It's cold. Really cold. You're sitting in a line of cars that stretches back to the highway off-ramp, heater blasting, wondering if the five-dollar thermos of cocoa was actually worth the hassle. But then you turn the corner into Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the world basically explodes into color. Lights in the Parkway isn't just some local light show; it’s a regional powerhouse that has survived decades of changing trends, LED upgrades, and the sheer logistical nightmare of managing thousands of cars in a narrow valley.
Most people think putting up a few million bulbs is easy. It isn't.
If you’ve lived in the Lehigh Valley for more than a week, you know the drill. This attraction has been the centerpiece of the City of Allentown’s holiday season for over 28 years. It isn’t just about the "oohs" and "aahs." It’s a massive operation. We’re talking about more than a mile of high-intensity displays that wrap around the Little Lehigh Creek. Honestly, the reflections off the water are probably the best part, but most people are too busy trying to keep their kids from kicking the back of the driver’s seat to notice the optics.
What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes at Lights in the Parkway
Preparation doesn't start in November. That’s a myth. The city’s Parks and Recreation crews start staging this behemoth in the early fall. Why? Because stringing lights through mature trees and over historic stone bridges requires actual engineering, not just a ladder and some zip ties.
The transition to LED technology was a turning point. A few years back, the shift saved a staggering amount of energy, but it also changed the "vibe." Older incandescent bulbs had that warm, slightly blurry glow. LEDs are crisp. Sharp. Sometimes they’re so bright they’re almost aggressive. But they allow for the synchronized animation that makes the "12 Days of Christmas" section actually work.
Traffic is the elephant in the room. Or the parkway.
If you go on a Saturday night in mid-December, you are going to wait. There’s no way around it. Local police and city staff have to coordinate a flow that prevents the city’s South Side from becoming one giant parking lot. Pro tip: go on a Tuesday. Seriously. It’s the same lights, same music, but you won't lose two hours of your life idling your engine.
The Charity Factor Most People Ignore
One thing that makes Lights in the Parkway stand out from the generic, corporate light shows you find at big theme parks is the local impact. The city often partners with local non-profits. Over the years, organizations like the Allentown Parks Events and Community Service (APECS) have used the event to funnel resources back into the community. It’s not just a revenue generator for the city; it’s a massive fundraiser.
When you pay your admission fee—which has fluctuated over the years but generally stays around $15 to $25 per car—you aren't just buying a view. You’re paying for the upkeep of one of the most beautiful park systems in the Northeast. The Little Lehigh Parkway is a gem year-round for fly fishing and running, and the holiday season is what helps keep the lights on—literally—for the rest of the year.
Why the Walk-Through Nights are the Real Secret
If you hate being trapped in a car, you’ve got to look for the "Walk-Through" nights. Usually, the city shuts down vehicle traffic for one or two nights a season.
This is a totally different experience.
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You get to see the scale of the displays up close. Some of these setups are thirty feet tall. When you’re driving by at 5 mph, they look manageable. When you’re standing underneath a giant glowing snowflake, you realize the sheer amount of steel and wiring required to keep it upright in a Pennsylvania windstorm. Plus, there’s usually a "Gift Barn" at the end. It’s a bit kitschy, sure, but it’s where you get the local crafts and the hot cider that hasn't been sitting in a thermos for three hours.
The Technical Reality of Million-Light Displays
Let's talk specs. We're looking at hundreds of thousands of individual bulbs. In the past, the city has boasted totals reaching toward the two-million mark.
- Power Grids: You can't just plug this into a wall outlet. The parkway requires specialized power drops and heavy-duty transformers hidden behind shrubs.
- Weather Resilience: These displays have to survive sleet, heavy snow, and the occasional flood from the Little Lehigh Creek.
- Storage: Where do you put a two-story tall reindeer in July? The city uses massive warehouse spaces to store and repair these displays during the off-season.
Many of the displays are classic. You’ve got the Nativity, the Hanukkah section, and the Victorian-era village scenes. But every year, people look for the "New Thing." Whether it’s a tunnel of light or an animated sports scene, the pressure to innovate is real. If the show stays the same for three years, attendance drops. The city knows this. They rotate the inventory to keep the "repeat customers" coming back from places as far as New Jersey and New York.
Common Misconceptions and Frustrations
"It’s too expensive."
"The line is too long."
"It’s just lights."
Look, if you’re looking for a high-tech, 4K laser projection show, this isn't it. This is old-school holiday magic. It’s nostalgic. The charm of Lights in the Parkway is that it feels like a community effort. It’s a bit messy, the radio synchronization (usually on 95.1 WZZO or a dedicated low-power FM frequency) can sometimes have static, and you might get a smudge on your windshield that ruins your photos.
But that’s the point. It’s a shared experience. You’re in a line with hundreds of other people who just want to feel something other than the "January Blues" a few weeks early.
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How to Actually Enjoy the Parkway Without Losing Your Mind
If you want to win at this, you need a strategy. Don't just wing it.
First, buy your tickets online. The city has moved toward advanced ticketing to manage the flow. Trying to pay at the gate is a relic of the past and usually results in longer wait times for everyone.
Second, check the weather. A light dusting of snow makes the parkway look incredible. A torrential downpour makes it look like a neon swamp. The lights stay on in the rain, but the experience is... damp.
Third, timing is everything. Most people head toward the parkway immediately after dinner, around 6:30 PM. If the park is open until 10:00 PM, show up at 8:45 PM. The "rush hour" has usually subsided, and you can actually take your time through the displays without a minivan tailgating you.
The Future of the Show
As we move further into the 2020s, the parkway faces challenges. Environmental impact is a big one. Even with LEDs, the light pollution and the idling cars have been points of contention for local environmental groups. The city has countered this by improving the efficiency of the show and encouraging carpooling.
There’s also the competition. With massive commercial shows popping up at stadiums and fairgrounds, the Lehigh Valley’s humble parkway has to work harder. But there is a soul to the parkway that a stadium parking lot just can’t replicate. You’re driving through a historic valley, under massive oak trees that were there before the city was founded.
Final Practical Takeaways
- Vehicle Size Matters: Don't bring a massive dually truck or a bus without checking height clearances. Those stone bridges are historic and they don't move.
- Turn Your Headlights Off: This is the #1 rule of light shows. Use your parking lights. Blasting your high beams ruins the experience for the person in front of you.
- Check the Calendar: The show typically runs from the Friday after Thanksgiving through the end of December, but it occasionally closes for extreme weather or specific city events.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your trip, start by visiting the official Allentown City website to secure a timed entry slot. This is non-negotiable on weekends. Before you leave, clean your car's interior and exterior windows—streaks are the enemy of holiday lights. Download a high-quality holiday playlist or check the local FM transmitter frequency ahead of time so you aren't fumbling with the dial in the dark. Lastly, pack a small trash bag for the car; snack wrappers have a way of multiplying in the dark, and you’ll want a clean ride for the drive home.