3 Activities to Combat Winter Blues in Lehigh Valley

1 in 6 people are affected by loneliness worldwide.

What Are the Impacts of Loneliness?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), loneliness is estimated to be linked to 100 deaths every hour. This adds up to over 871,000 deaths related to loneliness every year. They define loneliness as a painful feeling that results from a gap between the social activity someone desires and the amount they experience.

Some groups, like seniors and people with disabilities, may experience barriers like discrimination that make social connection even more challenging. The winter months can make it even harder – it gets darker earlier, the cold temperatures are uncomfortable, and traveling in snow can be dangerous.

Loneliness can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and anxiety, but there are ways to combat and prevent this. Consistent social connection can have many benefits, including:

• Reduced inflammation
• Mental health improvement
• Prevention of early death
• Community building

To help you and your loved ones get through the winter blues, we identified three accessible holiday activities in Allentown and Bethlehem. Find the details below.

Are There Accessible Holiday Activities in Lehigh Valley?

Here are three holiday activities in our community for you and your loved ones to enjoy together:

ArtsQuest Christkindlmarkt is a German-inspired holiday market where you can visit vendors, enjoy winter treats, and listen to a variety of performances. Guests can borrow wheelchairs for no cost – those interested should enter through the Willkommen Haus and request one at the ticket area. Please note that they have a limited quantity of wheelchairs.

• Location: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015)
• Cost: Ticket prices range from $12 – $15.50 per person
• Remaining dates: December 18-21
• Hours: Thursdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Illumination at Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, features over one million holiday lights every night during the holiday season. The concourse is wheelchair accessible, but field access (Santa’s Polar Express and Igloos, and Curling features) is not. The entirety of Illumination and all its lights are visible from the concourse.

• Location: Coca-Cola Park (1050 Ironpigs Way, Allentown, PA 18109)
• Cost: $13-$15
• Remaining dates: Remainder of December – January 3
• Hours: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.; select Saturdays from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The 29^th annual Lights In The Parkway drive-through holiday display spans more than a mile of the Lehigh Parkway. You’ll see thousands of lights, trees, tunnels, and animated displays. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Location: Lehigh Parkway (800-838 Lehigh Parkway E, Allentown, PA 18103)
• Cost: $16 for standard vehicles (sedans, SUVs, trucks, mini vans)
• Remaining dates: Remainder of December – January 6, 2026
• Hours: Daily from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.

How Can Griswold Help?

Our team at Griswold provides in-home care services like Companionship, Personal Care, Respite Care, and 24-Hour Care in and around Lehigh County and Northampton County. Your Griswold Caregiver can even accompany you to social events like the ones listed here. Or, if you’re a family caregiver in need of a break, we can help accompany your loved one on an outing. We would be happy to create a personalized care plan for you and your family – give us a call today!