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Top 10 Things to Do in Christmas City, USA
December 15th, 2021 |
#1: Visit the Trees of Historic Bethlehem
With 27 trees on display across five historic sites, the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition is a time-honored tradition in Bethlehem. This year’s tree decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club were inspired by classic holiday movies including favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and A Christmas Carol. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the your favorite tree! The exhibit runs through the new year until January 9, 2022.
#2: Browse the Lehigh Art Alliance Exhibit
While you’re touring the Trees of Historic Bethlehem, be sure to experience the artwork from the Lehigh Art Alliance on exhibit at the Luckenbach Mill. In this winter-themed, Juried Exhibition, you’ll enjoy a variety of original two- and three-dimensional works of art from regional artists – available for purchase!
#3: Christkindlmarkt Christmas City Combo
By purchasing a combo pass, you’ll get to shop the German-style market at ArtQuest and tour the 5 sites of Cinematic Trees of Historic Bethlehem. You’ll receive up to a $10 savings versus when admission purchased separately. Christkindlmarkt runs weekends until December 19.
#4: Relax on the Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour
Sit back and experience the Christmas City on a trip back in time with our certified costumed guide. You’ll travel through both North and South Bethlehem, seeing highlights from the tree at Payrow Plaza, through the Colonial Industrial Quarter to the star atop South Mountain. While enjoying the view you’ll hear about early and current local holiday traditions. Tours run Christmas week until the end of the year so be sure to check the website for a full list of dates and times.
#5: Discover the Christmas City Stroll
Take a stroll through the beautifully lit and decorated downtown Historic Bethlehem with a certified guide in period dress. Discover the story of Bethlehem’s unique beginning in 1741 – on Christmas Eve, the tales of a candle-in-every-window, and the renowned Bethlehem Star. These tours run through January 9, 2022, check the website for a full list of dates and times.
#6: Shop at the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe
Stop by 505 Main Street and learn about all of Historic Bethlehem’s activities and happenings during Christmas and beyond! Purchase your Moravian stars and holidays gifts after taking in a historical tour. You’ll find a wide assortment of one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods made by local small businesses to browse.
#7: Stop by the 1810 Goundie House For Live Advent Calendar
The only one of its kind! The Historic DBA Live Advent Calendar happens nightly Dec 1-23 at 5:30pm. Each night a special guest is behind the door to hand out a treat and spread the holiday cheer. Each day brings a different local business featuring surprise and/or entertainment. You can find a schedule of participants here.
#8 Peruse the Holidays Huts along Main Street.
While you’re out and about be sure to see the wares at the Holiday Huts along Main Street. These Christmas Village inspired wooden huts are filled with unique holiday gift ideas from local vendors. The huts are open Thursdays through December 26th.
#9 Visit the Historic Sun Inn
The Tavern at the Sun Inn is a historical building, restaurant, and distillery in Downtown Bethlehem. Built in 1758 the Inn preserves a rich history and creates a casual, relaxed dining experience with colonially reflective food in a historical setting that is not strictly a museum. Be sure to visit the Winter Garden in the courtyard to enjoy a charming outdoor environment to celebrate the holiday together.
This year you can pair a Sun Inn combo pass with several of the Historic Bethlehem tours. Passes feature a hot beverage or unique Christmas City Spirit and a small gift, depending on the package selected.
#10 Explore the Putz Trail
A putz is a traditional Moravian decoration used around Christmas time. The word comes from the German term, which means “to decorate” or “to embellish.” These miniature replicas depict various settings of the Nativity story using ornate, hand-crafted figurines. Each set may feature animals, buildings, and amazing details to recreate the holiest of scenes. You can see a collection of displays at two of Historic Bethlehem sites. This trail is included in the Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour! Though not included in the Trees tour, don’t forget to see impressive Central Moravian Putz.
