BLOOD DRIVE: When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don’t have to wait for critical care. Giving blood or platelets with the American Red Cross in December can help those in need make more holiday memories with loved ones. This is a busy time for many. holiday gatherings, travel and seasonal illnesses can all impact donor availability, making it hard to collect enough blood and platelets. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. Donors are needed every single day.

Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma through – Jan. 5, 2024, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2024, National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

BETHLEHEM PODCAST: In the latest episode of the America250PA podcast, “Timeless Tales with Bruce Haines: Unveiling Bethlehem’s Legacy and the Hotel Bethlehem,” listeners are invited on a captivating and historic journey through the picturesque town of Bethlehem. This next installment of the “Start Here, America Did” series is hosted by Sydney Harris. The episode delves into the deep-rooted heritage of the town and its iconic Hotel Bethlehem, a beacon of Pennsylvania culture and history.

Joining the narrative is special guest Bruce Haines, the long-standing managing partner of the Hotel Bethlehem, who brings over two decades of Bethlehem Heritage tourism to the table. Bruce offers a treasure trove of insights, delving into the town’s Moravian origins and the transformative journey of the Hotel Bethlehem.

ROTUNDA EXHIBIT: Upcoming 2024: Jan. 7 to Feb. 15: Devyn L. Brooks: Paintings/Ceramics /Mixed Media. Reception Jan. 21, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibition is sponsored by the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission (bfac-lv.org) Bethlehem Town Hall Rotunda Gallery at 10 E. Church St., Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE: Civil War Roundtable of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 2: Cedar Mountain, presented by M. Chris Bryan. Next event: Feb. 6: Steve Knowlton presents 13 Months in Dixie, or the Adventures of a Federal Prisoner in Texas. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Delta Hotels by Marriott (former Holiday Inn), 7335 Adrienne Dr., Breinigsville. Information: Call 610-391-1000 or visit cwrteasternpa.org/calendar-1

HISTORIC BETHLEHEM MUSEUMS & SITES: UNSPUN: Stories of Silk exhibition, closes Jan. 28, 2024. Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, 66 W. Church St.; Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, 427 N. New St., and National Museum of Industrial History, 602 E. Second St. Single or combination admission access. Visit historicbethlehem.org/ and nmih.org

Thursday, Dec. 28

Open House, general exhibit. 5 to 9 p.m. Lehigh and Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum, 705 Linden St. 1 to 5 p.m. Information: call 610-868-7101 or email lkvmrrc@gmail.com or visit https://lkvmodelrailroad.com/open-houses

Friday, Dec. 29, Saturday, Dec. 30

Open House, special exhibit: Foreign Power Friday. 5 to 9 p.m. Lehigh and Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum, 705 Linden St. 1 to 5 p.m. Information: call 610-868-7101 or email lkvmrrc@gmail.com or visit https://lkvmodelrailroad.com/open-houses

Saturday, Dec. 30

Open House, Passenger trains. 1 to 5 p.m. Lehigh and Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum, 705 Linden St. 1 to 5 p.m. Information: call 610-868-7101 or email lkvmrrc@gmail.com or visit lkvmodelrailroad.com/open-houses

Saturday, December 30, Sunday, Dec. 31

Peeps Fest, presented by Just Born Quality Confections, 101 Founders Way. Ring in the New Year with the 400 pound, 4 feet and 9 inches tall Peeps Chick countdown to the New Year at 5:35 p.m. Family-friendly inside and outside activities and fireworks on both nights from 3 to 6 p.m.

Tickets, which are limited, required for all in attendance.

The cost includes, for all kids under 12, Just Born Quality Confections goody bags, one coupon to redeem a free s’mores kit, PEEPS® sampling stations and live musical performances. Sign up for the Fun Run & Walk and try two new marshmallow flavors that will debut this upcoming Easter season.

Visit steelstacks.org/festivals/peepsfest/ for information and tickets.

To Monday, Jan. 1

Final day of African-American and Pan-African festival of Kwanzaa with Karamu, a communal feast. Emphasizes culture, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement and family.

Tuesday, Jan. 2

Good Vibrations Chorus led by Nancy Shumaker. All singers welcome. 9:30 a.m. Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 W. Elm St.

Thursday, Jan. 4

Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra, 9 a.m. Conductor Ron DeGrandis. 9 to 10:30 a.m. 1633 W. Elm St., Allentown. Information: call 610-437-3700 or visit lvactivelife.org/

Current Events Informal Discussion Group: Moderator: David M. Bell. World, national, state and local topics. Free. 2 p.m. Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 W. Elm St., Allentown, 18102. Information: call 610-437-3700 or visit lvactivelife.org/

Friday, Jan. 5

First Friday. Information: visit https://southsideartsdistrict.com/

Elm Street Jazz Workshop rehearsals, 9 a.m. Director: Allan Meyerson. 1633 W. Elm St., Allentown. Information: call 610-437-3700 or visit lvactivelife.org/

The Bethlehem Press calendar listings are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of printing. We are not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information submitted by external parties.