trees of historic bethlehem tour

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Trees of Historic Bethlehem

This dazzling array of Christmas trees — beautifully decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club and local volunteers — is sure to awe and inspire. Journey across three historic sites where over 25 trees display opulent decorations.

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Ron was extremely friendly and extremely knowledgeable and his sense of humor made our tour totally enjoyable. He is a real asset to you. We will be back again next year because of people like Ron. All your people in fact were very pleasant and made our trip extremely enjoyable.

Trees Contest Winners

As you take down and put away your Christmas greens, lights, stars, and decorations, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is doing the same. Before we box up the last of the ornaments, we have some exciting news to share! Over 750 people voted for their favorite trees in our annual Trees of Historic Bethlehem contest. You told us who decorated the finest, and we are thrilled to announce the winners.

According to your voting, here are the Top 3 Trees:

First Place: Music Tree – Sponsored by 100.7 WLEV-FM and decorated by Sharon Coe and Kay Marsh

Second Place: Bird Tree decorated by Kristen Lissy and Judy Keretz

Third Place: Chocolate Tree decorated by Sue Ardron, Betsy Fisher, Debra Sanek, and Mary Shiffner

Thank you to all who participated this year, our sponsors, and congratulations to our winners!

Trees of Historic Bethlehem: The Finer Things Overview

Elegant. Luxurious. Opulent. This year’s Trees of Historic Bethlehem are dripping with finery!

This dazzling array of Christmas trees beautifully decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club and local volunteers is sure to awe and inspire. Journey across three historic sites where over 25 trees display opulent decorations.

Included in your Trees to Historic Bethlehem pass is admission to the Unspun: Stories of Silk exhibition at the Kemerer Museum and the Moravian Museum. Silk, the most luxurious material on the planet is a great companion for these elegant trees. Tickets are $25 for adults, $14 for children and free for HBMS Members.

Funding by the Bealer-Greene Christmas Endowment.

Save with Christmas City Combo

Save when you bundle your Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour with Christkindlmarkt tickets.

Purchase the Christmas City Combo for $31.50 today!

Your Christmas City Combo ticket is good for one entry into the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition and Christkindlmarkt at Steelstacks beginning Nov. 17, 2023.

Want to schedule your visit outside of museum hours? Book a custom tour today!

Both guides shared so much history of Bethlehem, the trees and the buildings. Both of the guides were so nice to my 5 year old granddaughter and included info for her to understand! We will be back again!

Holiday Tour Schedule

The 2nd floor of the Kemerer Museum will be closed on December 2nd & December 16th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for a private event.

For the holiday season, November 17- January 7:

Full museum tours will be offered on the hour at the Kemerer Museum and Moravian Museum and run approximately 40 minutes.

Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tours will run on the half hour for approximately 20 minutes.

The last Tree tour of the day is at 5:30 PM.

Lucinda & Walter Dealtrey

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Trees of Historic Bethlehem

Home / Events / Trees of Historic Bethlehem

Presented by: Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites

Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, 66 West Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 Single Sisters House, 50 West Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, 427 N. New Street, Bethlehem PA 18018 Luckenbach Mill, 459 Old York Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018 1810 Goundie House, 501 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Nov. 19-Jan. 9 | Thu.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

With over 26 trees on display across five historic sites, the Trees of Historic Bethlehem display is a time-honored tradition in Bethlehem. This year each tree is decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club to reference a classic holiday movie including favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and A Christmas Carol.

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Trees of Historic Bethlehem

Home » Events » Trees of Historic Bethlehem

Date/Time Date(s) - Nov 19th 2021 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location Moravian Museum of Bethlehem

With over 26 trees on display across five historic sites, the Trees of Historic Bethlehem display is a time-honored tradition in Bethlehem. This year each tree is decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club to reference a classic holiday movie including favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and A Christmas Carol.

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Experience the Trees of Historic Bethlehem

November 15, 2017

Photo by Miana Jun

November 17–January 14

This November, experience the creativity of Christmas tree decoration across four historic sites in Bethlehem. The displayed trees were decorated and designed by the talents of the Bethlehem Garden Club and showcase a variety of themes and ornaments. The trees will not only feature classic string lights and decorations, but also iridescent ornaments, beeswax candles, nutcrackers, pearl clusters, vintage lace, nativity figures, grapevine wreaths and stars, flower clusters, Victorian cornucopias and much more. Visitors will get to vote for their favorite displays and will leave the exhibit with Christmas-tree envy.

This exhibit stretches across the Kemerer Museum, Moravian Museum, Luckenbach Mill, Single Sisters’ House and 1810 Goundie House at various times and dates, starting Friday, November 17 and closing Sunday, January 14.

In celebration of the exhibit, the Kemerer Museum will be hosting its second annual Holiday Wassail Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 24 from 5–6:30 p.m.

Historic Bethlehem Partnership | 74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.882.0450 | historicbethlehem.org

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Trees of Historic Bethlehem

November 19, 2021 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

An event every week that begins at 8:00 am on Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, repeating until January 9, 2022

With over 26 trees on display across five historic sites, the Trees of Historic Bethlehem display is a time-honored tradition in Bethlehem. This year each tree is decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club to reference a classic holiday movie including favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and A Christmas Carol.

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Historic bethlehem to kick off holiday events, including christmas in the quarter, live advent calendar and new horse-drawn trolley rides.

KEVIN MINGORA / THE MORNING CALL

Horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Bethlehem will be offered in November and December.

HARRY FISHER / THE MORNING CALL

New horse-drawn trolley rides, departing from Bethlehem's Payrow Plaza, will run on Dec. 11, 18 and 19.

Passengers board the Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour in November 2016. The tour explores the history and traditions of Bethlehem.

AMY HERZOG / THE MORNING CALL

Visitors can gather outside the door of the 1810 Goundie House, 501 Main St. in Bethlehem, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1-23 for the Live Advent Calendar.

DAVID GARRETT / Special to The Morning Call

Children observe Central Moravian Church's putz in December 2019.

Guests can take a walk through historic Bethlehem with a certified guide in period dress during the Christmas City Stroll Walking Tour.

Get ready for festive fun in the Christmas City as Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is planning to kick off its 2021 Christmas season next week.

Christmas offerings will launch Nov. 19 and continue through Jan. 9, the nonprofit organization announced Wednesday. Visitors will be able to experience Moravian traditions and partake in new additions, including the Christmas City Stroll Walking Tour, Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour, Live Advent Calendar and, new for 2021, horse-drawn trolley rides. Added to the line-up in 2020, Christmas in the Quarter will also be returning in December for two weekends.

Wassail Party

The weeks-long celebration begins Nov. 19 with the Wassail Party at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, 427 N. New St. Immediately following the City of Bethlehem’s tree lighting ceremony, 5-6 p.m. Nov. 19, follow the jingling bells rung by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ Docents on Main up New Street to the Kemerer Museum and join in the wassailing merriment. Lend an ear to festive holiday tunes to get yourself in the holiday spirit. Light refreshments will be offered at this family-friendly event. For safety reasons, participants are asked to register ahead of time for this event.

Trees of Historic Bethlehem

At 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19, guests also will be able to witness the lighting of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem, a time-honored tradition featuring more than 26 trees on display across five historic sites. The dazzlingly decorated trees showcases ornaments carefully chosen by the Bethlehem Garden Club to embody this year’s chosen theme, “A Cinematic Christmas.” The exhibit runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 19 through Jan. 9. Trees are located at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, Single Sisters House, Luckenbach Mill, and 1810 Goundie House. A multi-site pass can be purchased for $25, while a single site pass costs $12; $9 for children. Special combination offers and discounts are also can purchased at the HBMS online store .

Horse-drawn carriage rides

Also beginning the weekend of Nov. 19 will be several of tours of the Christmas City. Select tours allow for the purchase of a Sun Inn Combo pass, which lets the purchaser redeem a voucher for refreshments from the Sun Inn during their tour. Cozy, serene horse-drawn carriage rides, departing on Main Street in front of Central Moravian Church, take you through Bethlehem’s beautiful downtown. Carriage rides run every 20 minutes between 3 and 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 19 through Dec. 1; Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 2-19; and Dec. 22, 23 and 26-31. Each ride is $75 to reserve for your private group of up to 4 adults and 2 children on laps and can be reserved online .

Horse-drawn trolley rides

New for 2021, horse-drawn trolley rides have been added to the activity line-up. Running on Dec. 11, 18 and 19, visitors can journey through downtown Bethlehem and enjoy the lights, sights, and sounds of Church Street, Main Street, and Market Street on a cozy horse-drawn trolley. The rides are great for families and large groups. Trolleys will run between 5 and 9 p.m. on the half hour and leave from Payrow Plaza, 10 E. Church St. Tickets are $25 per person and can be reserved online .

Christmas City Stroll Walking Tour

Take a walk through historic Bethlehem with a certified guide in period dress on the Christmas City Stroll Walking Tour. Tours run at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 19 through Dec. 1; Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 2-19; and Dec. 22, 23 and 26. Tours leave from the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center, 505 Main St. The cost is $15 for adults, $6 for children and $10 for HBMS members. Special combination offers and discounts are available online .

Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour

The Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour explores the history and traditions of Bethlehem. Sit back and experience the Christmas City on a trip back in time with a certified costumed guide. Tours run at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 19-30; Thursdays through Sundays in December; and Dec. 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 and 31. Tours leave from the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center, 505 Main St. Tickets, $15 for adults and $9 for children, can be reserved online .

Holiday Putz Trail

The Holiday Putz Trail returns to the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, Single Sisters’ House and Central Moravian Church. A putz is a traditional Moravian miniature replica depicting various settings of the Nativity story using ornate, hand-crafted figurines. A multi-site pass can be purchased for $25, while a single-site pass costs $12 for adults and $9 for children. Putz displays are included in your Trees of Historic Bethlehem pass. Special combination offers and discounts available online .

Live Advent Calendar

Visitors can gather outside the door of the 1810 Goundie House at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1-23 for the Live Advent Calendar. Each day, a designated audience member will knock on the door and a different local business will be behind the door to provide a treat to all. The event is hosted in partnership with the Downtown Bethlehem Association. The 1810 Goundie House is located at 501 Main St.

Christmas in the Quarter

Christmas in the Quarter, located at the Colonial Industrial Quarter, 459 Old York Road, promises to be buzzing with cheer 3-9 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and 18-19. Enjoy that classic Christmas feeling with lights lining the historic buildings and fun for the whole family. Activities include pop-up shopping, walking tours, a Christmas kids’ zone, a preview of Trees of Historic Bethlehem, a winter art exhibition from the Lehigh Art Alliance, Colonial blacksmith demonstrations and live music. Parking is available onsite and in the Spring Street lot. Special combination offers and discounts available online .

For tickets and more information, visit the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites website .

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We are excited to welcome you to our beloved city and share our sites and history through our many programs, and most importantly, our wonderful tours!

Tour Through Historic Bethlehem

We are excited to welcome you to our beloved city and share our sites and history through our many programs, and most importantly, our wonderful tours! The Moravian Bethlehem Landmark District was recently named to the U.S. Tentative List for World Heritage Designation and is one of only 12 cultural sites in the U.S. eligible for designation including Ellis Island, Mount Vernon, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

At present, many of the guided tours are temporarily on hold (as noted below in the descriptions) to address operational needs to assure the health and safety of all participants. However, there are a host of self-guided walking tours you can enjoy by downloading tour content directly to your smartphone as well as Audio Tours available through the Visitors Center (a modest fee applies). Just look for the links in the tour descriptions below for further information. If you are already here in town, then just be sure to stop at the Visitor Center for assistance. And as always, it’s a cinch to visit our sites and museums by just strolling around the 14.7-acre settlement and National Landmark District with its 14 buildings and ruins, all of which are beautifully presented through informational placards to help you learn about the rich heritage of Historic Bethlehem. 

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Take a look at the featured tours to see if any pique your interests. Let us help you create a memorable visit customized to your interests, time frame, and budget. Please make appointments for any custom tours at least 24-48 hours before your trip.  here !

Christmas City Strolls

Discover the story of Bethlehem’s unique beginning in 1741, the tales of a candle-in-every-window, and the renowned Bethlehem Star. Historic highlights include Bethlehem’s exquisite Victorian and colonial architecture, including two National Historic Landmarks, the 1741 Gemeinhaus and the Bethlehem Waterworks.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Enjoy a cozy, serene horse-drawn carriage rides through beautiful downtown North Bethlehem are the perfect way to enjoy the lights, sights, and sounds of Christmas City with your family and friends!

The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel – Guided

Learn how blast furnaces operated, why men needed brass checks to enter the gates, and which buildings housed the operations of Bethlehem Steel. This on-site walking tour gives groups insight into the daily life of a steelworker.

Heritage Trail – Self Guided

Learn about early Moravian medicine, cooking, education and more at the only remaining 18th-century residence for Christianized Native Americans in eastern Pennsylvania.

Hotel Bethlehem History Tour – Guided

Enjoy learning about the Hotel History on our weekly Hotel History Tour! Join us in the Main Lobby on Saturday Mornings at 10AM for a tour of Historic Hotel. Our Guest Experience team will lead the journey fro the time period of Bethlehem’s founding Fathers through the Renaissance of the Hotel that you see today. We will share the most interesting stories of the days Bethlehem Steel through how the Hotel was saved in the 1990’s. Learn about the Former Famous Guests that have graced our hotel since it opened in 1922!

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Church & Chapel Tour – February through March

Discover the traditions behind the Moravian worship service, including the long-standing emphasis on music in Bethlehem.

1752 Apothecary Tour – April

The apothecary supplied medicines not only for Bethlehem but also for the surrounding areas; it developed into one of the most successful enterprises for the Church. Learn about how the Moravians planted herbs in the garden outside the Apothecary to build the their pharmacy.

John Adams Bethlehem Walking Tour – June & July

See Bethlehem through John Adams’ eyes on this tour led by a costumed guide & discover the role historic Bethlehem played during the American Revolutionary War.

Colonial Industrial Quarter Walking Tour – June & July

Explore the Colonial Industrial Quarter with our costumed guide and learn how it has changed throughout the centuries, beginning as America’s earliest industrial park, developing into an automotive junk yard, then transforming into the bucolic site it is today!

Death & Dying Cemetary Tour – September & October

Take a walk – if you dare – on our “Death & Dying” cemetery tour! The Death & Dying tour is the only cemetery tour in Bethlehem to take guests through the 1741 Gemeinhaus, a National Historic Landmark as well as the oldest standing building in the city.

Related Area Tours

Historic Nazareth Walking Tour – March through September

Enjoy a stroll through beautiful, historic Nazareth, Pennsylvania. This family friendly walk through downtown will show stories of Nazareth and its residents through the colonial, victorian, and modern periods. Highlights include visits to several exquisite and original 18th century Moravian buildings.

Martin Guitar Factory Tour

The Visitors Center is where you will check in for your guided factory tour. It also houses the Martin Guitar Museum and 1833 Shop. Guests are also invited to visit the Pickin’ Parlor to play some of Martin’s high-end and Limited Edition models.

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Discover timeless holiday traditions in Historic Bethlehem

Visit Bethlehem during the holidays and you will be transported back in time to early, Moravian Bethlehem. Surrounded by festive sights and sounds, you and your loved ones will discover the traditions and culture that have earned Bethlehem the title of “Christmas City.” Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites offers a range of tours, exhibitions, and events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Immerse yourself in timeless traditions through tours, holiday exhibitions, historic demonstrations, shopping, and more! 

We’ve compiled the top five experiences in Bethlehem you don’t want to miss!

1. Tour Historic Bethlehem with a certified, local guide in period dress. Take a walk through the beautiful, historic downtown on the Christmas City Stroll. Discover the story of Bethlehem’s unique beginning and the meaning behind the renowned Bethlehem Star. If you’d prefer to relax on a seated tour, check out the Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour. Deemed “the best way to see Bethlehem,” this tour explores the history and traditions of Bethlehem while touring both the North and South sides of the city. Enjoy a holiday tradition for locals and guests alike with a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride! This cozy, ride through beautiful, North Bethlehem is the perfect way to experience the Christmas City with your family and friends. 2. Find holiday inspiration at The Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition, an annual favorite, featuring 28 trees, hand-decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club and other community groups. It’s all fun and reindeer games for this year’s display. Drawing inspiration from games such as Scrabble, Candyland, and Clue, this exhibition will be a hit for the young and young at heart. Visitors are invited to vote online for their favorite tree and be entered to win fun prizes throughout the season. 3. Visit a National Historic Landmark District . See how Christmas was celebrated in the oldest building in Bethlehem — the 1741 Gemeinhaus, home to the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem.   Learn how early Moravians celebrated with food, music, and handcrafted gifts. Then, check out the Holiday Putz Trail. A traditional Moravian decoration, the putz features hand-crafted ornate figurines, animals, and building scenes to tell the story of the Nativity. The large putz, which is built each year in the Sisters’ House, features the museum’s beautiful hand-carved wooden figures. A new putz display for this year consists of Bethlehem’s Downtown area, complete with carriages, carolers, the large community tree, and even the live advent calendar. 4. Visit the only known Live Advent Calendar in the United States. Guests gather outside the door of the 1810 Goundie House every evening from December 1 through 23 at 5:30 pm. A designated audience member knocks on the door and a different local business greets guests with a treat for all! 5. Cross a few names off your holiday shopping list with unique and meaningful gifts. Stop by the Museum Gift Shop on Main Street, where you can purchase gifts from local artisans and appease your sweet tooth with treats and confections, including the infamous Groman’s Sugar Cookies, Kiffles, Nut Rolls, and Moravian Sugar Cake. What a great way to bring a little bit of Bethlehem home with you!

Plan your trip and reserve your tickets today! Visit HistoricBethlehem.org or call 1.800.360.TOUR. This program is being funded in whole or in part with funding from the Hotel Tax Grant Program through the County of Northampton Department of Community & Economic Development

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Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour is a... - Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center

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Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour is a Scam!

I purchased tickets for the Trees of Historic Bethlehem tour for a weekend trip with my fiance, brother and his girlfriend. We got the the visitor center which had a nice gift shop in it and some cool artifacts around. We were informed that the tree tour was a self guided walking tour around Bethlehem and that the first tree was located next to the desk. The tree next to the desk was a fake tree, a very poorly made fake tree I might add I have seen much nicer ones at a dollar store. I didn't think much of it I figured the next one will be a real tree. The next tree was located in the same building just down the hall, so our party leaves the first room and heads to see what we hope was a real tree. Sadly we were let down yet again, it was a fake tree of the same quality. We leave the first part of the tour extremely disappointed. We walk to the next museum, which was the Moravian Museum, to see the next set of trees. We walk in and since we were told it was self guided we began to walk around the building. And what did we find, it was more poor quality fake trees. After an associate working at the museum rudely came to us and said that this in fact was not a self guided tour we headed downstairs to the check in room. It was there we were told this was a guided tour between several buidlings in Bethlehem. Not wanting to waste anymore of the mans time I asked a simple question, "Do any of the locations have real trees, or are they all fake?" Where he responded well they are all fake, but each is decorated to the period of each museum. The decorations were ''eh" at best, it basically looked like once Christmas was over they rolled these trees to storage and never touched them again until the following year. So do yourself a favor do not waste your time or money on this tour.

Hi Tommy, Thank you for taking the time to review our Trees of Bethlehem tour. I’m sorry to hear you were disappointed with your experience. While we would like to offer real trees, each tree is located within a historical site (most of these sites are more than 200 years old) and are next to valuable historic artifacts. We are first and foremost a museum organisation and as such, have a responsibility for the care and protection of our buildings and collection pieces. Real plants and trees often carry bugs and other dangers, so we cannot take that risk. This tour includes admission to our museums which I hope you found interesting and enlightening as you and your family make your way through this wonderful time of year. My best wishes for a happy holiday, Kristen

We did the Bethlehem by night tour originating from the visitors center. The tour was nice but not amazing. The visitors center hasn’t got much going for it other than a gift shop and a center to arrange tours from.

Thank you for taking the time to review our Bethlehem by Night tour and offering your views on our Visitor Center for Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites. We are always looking for ways to improve our Visitor Center and tour offerings and would like to learn more about your visit. Please reach out to me at your convenience to offer your suggestions by calling 610.691.6055. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season, Kristen

There really wasn't very much there, a small gift shop and it was connected to a fairly sparse historic home with a meager display of artifacts.

Thank you for your review and for stopping in this week. I'm sorry our gift shop and 1810 Goundie House did not meet your expectations. The 1810 Goundie house has been transformed into a ticketing center for the holiday season and as such, we needed to move our more substantial artifacts to a safer location to best care for them. The Gilded display you did see is a small portion of our larger exhibit at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts on New Street, which I highly encourage you to visit if you find yourself downtown again. Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Stopped in on Saturday afternoon and found the individual in the role of answering questions seemed to know not too much. To get a 5 on a visitor center you would have to surprise me or tell me something very interesting - that did not come close to happening.

We're sorry to hear that our Visitor Center & Museum Store did not meet your expectations. As a small non-profit that manages 20 historic sites, we always strive to provide an outstanding experience for all of our visitors and enjoy receiving feedback from the community to help us improve our efforts! We would love to hear your suggestions on how we can make our next visitor's experience more enjoyable. Thank you!

The way this center is set up is welcoming and engaging, via offering all venues of gifts to purchase, history to embrace.

Short walk from Hotel Bethlehem. Some souvenirs for sale. Nice place to get oriented with maps and directions. The staff was very helpful in getting us oriented.

Thank you for your kind review DJMAN5! I'm happy our staff was able to help welcome you to our fascinating town and provide you with the necessary tools to properly explore what Bethlehem has to offer. Here at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, we strive for five star reviews and it appears we fell short of our goal with your visit. Please let us know how we can better serve you in the future. Thank you again for your visit and we hope you return soon, Kristen

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8 things to do during christmas in bethlehem, pennsylvania.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a historic town that was enthusiastically named through song on Christmas Eve in 1741. Throughout its existence, this Lehigh Valley town has long been known for Moravians and Christmas traditions.

We first wanted to explore Bethlehem because of the Moravian connection it shares with Winston-Salem, North Carolina .

But as we’ve learned since visiting this spot in Eastern Pennsylvania, Bethlehem has its own identity, proudly earning the “Christmas City” nickname for which it’s known.

It’s certainly a four-season destination, but the holiday season is the perfect time to visit. That’s at least what we’ve discovered while tasting holiday flavored beer, searching for uniquely designed Christmas trees, and exploring more fun things to do during Christmas in Bethlehem!

This post is part of our series on all the awesome places to visit in Pennsylvania . We originally created it on November 27, 2019.

Christmas in Bethlehem

Take a christmas city stroll.

Take a guided Christmas City Stroll through Historic Bethlehem and learn about its past from a period-dressed historian of the. They’ll share the city’s Moravian beginnings, the life and times of Moravians, and the town’s Christmas traditions.

For those unfamiliar with the Bethlehem area, this tour is arguably one of the best things to do during Christmas.

Learn About the Trees of Historic Bethlehem

During the Trees of Historic Bethlehem Exhibit , 20-plus exquisitely decorated trees are displayed across four historic sites throughout town, bringing Christmas joy and wonder to everyone!

Every year, the Bethlehem Garden Club chooses a new theme to decorate their trees with.

For example, 2019’s Couture Trees are inspired by the world-renowned leaders of fashion, such as Dior, Chanel, and Burberry.

Purchase a multi-site museum pass and check out these trees at the 1810 Goundie House, Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, and the Single Sisters’ House.

Visit Christkindlmark

The Christkindlmarkt is easily one of the top holiday markets in the world, bringing hundreds of artisans and makers to heated tents in a setting back-dropped by the Hoover Mason Trestle .

Of course, this is THE place to shop local and pick up Christmas gifts for loved ones in Bethlehem. You can also meet St. Nick and grab some German ornaments along the way.

To keep things even more festive, sample delicious traditional German food while sipping hot boozy drinks as you walk around.

Parking is free but limited at this ticketed event. You can catch the heated trolley outside the Moravian Book Shop every 20 minutes, so don’t have to worry about long waits!

Individual tickets can be purchased online , but there’s also a combination ticket for both the Trees of Bethlehem and Christkindlmarkt available!

Find a Good Book in a Historic Shop

Something about the smell of books just reminds me of the holidays and that’s a big part of why I love the Moravian Book Shop . This isn’t your typical bookstore, as you can also learn about in Moravian heritage and culture while perusing.

Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world. They carry everything from new titles to curated and well-known Moravian history books.  

Pack all this together and you have one of the most interesting places to browse for your loved ones during the holidays.

Listen to the Bach Choir Perform Handel’s Messiah

Founded in 1898, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is the oldest of its kind in the US, and they perform to thousands of people each year. Listening to the harmonies of their voices makes the Choir’s annual Christmas Concert in Bethlehem is an extraordinary event.

For the performance, they’ll mix Bach with well-known, traditional Christmas music from other composers. The Choir performs two concerts during the holiday season.

Drink Seasonal Beer at Fegley’s Brew Works

Fegley’s Brew Works first opened in 1998, during an incredibly difficult time in Bethlehem’s economic history. Thankfully, they survived and have been serving award-winning beer proudly from day one.

Many of us love a good seasonal beer, and if you do, please try a Rude Elf’s Reserve. We swear this Fegley’s creation tastes exactly like a gingerbread cookie!

Trombone Choir

Founded in 1754, the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choi r is the oldest musical organization to still be performing today. Longevity isn’t their only claim to fame, as it is said that the Bethlehem Trombone Choir saved the town from attack by playing in the bell tower on Christmas 1755!

While the Trombone Choir doesn’t have a set performance schedule, it is not uncommon to see them caroling down the streets during the holidays or ringing away in the bell tower! Keep an eye out and if you happen to spot them, you’ll earn some great holiday luck!

Find the Holiday Putz

A Putz, sometimes called a crèche or nativity scene, is a traditional Moravian decoration placed in historic buildings throughout Bethlehem during the Christmas rush. Small wooden handcrafted miniatures are expertly placed to illustrate various settings of the Nativity story.

Hopefully, you’ll get to see a few of them and if you need help, follow the Putz Trail . Locations include the Kemerer Museum, Moravian Museum, Single Sisters’ House, and the 1810 Goundie House that we mentioned were included in the multi-site museum pass.

Additional Putz trail locations not included in the pass are the Central Moravian Church, Edgeboro Moravian Church, and East Hills Moravian Church.

Shop at the Christmas Huts

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift and couldn’t find it at the Christkindlmarkt or the Moravian Book Shop, then browse through the festive and adorable Christmas Huts on Main .

They’re decorated and filled with works from local artisans, modeled in the style of the German Weihnachtsmarkt.

Note: The Christmas Huts are open in Bethlehem from Friday to Sunday during the holiday season.

Our Thoughts and Yours, Too!

From its Moravian heritage to today’s beautifully decorated and still festive town, it’s no wonder that Bethlehem continues to live up to its “Christmas Town” moniker. Fill your hearts with holiday cheer while exploring this fun slice of Eastern Pennsylvania!

Visit this charming Lehigh Valley town and you’ll quickly want to make it a yearly tradition for yourself and the whole family.

Have you ever experienced a Christmas season visit to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? What did you think of it? Is there anything you think we should check out next time?

Also, if you’ve never been before, what would you love to do first out of the fun things that we mentioned? Let us know in the comments section while we plan our next trip up there!

Disclosure Note

Special thanks to Discover Lehigh Valley for hosting us during our stay. All opinions within this article are our own.

Christina Riley

Christina is an accidental photographer who also dabbles in writing about her life in North Carolina and travels beyond the Tar Heel State.

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