Lights in the Parkway moves forward after vandalism, city estimates $100K in damage

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The City of Allentown announced Monday that Lights in the Parkway will proceed as scheduled despite significant vandalism discovered that caused extensive damage to the holiday attraction.

The parkway hosted Move It Monday, which allows visitors to walk, run or bike through the display, Monday night and featured a Hanukkah Night theme in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. Police were present throughout the event to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment, city officials said.

The city continues to assess the full scope of the vandalism, which remains under investigation by the Allentown Police Department. No public criminal update was available as of Wednesday. Officials said the city is currently projecting a minimum loss of $100,000, including staffing costs, damaged and destroyed displays, and lost revenue. A final damage valuation has not yet been completed.

Several signature light displays were confirmed as total losses and are not salvageable, including Old Man Winter, Penguin with the Top Hat and Fishing Penguins, with a combined estimated value of $60,000.

Despite the damage, the city said Holiday Outdoor Decor stepped in to assist, visiting the site Monday morning and loaning 22 display pieces to help replace those that were damaged. City crews are actively removing vandalized displays, and officials said the attraction is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic Tuesday night, provided there are no additional setbacks.

Lights in the Parkway serves as a fundraiser benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Due to Sunday night’s closure, the featured nonprofit, Allen High School, lost a day of donations. City officials said the organization will still receive its stipend for the impacted day, and additional donations are encouraged.

Those interested in supporting the program and helping replace destroyed displays can donate through The Parknership. Contributions will be used directly to replace damaged light displays.

City officials also thanked sponsors and community members for their continued support and encouragement following the vandalism. Additional updates will be provided as the damage assessment and investigation continue.