An annual holiday favorite in Bethlehem celebrates its 25th anniversary and an Allentown dinner theater again postponed its reopening.

Touchstone Theatre of Bethlehem returns for “Christmas City Follies XXV,” Dec. 5-22.

Pines Dinner Theatre opened at its new location Nov. 29, the Shops at Cedar Point, Allentown.

“Christmas City Follies” has become a beloved Bethlehem tradition, known for its original sketches, characters and songs. Thousands of locals and tourists have made this family-friendly, vaudevillian-style holiday show an annual addition to their holiday festivities, knowing that they can expect something special every time.

Writers, actors, and designers from Touchstone’s ensemble work each season to create a fresh and fun production directed by JP Jordan.

Every year is a surprise, bringing brand-new stories to the stage while sprinkling in recurring fan-favorite characters and sketches from past shows, such as Mary Wright’s Little Red, Bill George’s Old Guy and a giant anthropomorphic panda.

To get a sneak preview of this year’s “Follies,” Touchstone ensemble members performed at Bethlehem’s north-side Christmas Tree Lighting, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Payrow Plaza, and Bethlehem’s south-side Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 p.m. Nov. 30, along New Street across from the Greenway entrance.

Touchstone Theatre hosts Downtown Bethlehem Association Live Advent Calendar, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 - Dec. 23, Sun Inn courtyard. Every evening, Touchstone actors will select a member of the audience to open the door and see what surprises await inside.

Touchstone actors will greet visitors for Bethlehem Historic District Association’s Holiday House Tour, 9 a.m. Dec. 14, locations throughout the city.

Touchstone offers pay-what-you-will for “Christmas City Follies XXV” performances on Thursdays.

“Christmas City Follies XXV,” 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, 22; 2, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 21, Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem. 484-767-2456; http://www.touchstone.org/

Pines Dinner Theatre postponed the opening of its new location in Allentown’s Shops at Cedar Point until Nov. 29, blaming the delay on subcontractors.

Pines’ production of the musical “White Christmas” continues through Dec. 29 in the former Pistachio Bar & Grille.

Tickets are for the show only. Food is a la carte.

“White Christmas,” 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show Thursdays, Sundays; 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Fridays; 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Saturdays, Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, Pines Dinner Theatre, 315 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown. 610-433-2333, https://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com