local business community.
324 South New Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
southsideartsdistrict.com
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Information provided to TVL by:
Katy Knibbs
