For decades, Pip the Mouse has been a holiday staple in the Lehigh Valley.

Just in time for the holidays, “The Mouse Before Christmas” puppet show, starring Pip, will appear at Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 Walnut St., Allentown, for special days. The presentations are funded in partnership with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.

The announcement was made by Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum Executive Director Joseph Garrera.

Pip the Mouse debuted in a front window of Hess Brothers Department store in Allentown Oct. 27, 1962, and proved more enduring than anyone could have imagined.

The puppet theater, with its famous tale of “The Mouse Before Christmas” was created by Dr. George R. Creegan and his wife, along with Bliss Company of New York. It tells the charming story of how a house mouse helped Santa deliver holiday gifts. Since 1962, this puppet show has been beloved by generations of Lehigh Valley children.

“We are thrilled to bring Pip to life again for the children of the Lehigh Valley,” Garrera said.

Performances of “The Mouse Before Christmas” will be 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26-28 at the museum. Each show will include a performance of the puppet show and a live appearance by Pip the Mouse himself.

This is made possible by grant funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Admission to the program is free to members, $10 for adult nonmembers and $3 for nonmember children ages 2-11. There is no cost for children under age 2.

Thomas the Tank Engine, a world icon, will also occupy a place of excitement on those dates in the museum’s fun room. Here, children can watch Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy travel the rails. Children can also color pictures of Thomas and enjoy railroad crafts and activities

The Thomas the Tank Engine fun room is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 26-28, and admission is included with your admission to the museum and the show.

Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is a teaching institution that attracts a diverse audience. Its collections of historical Americana, located primarily at its headquarters at the heritage museum include more than 35,000 three-dimensional objects, 3 million documents and more than 200,000 vintage photographs. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Regular admission is free to members, $10 for nonmembers adults and $3 for children. There is no cost for children under age 3.

Parking is available in the rear of the museum, on the street and in nearby lots.

For more information, contact Garrera at 484-553-2592 or 610-435-1074 or visit lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org.