Allentown's Pip the Mouse

Welcome to the Liberty Bell Museum’s “Pip the Mouse” Page,
your source for information about Allentown’s favorite mouse, Pip.

Pip: The Mouse Before Christmas
The Holiday Puppet Show

Beginning Friday, November 26, 2010 and extending through Friday, December 31, 2010, the Liberty Bell Museum is pleased to present, for its eighth holiday season, the classic holiday puppet show, "Pip the Mouse: The Mouse Before Christmas." The ten-minute show takes place on the Night Before Christmas. Santa is stuck in the Chimney! Will he get out in time to deliver all of his toys?

Starring Allentown's favorite mouse, Pip, "The Mouse Before Christmas" has been a holiday tradition in Allentown since 1962, when Max Hess, Jr. purchased the stage and show for his world-famous Hess's department store in Allentown. This holiday puppet show created by Dr. George R. Creegan is celebrating its 48th Anniversary in Allentown. Come and experience all the fun and excitement yourself! Let the magic and wonder of Pip brighten your holiday. Young and old alike will love him!

Performances: Friday, November 26, 2010 - Friday, December 31, 2010

Performances will not be held on Friday, December 24th, or Saturday, December 25th.
Allow time to visit our special Holiday Exhibits.

Other 2010 Holiday Events

Go to the full schedule of holiday events

In 1962, the Stage and Puppets for "Pip the Mouse: the Mouse Before Christmas" were purchased by Max Hess, Jr. for his department store in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The holiday puppet show, created by Dr. George R. Creegan (founder of the Creegan Company, Inc. Steubenville, Ohio,) made its world premier at Hess's in Allentown on Saturday, October 27, 1962. The puppet show stage was placed in one of the front windows on Hamilton Street and delighted thousands of people of all ages.

In the 1970's, Pip was moved to the 5th floor Community Room and "Winter Wonderland" was added complete with mechanical animals, people, trees and a Swiss chalet. When Hess's was sold to the BonTon, the store continued to present Pip until December, 1995. "The Mouse Before Christmas" was last performed at the former Hess's building at 9th and Hamilton Streets. The BonTon donated Pip and his pals to the Allentown Economic and Development Corporation in 1996. Pip was presented by the former Allentown Downtown Improvement District Authority from 1996-2001, lastly at the Allentown Public Library.

In 2001-2002, Pip was restored at the Civic Theater. Joint custody of Pip was given to the Liberty Bell Museum and the Allentown Public Library in 2003. The museum restored the original stage and audio soundtrack and has presented the traditional "Pip the Mouse" puppet show to thousands of visitors during the holiday season each year since 2003. The 2010 Holiday Season marks our eighth year with Pip the Mouse.