Luminaria Night to Illuminate Saucon Valley, Bethlehem

The 27th annual Luminaria Night will shine across the Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 5 p.m., raising funds for New Bethany’s mission to combat poverty, hunger and homelessness in the Lehigh Valley. The event, which has a rain date Dec. 21, will see homes and neighborhoods illuminated by thousands of tea candles flickering inside white paper bags to symbolize unity and caring for local people in need of food and shelter at a time of year when many are struggling to find both.

Begun in 1997 by three Bethlehem neighbors, Luminaria Night has grown into a valley-wide event. Several charities, including New Bethany, benefited early on as businesses and churches lit up the community for the holiday season. In 2023, the event raised $122,624 through kit purchases and donations, with 73,000 candles shining throughout the region.

Participating neighborhoods throughout the Lehigh Valley region, include several in the Bethlehem and Saucon Valley areas. Twinkling luminaria will create a stunning holiday atmosphere along New Street between E. Market and E. Church, and Payrow Plaza in Historic Bethlehem; along Johnston Drive between Center and Linden Streets, and Main Street in North Bethlehem; along W. Market Street and Prospect Avenue in West Bethlehem; and along Hickory Hill Road and Black River Road east of Rt. 378 and along Weyhill Farm Road in Saucon Valley.

For more information about New Bethany, visit NewBethany.org. For details about Luminaria Night, including a full list of participating neighborhoods, click here.

This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.