At PPL Plaza, see Pip the Mouse like it’s 1962
This year, the Lehigh Valley’s favorite holiday mouse is taking a trip back in time — to Hess’s in 1962.
Pip the Mouse will “perform” his annual “The Mouse Before Christmas” show in a window at PPL Plaza, Ninth and Hamilton streets in Allentown with eight show times running on the halfhour, noon to 3:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, starting Nov. 27.
It’s a nod to the past while at the same time allowing the decidedly low-tech but charming puppet show to continue in a way that’s safe for families.
The show is a holiday tradition in the Valley stretching back nearly 60 years. Pip made his debut in an eight-minute puppet show at the former Hess’s Department Store in 1962. He was created by the late George Creegan, a puppeteer from Ohio whose clients included Disney World, Sea World and Hershey Park.
Max Hess, owner of Hess’s, bought Creegan’s Christmas show at a trade show, setting up the set in a display window of the store at Ninth and Hamilton streets. Families would stand on the sidewalk to watch the show.
Allentown’s Liberty Bell Museum has hosted the show since 2003. The museum keeps Pip and many of the other holiday favorites, including toy soldier statues, that once graced the department store.
Stephanie Burke, museum manager as well as stage manager for the show, said the audience will be outside the entire time. Wearing of masks and social distancing will be enforced.
The show will be presented in a window east of the main Hamilton Street entrance, Burke said.
Goodwill donations will be accepted.
Showtimes: Every halfhour, noon to 3:30 p.m. Fridays through Sunday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 27; Christmas Eve: every halfhour, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; no shows on Christmas; New Year’s Eve, every half-hour from 1 to 2:30 p.m.