Good morning, Allentown.

Crayola donated $100,000 to local charities as part of its holiday cheer, helping support Allentown families during the festive season (according to a company announcement).

Wind Creek Event Center delivered 200 toys to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital on Nov.

18 as part of a toy drive linked to the Meredith Willson musical production 'Miracle on 34th Street,' which runs Dec. 10-14 at the center — Santa Claus joined to help deliver the gifts.

ArtsQuest is set to open 21 affordable artist studios at 930 Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown in March 2026, offering spaces from 200 to 900 sqft along with exhibition events and community outreach for local artists — those applying early may gain priority placement.

Today, Dorney Park in Whitehall Township hosts 'Heroes for the Holidays' as students and first responders gather to exchange gifts and spread community cheer.

The festive celebration features gift-wrapping at the White Water Tavern (a central meeting spot) and meet-n-greets with Santa.

Aly & AJ, former Disney tween stars, will perform at Archer Music Hall in Allentown on March 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec.

12 at 10 a.m. at the venue box office at 939 Hamilton St.

Northwestern Lehigh School revised its high school program of studies during a Dec.

3 board meeting — changes include merging studio art courses, an updated art curriculum, and new personal finance requirements for graduating students.

Lehigh County Authority declared a drought watch for its service area after below-average rainfall slowed groundwater recharge.

It asked water customers to cut usage by 5% by fixing leaks, reducing irrigation and taking shorter showers — steps that help keep the water system strong.

Lehigh + Northampton counties joined 35 other counties in a drought watch after persistently dry conditions and a 6.95-inch deficit in rainfall; the state Department of Environmental Protection urges residents to voluntarily cut nonessential water use by 5%.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy Walker announced nearly $4.2 million for advanced manufacturing training programs to boost workforce skills in Lehigh County.

Nine organizations, including iTEC (Industrial Training and Education Consortium), were selected through a competitive process to expand apprenticeship opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Justice requires Constellation Energy to divest six power plants (including Bethlehem Energy Center) to resolve antitrust concerns tied to its $26.6 billion acquisition of Calpine.

The settlement, pending court approval, will affect sites in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Federal inspectors announced on Dec.

9 that nearly 6,000 pounds of salted lamb were recalled after being sold without required USDA inspections. Local retailers and restaurants in Pennsylvania and six other states received the products (FSIS confirmed no illnesses to date), and consumers are urged to return or discard them.

LVHN & UHS held a ribbon cutting on Monday for Hanover Hill Behavioral Health at 1755 Macada Road in Hanover Township.

The new 144 bed hospital will create over 300 jobs and open for patient care in early 2026, tripling inpatient mental health capacity in the Lehigh Valley.

U.S. News released its 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list yesterday — recognizing 21 PA hospitals including Lehigh Valley Hospital—Cedar Crest in Allentown.

The study compared key metrics like C-section rates and newborn complications to help expectant families decide where to get care.

The planning commission approved an East Side apartment complex with seven buildings and 180 units at 620-750 E.

Turner St. Tuesday afternoon and extended a one-year conditional approval for a 129,450 sqft warehouse at 1901 S. 12th St at city hall.

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

7-8:30 p.m. — PPL Center — Family-friendly pricing available — Embark on an adventurous ride with Mickey Mouse and friends to famous Disney destinations.

Eric Mintel Quartet Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating jazz sounds of Eric Mintel and his quartet, blending original compositions with smooth improvisation.

Living Succulent Holiday Ornament Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Illumination/Funk Brewing West End Taproom — Materials included — Create a unique living succulent ornament with a festive twist.

Road To Riches Showcase

7 PM — Sportsmen's Cafe — Food and drink vendors available — Celebrate 4 years of OIA Promotions with live performances and local artists.

Gogol Bordello Concert

7-9 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — All ages welcome — Experience the energetic Gypsy punk music of Gogol Bordello live in concert.

Hershey Bears vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

3:05 – 4:35 p.m. — PPL Center — Check website for ticket pricing — Celebrate New Year's Eve with an exciting hockey match between the Phantoms and Bears.