Touch down and clear arrivals; factor time for luggage and customs. You’ll pick up a rental car or be picked up by family to drive to the Lehigh Valley.
Relax with your relatives — if you want a quick local option, grab pizza from a nearby family-run pizzeria or a casual Italian in Bethlehem or Allentown.
Walk Bethlehem’s historic district (Main Street) and SteelStacks arts campus to see holiday lights, historic buildings, and local shops; great for photos and local crafts.
Blue Mountain is ~30–50 minutes from Allentown depending on route; plan for parking and ticket lines. Check blue mountain's web page for slope opening times; they commonly start operations early (around 8–9am) on peak winter days.
Full day on the slopes—Blue Mountain has terrain for all levels, lessons and rentals available. Lift-ticket pricing varies; weekday rates are lower than holiday peak days.
Check the Allentown Art Museum for short exhibits or visit the Liberty Bell Museum for local history; typical museum hours vary (often 10am–4pm), so confirm ahead.
Relaxed breakfast at home with family — bakeries in town are open in the morning but may close early on the 24th; confirm times if you plan to pick up items.
If you observe traditions, many churches have special services on Christmas Eve morning; times often vary 9–11am — check your chosen church’s schedule.
Choose skiing or tubing for a fun winter day—tubing parks often require timed reservations. Resort hours and lift times vary; check Camelback's official schedule and book rentals early.
Spend the morning at the Allentown Art Museum (typically open mid-morning to late afternoon) or visit other local historic houses and museums—confirm winter hours online.
Explore a local brewery or cider house for tastings and a tour; many operate afternoons but check each venue for seasonal hours and reservation requirements.
Plan ~1.5–2 hours travel depending on traffic; driving or a combination (drive to Secaucus or Newark and take NJ Transit) are good options. Aim to arrive mid-morning for sightseeing.
See holiday window displays, the Rockefeller ice rink and tree area, and stroll Fifth Avenue; most outdoor areas are open 24/7, attractions and stores have variable hours—check in advance.
Choose an outdoor stroll on the High Line (open dawn–dusk) or museum time—museums generally open ~10–11am to 5–6pm; confirm the museum’s holiday schedule.
Have an early dinner (pizzeria, small plates or a classic NYC bistro) and begin the return drive/train to your host home; plan traffic and leave enough time to return comfortably.
Easy morning brunch; decide whether to join family celebrations locally or make an evening trip to NYC for New Year’s festivities—NYC plans require early reservations and long transit times.
A cozy family countdown or, if you traveled to NYC, find a planned viewing area (expect crowds and earlier closures); consider safety and return transport.
Choose the Metropolitan Museum of Art (opens usually 10am), MoMA, or explore neighborhoods for food and shops. Confirm museum hours for the holiday week.
Have a relaxed breakfast with family, confirm you have passports/tickets, and double-check travel time to Newark (aim to arrive 3 hours before intl flight).
Leave around early afternoon to allow for traffic and rental car return; typical drive time ~1.25–1.75 hours. Target arrival at Newark by ~15:30–16:00 for 18:10 flight.