Allentown, PA – November 25, 2025 – The heart of downtown Allentown will come alive with twinkling lights and hometown pride as the Allentown Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Allentown and PPL, presents the 2025 Downtown Allentown Tree Lighting Ceremony: Powering the Season with PPL on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the ArtsPark from 4 PM – 6 PM.
For generations, this celebration has marked the official start of the holiday season in Allentown, a night where neighbors gather, and the city glows a little brighter. This year’s event promises an unforgettable evening filled with live music and dance performances, a whimsical Polar Express Experience, a sing-along with Queen Elsa, Allentown School District performance groups, free hot cocoa for all by the Salvation Army, and free photos with Santa.
The celebration is free and open to the public; welcoming residents and visitors alike to share in the warmth of the season. “The Tree Lighting is a moment that reminds us of what community feels like,” said Brittney Ciardi, Senior Vice President of Allentown Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, “When that tree lights up, so does Allentown.”
In partnership with the Lehigh Valley Marine Corps Toys for Tots, the event will also feature a toy giveaway to bring holiday cheer to local children. Toys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that the spirit of giving shines as brightly as the tree itself.
This year’s Tree Lighting will shine even brighter thanks to PPL, whose commitment to Allentown helps make this celebration possible. As the event’s official lighting partner, PPL will once again “power the season,” illuminating the tree that marks the start of the city’s holiday festivities. PPL lineworker Isabella May will serve as this year’s honorary “Christmas Elf,” joining the countdown to light the tree. Her role highlights the people behind the power who keep our community connected.
“PPL is proud to help light the season for Allentown,” said Christine Martin, President, PPL Electric Utilities. “This year’s Tree Lighting will shine even brighter thanks to our team’s commitment to the community. As the official lighting partner, we’re honored to ‘power the season’ once again and illuminate the tree that marks the start of the city’s holiday festivities. We’re especially excited to have PPL lineworker Isabella May serve as this year’s honorary ‘Christmas Elf’ and join the countdown, highlighting the people behind the power who keep our community connected.”
A highlight of the evening will be the return of the 5th Grade Essay Contest, hosted by the Chamber and PPL. Open to Allentown School District students, the competition invites young writers to reflect on the theme “Why Do You Love Allentown?” The winning student will take the stage alongside Mayor Matt Tuerk to lead the countdown and flip the switch, illuminating the city and officially ushering in the holidays.
“This event is such a wonderful way to bring the community together and celebrate the season,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, Executive Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber. “From the Allentown School District students and performers to families visiting Santa, it’s a joyful night that truly captures the spirit of Allentown and the magic of the holidays.”
As the countdown begins and the lights cascade across the park, downtown Allentown will once again remind everyone that the season’s true magic is found in connection and shared joy.
WHEN: Saturday, December 6th
TIME: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: ArtsPark, 24-32 N 5th St, Allentown, PA 18101
TREE LIGHTING SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT:
4:00-4:03 – Brittney Ciardi Starts Program
4:03-4:45 – Local performances and entertainment
4:55 – Santa arrives on PPL F150
5:00-5:10 - Tree lighting with Mayor Matt Tuerk, Santa , and ASD Students
5:15- 6:00 – Local performances and entertainment
6:00 – Program Ends
PRESENTING SPONSOR: PPL
SPONSORS: City of Allentown, Butz Family of Companies, La Mega Radio, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Salvation Army/ Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, GIANT, and ASR Media.
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money-saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
Information provided to TVL by:
Brittney Ciardi
