Collect luggage and pick up a pre-booked rental car at EWR to give you maximum flexibility for reaching family in the Lehigh Valley (car rental desks inside airport).
Drive northwest from Newark to your aunt & uncle's home — expect roughly 1h20–1h40 depending on traffic; follow local directions to the house and settle in.
Relax and have dinner at your relatives' home or a nearby family-friendly restaurant; this first evening is best for low-key family time and catching up.
Start with a home breakfast or visit a local diner (example: a classic Lehigh Valley diner open ~7:00am) for pancakes or eggs — quick, hearty start for the day.
Explore SteelStacks' campus (arts center built on old Bethlehem Steel) and the nearby historic Bethlehem district for architecture, galleries and museums; great for photos and local history. Check event hours — many sites open 10:00am–5:00pm; seasonal events may vary.
Walk the Moravian historic district; small museums and shops tell Bethlehem's colonial and industrial past — many open afternoons (check for winter hours: typically 10:00am–4:00pm).
Visit the Crayola Experience — interactive, colorful exhibits great for kids and adults; typical hours 10:00am–5:00pm but check seasonal hours before going.
Head to Camelback Resort (about 45–60 minutes) for skiing, tubing, or the mountain coaster — check lift and tubing open times and reserve lift tickets or tubing slots in advance (hours typically 9:00am–4:00pm for winter activities).
If you want fresh air, stroll around the neighborhood or do any quick last-minute present shopping at local shops; many small shops have reduced hours on Christmas Eve (often close early around 3:00pm–5:00pm).
Help prepare the family Christmas Eve dinner or attend evening services; many churches hold services around 4:00pm–10:00pm (check specific parish times).
Join an extended-family holiday meal — often later in the day; this is primarily family time, so plan for a long, unhurried meal (costs covered by host).
Walk the picturesque streets, visit the Old Jail Museum, shops and galleries — many attractions open around 10:00am, but winter hours vary so check ahead.
Quick breakfast before departure; bring comfortable shoes — NYC day trips are best with a plan for sights (museums, Midtown, or holiday window light displays).
Drive to Newark/Hoboken to catch PATH or NJ Transit into Manhattan, or drive directly (expect about 1h15–1h45 depending on traffic). Public transit can be more reliable for Midtown (check NJ Transit/NJ PATH schedules).
Decide whether to visit Philadelphia (historic sites ~1.5–2h drive) or Hershey (chocolate attractions ~1.5h drive); both are doable but will be a longer day.
If Philly: tour Independence National Historical Park (check timed-entry rules) and walk the historic district. If Hershey: visit Hershey’s Chocolate World or Hershey Gardens (check seasonal hours; Chocolate World typically opens 9:00–10:00am).
Visit the Allentown Art Museum (commonly open 10:00am–5:00pm, check winter hours) or the Liberty Bell Museum for local history — small, accessible museums great for a slower day.
Casual dinner at home; discuss whether you want to go into NYC for New Year’s Eve or stay local (both have pros and cons — NYC is very busy, local celebrations are more relaxed).
If staying local, visit a nearby park or indoor activity; if going to NYC, plan a short daytime itinerary (museum or Central Park walk) and prebook any tickets.
If staying local: family dinner and games. If NYC: reserved restaurant or special event (make reservations well in advance; many places require pre-paid menus).
Celebrate midnight at home with family, or if in NYC join a public celebration — note that many NYC street events require early arrival and long waits; consider bars or ticketed events for easier logistics.
Depart Lehigh Valley for Newark Airport — plan roughly 1h30–1h45 under normal winter traffic; allow extra time for possible delays. You should aim to arrive at EWR in time to return the car and clear security.
Return rental car at the EWR rental facility and take the airport shuttle to terminals; for domestic flights arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, international 2.5–3 hours — your flight is at 6:10pm so target airport arrival by 4:10pm–4:30pm.