Forget the traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has something a whole lot sweeter planned for the end of 2026. PEEPSFEST is returning to the SteelStacks campus on December 30 and 31, bringing its giant illuminated PEEPS Chick Drop back for two evenings of family-friendly celebrations.
The annual festival is hosted by ArtsQuest and Just Born, the company behind the famous marshmallow treats. Its centerpiece is a massive yellow PEEPS chick that weighs 400 pounds and stands 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Lowered from a crane against the backdrop of Bethlehem’s historic steel blast furnaces, the illuminated chick gives visitors their own version of the famous New Year’s Eve countdown. And you don’t have to wait until midnight to see it happen.
The Chick Drop takes place at 5:35 p.m. both days, followed by a fireworks display. That’s a pretty appealing arrangement for families with younger children who want to enjoy the excitement of a New Year’s celebration without keeping everyone up until the early hours of the morning.
PEEPSFEST runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on December 30 and 31 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, live music, PEEPS-themed games, arts and crafts, and entertainment throughout the festival. This year’s lineup includes appearances by Bluey and Bingo, a Frozen stage show, a Spider-Man meet and greet, and an Eddy Ray magic show. Lolly Hopwood will also perform on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage.
There are plenty of hands-on activities, too. The Wildlands Conservancy will offer wildlife presentations on December 30, while the Da Vinci Science Center takes over with science presentations on December 31. Visitors can also stop by the PBS39 and PEEPSFEST friendship bracelet station, or check out PEEPS in the Kitchen, where Chef Julie of Levy Restaurants will demonstrate recipes inspired by the popular candy.
Kids can collect treats and put together their own goodie bags with the PEEPS Passport. The festival also features face painting, inflatable games, Tootsee the Clown, and even axe throwing. A sensory-friendly room at PBS39 will be available for visitors who need a quieter place to take a break from the festivities.
The PEEPS Chick Drop has become a signature part of Bethlehem’s New Year’s celebration, attracting visitors from around the country. It’s a distinctly different way to welcome the new year, with a giant marshmallow mascot taking center stage instead of a glittering ball. And with two chances to catch the drop, families have a little flexibility when planning their visit.
If you’re interested in attending, make sure to check the official PEEPSFEST event page for the latest details. Advance registration or ticket purchase is required, and the event has sold out in previous years, so it’s worth checking availability before making plans. You can also find festival information through ArtsQuest.
The Times Square ball may get the biggest television audience, but Bethlehem has a 400-pound yellow chick ready to make its own New Year’s Eve impression. If you’d rather celebrate with fireworks at 5:35 p.m. than fight to stay awake until midnight, PEEPSFEST might be the countdown you’ve been looking for.
