Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, November 4, 2026 – Get ready for an un-PEEPS®-lievable New Year’s celebration! ArtsQuest and Just Born are bringing back one of the Lehigh Valley’s sweetest holiday traditions as PEEPSFEST® returns to the SteelStacks campus for its 18th year on Wednesday, December 30 and Thursday, December 31, from 3 to 6 p.m.
This family-friendly celebration is packed with PEEPS®-themed fun, live musical performances, interactive science shows, creative crafts and plenty of sweet surprises, all leading up to the event’s most anticipated moment: the iconic PEEPS® Chick Drop!
At 5:35 p.m. each evening, families will gather to watch the dazzling, 400-pound, 4-foot-9-inch PEEPS® Chick descend to count down to the New Year, followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky above SteelStacks. It’s a one-of-a-kind New Year’s tradition that gives families and children of all ages the chance to celebrate together before bedtime!
“PEEPSFEST® has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most beloved holiday traditions, bringing families together to celebrate the New Year in a way that’s fun, creative and uniquely Bethlehem,” said Shayna Super, Programming Director, ArtsQuest. “From the excitement of the PEEPS® Chick Drop and fireworks to the incredible variety of activities offered by our community partners, there’s something special about seeing families make memories together at SteelStacks. We’re thrilled to celebrate 18 years of this sweet tradition with Just Born and welcome everyone back for another PEEPS-tastic celebration!”
A PEEPS-Tastic Celebration for the Whole Family
Tickets for PEEPSFEST® are $5 per person, with free admission for children ages one and under. Families are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as this popular holiday tradition can sell out.
The festivities extend throughout the SteelStacks campus, with indoor and outdoor experiences designed to keep families entertained all afternoon.
This year’s PEEPSFEST® will feature:
- Live musical performances bringing festive energy and entertainment to the celebration.
- PEEPS®-themed games and activities offering plenty of opportunities for family fun.
- Hands-on crafts hosted by local nonprofit organizations, encouraging creativity and imagination.
- Interactive science shows from the Da Vinci Science Center, combining learning, discovery and entertainment for curious minds of all ages.
- The PBS 39 Experience at PEEPSFEST®, featuring creative activities and family-friendly fun.
- Special PEEPSFEST® tote bags for guests ages 12 and under, perfect for collecting goodies throughout the celebration.
Get Creative, Cook Up Something Sweet, and Explore with PBS39
Lehigh Valley Public Media/PBS39 returns with engaging activities designed to inspire creativity and bring families together.
At the PBS39 x PEEPSFEST® Bookmark Craft Creation Station, young guests can put their imaginations to work creating personalized bookmarks to take home.
Families can also step into the kitchen with PEEPS® IN THE KITCHEN®, where Chef Julie of Levy Restaurants will share fun and tasty recipes featuring everyone’s favorite Marshmallow treats.
For guests seeking a quieter environment, the sensory-friendly Space at PBS39 presented by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation will provide a comfortable, welcoming setting for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The space is designed to help make the PEEPSFEST® experience enjoyable and accessible for guests of all abilities.
A Sweet Tradition 18 Years in the Making
For nearly two decades, PEEPSFEST® has brought families together in Bethlehem to celebrate the New Year with a distinctly Lehigh Valley twist.
Presented by Just Born, the Bethlehem-based maker of PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies, the nationally-recognized event combines the joy of the holiday season with the creativity, entertainment and community spirit that have made SteelStacks a destination for families throughout the region.
“For 18 years, PEEPSFEST® has given us the opportunity to share the joy of the PEEPS® Brand with families right here in our hometown,” said Courtney Angle, Corporate Affairs Specialist, of Just Born. “There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on children’s faces as they enjoy the activities and count down together to the PEEPS® Chick Drop. We’re proud to continue this special tradition with ArtsQuest and our community partners, letting families ring in 2027 with their favorite peeps!”
Event Details:
- Dates: Wednesday, December 30 and Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Time: 3–6 p.m. both days
- PEEPS® Chick Drop and Fireworks: 5:35 p.m. each evening
- Location: SteelStacks campus, Bethlehem, PA
- Admission: $5 per person; free for children ages one and under
- Tickets: https://www.artsquest.org/festivals/more-festivals-and-experiences/peepsfest/
PEEPSFEST® is presented by Just Born and the PEEPS® brand, with support from community partners and sponsors including Lehigh Valley Public Media/PBS39, ABARTA Coca-Cola, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, L&L Construction, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, Lehigh Valley Press, Liberty Propane, Service Electric, Urban Air & The Little Gym and WFMZ.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.