New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and across the country, many unique traditions mark the occasion. While the iconic ball drop in Times Square is well-known, other places celebrate with their own unique twists. In Beaufort, North Carolina, a pirate is dropped; in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a giant cheese wedge takes center stage; and in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the new year is welcomed with a glowing chile pepper. Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the festivities include the drop of a giant PEEPS Chick.
Bethlehem, PA, is home to Just Born Quality Confections, the makers of PEEPS. This third-generation family-owned business has been crafting marshmallow treats for over 70 years. While the classic yellow chick remains a favorite, the holidays bring festive shapes like Christmas trees, gingerbread men, stockings, and snowmen. These beloved sweets are celebrated with a two-day festival in Bethlehem.
PEEPSFEST, hosted by Just Born Quality Confections and ArtsQuest, is celebrating its 16th year. This family event takes place on Dec. 30 and 31 with a packed schedule of fun. The schedule of events includes live music, PEEPS-themed games, crafts, character meet and greets, photo ops, and more.
PEEPS lovers will have a memorable day celebrating the New Year at PEEPSFEST!
In a press release shared with Guilty Eats, Courtney Angle, Corporate Affairs Specialist at Just Born Quality Confections, noted: "We've packed the festival with even more opportunities for families to make memories and enjoy the fun. We're especially excited to offer a first look at one of our newest PEEPS® Marshmallow flavors, and we know it will be a crowd favorite this Easter!"
PEEPSFEST attendees get an exclusive first taste of one of the brand new PEEPS Marshmallow flavors that will debut this Easter. Last Easter, new flavors to the lineup included Rice Krispies Treats Flavored Chicks (a Walmart exclusive), ICEE Blue Raspberry Chicks (a Target exclusive), Sour Strawberry Flavored Chicks (a Kroger exclusive), and PEEPS Delights S’mores Graham Cracker Flavored Marshmallow Chicks dipped in milk chocolate. I am so curious as to what flavors will be released this year!
Each day of the festival concludes with the renowned PEEPS Chick Drop. The giant yellow PEEPS Chick stands 4 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 400 pounds. Don’t worry — you don’t have to stay up until midnight for the grand finale. The giant chick descends at 5:35 p.m. on both evenings, followed by a fireworks display.
General admission to PEEPSFEST is $5. For $25, you can enjoy admission to the festival and an ice skating session at the SteelStacks Ice Rink. For those who reside in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or want to travel, this festival is a fun way to celebrate the new year!