6 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season

November 29th, 2018 |

The Christmas season is almost upon us! Here in The Christmas City we have plenty of fun holiday programs and tours for you and your family.  Whether you want to explore the beautifully decorated historic district, or stay nice and warm while enjoying festive music and gorgeous Christmas trees, there is something for you. In Historic Bethlehem it truly is the most wonderful time of the year… we hope you join us!

Keep reading to learn more.

Unique Gifts at the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe and Museum Gift Shops

Explore our Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe and Museum Gift Shops to find the perfect gifts for someone special this holiday season!

At the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe you will discover Bethlehem merchandise alongside luminary kits for the Lehigh Valley’s annual Luminaria Night. This is the only location where you can get luminaries for same day take home! Right next door, at the 1810 Goundie House, shoppers will be transported into a beautiful shop of vintage farmhouse goodness at the Marche Maison Vintage Winter Market. Find traditional Moravian gifts at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, and classic Victorian-style items at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts.

No matter who you are shopping for, you are sure to find the perfect gift at one of our fantastic shops!

Trees of Historic Bethlehem

Walk through a winter wonderland of Christmas trees, beautifully decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club and Marché Maison! See dazzling Christmas trees inspired by historic art from our collection. Each tree will be paired with its very own work of art, its decorations drawing inspiration from the colors, subject matter, and period of the artwork.

While you’re there explore 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.

Trees of Historic Bethlehem is running from November 16 – January 13 at four historic locations. Please visit our website for a full listing of dates and times.

Purchase Trees Passes

Back by popular demand… experience Trees of Historic Bethlehem and Christkindlmarkt for one discounted price with the Christmas City Combo Ticket! Christkindlmarkt is recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the country. This event features:

• Aisles of handmade works by more than 150 of the nation’s finest artisans.
• The ring-ting-tingling sounds of live Christmas music and jolly, old St. Nick’s hearty laughter.
• Ice carving and glassblowing demonstrations
• Käthe Wohlfarht, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany.
• Breakfast with Santa (additional ticket required).

 Christkindlmarkt opens on November 16 and runs weekends until December 23.

Cost for the Combo Ticket, which offers a one-day admission to all participating attractions, is $25, a nearly 20 percent savings versus purchasing all admission tickets individually! Purchase Combo Tickets.

Bethlehem by Night Bus Tours

Sit back and experience the Christmas City on a trip back in time with a certified guide in period dress. Deemed “the best way to see Bethlehem” this tour includes a visit to the famous star atop South Mountain, a look at early and current local holiday traditions, and access to historic highlights in north and south Bethlehem!

This tour runs from November 23 – December 30, with tours leaving from 5-7 PM. See a full listing of dates on our website.

Purchase Bethlehem by Night Tickets

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Witness the beauty of Bethlehem’s downtown National Historic Landmark District with an elegant Christmas carriage ride. Enjoy a holiday tradition for locals and guests alike. These 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!

Carriage Rides are running from November 23 – December 31.

Purchase Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Tickets

Christmas City Stroll

Explore “Christmas City, USA” on a holiday walking tour of Historic Bethlehem with certified guides in period dress leading you through centuries of rich history. Highlights of the tour include: the tale of a candle in every window, Bethlehem’s exquisite Victorian and colonial architecture, two National Historic Landmarks, learning about the renowned Bethlehem Star.

The Christmas City Stroll runs November 23 – December 30, tours leaving from 2-6 PM.

Purchase Christmas City Stroll Tickets

Live Advent Calendar

Experience the only of of its kind in the country! Visitors will gather outside the door of the Goundie House where a selected visitor will be asked to walk up to the door and knock. When the door is opened, a special guest from a local business or organization will appear and distribute treats among the crowd!

The idea of the “Live Advent Calendar” is from the tradition of Advent Calendars or Christmas Countdown Calendars for children and families during the holidays.

This FREE event takes place daily from December 1 – 23 at 5:30PM at the 1810 Goundie House.

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