The Lehigh Valley Chamber, Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and the City of Allentown present the Allentown New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31 with a night full of firsts. Roads will be closed for the celebration (700 block near Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Allentown starting 9 p.m., with festivities, fireworks and the only ball drop at midnight in the Lehigh Valley.

The 8-foot structure was constructed by Advanced Welding and Fabrication Services and MAAX Renovations Solutions. The “ball” includes a “Happy New Year Allentown” cutout with features of the new Allentown City branding to light up downtown during the festivities. The ball will be dropped by Dickinson Crane during the countdown to midnight. Around 11:30 p.m., the Phantoms will be unveiling their big announcement to the future New Year’s Eve celebrations downtown for years to come, with their mascot, meLVin. Take photos with the Downtown Allentown New Year’s Eve Snapchat filter created and sponsored by RCN.

Mishka Vodka will be serving drinks on the street with additional product to purchase and specialty drinks. There will be a heated area with seating outside to enjoy the performers. Cumulus Radio will also be at the celebration with giveaways. Ely Dance Studio performers with adult and child performers will kick off the show 9 p.m. with a live singer. Hear cover songs from The Audio Files followed by a flow art performance filled with LED props, belly dancing and fire dancers. Enjoy free giveaways and fun New Year’s Eve gear at various downtown locations. Look for the big posters to learn more. Countdown with the ball drop and fireworks at midnight.

For an elevated experience, check out the VIP Renaissance Balcony Lounge. Watch fireworks and ball drop at the balcony lounge, enjoy cocktails for purchase, savor a selection of hours d’oeuvres, listen to Kendal Conrad’s live performance, snack on a Stuffed Puffs s’mores board and make your own s’mores. Raise your glasses for a complimentary Champagne toast and head inside to the ballroom to dance to music. Each ticket also includes one free drink ticket. For more information, visit https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org.

Looking for a sober social? Ring in the new year with an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve party at the Renaissance including refreshments and hors d’oeuvres 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Dec. 31 hosted with Little Creek Recovery. More information can be found at https://fb.me/e/4ReGsehuS.

Streets will be closed from Sixth to Ninth on Hamilton and Seventh Street, from Linden to Walnut. The New Year’s Eve celebration will take place outside to help provide comfort and safety. Please practice social distancing outside with the space provided. Hand sanitizers will be at all portable toilets and throughout event. Make sure to wash your hands frequently if visiting establishments. We are requesting full vaccination by all. If unvaccinated, we ask that you please wear a mask.