11 Magical Moments You Must Experience in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania During Christmas

December 30th, 2024 | In The News

Written by Christine Bliss

‘Tis the season to be jolly, full of love and laughter, and create those magical moments with those you love in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. You’re about to step into what is known as the Christmas City USA.

Imagine a town filled with the magic of Christmas in every direction, from holiday lights and cheer to a live advent calendar. You’ll love visiting Bethlehem this Christmas season.

Here are 11 magical moments to experience and create some of your best Christmas memories in Bethlehem, PA. Welcome to the Winter Wonderland of Pennsylvania.

1. Live Advent Calendar

Only in Bethlehem can you experience the Live Advent Calendar. The calendar begins on December 1 and runs through December 23 daily to sync with the days counting down to Christmas.

The Live Advent Calendar was designed to create a fun, interactive activity, where visitors and local businesses come together to count down the days until Christmas. Each day a new visitor is selected to knock on the corresponding door. All visitors present during this activity will be gifted with a treat.

If you have kids like me who love participating in the advent calendar every Christmas season, block off your calendars and head to Bethlehem to give them this unique gift, a must-do experience!

2. Christmas City Stroll

Follow the Christmas City Stroll. Walk, be entertained by a tour guide dressed in the part, and learn about Bethlehem’s history.

The town’s heart feeds into the traditions of Christmastime. Get ready to see candles in every window of Victorian-structured buildings as you learn the history behind this tradition.

History buff? You’ll love learning about the historical landmarks of Bethlehem. Imagine seeing twinkling lights filling the town, the Star of Bethlehem, the Moravian Star on display, and holiday cheer all around.

3. Christmas Carriage and Wagon Rides

Want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time with a horse-drawn carriage ride through one of the most Christmas-filled towns of all time? The Christmas carriage rides are an all-time favorite for visitors. It is the perfect activity for you and your loved ones.

Can you see it now? Bundled together in an intimate horse-drawn carriage, snow falling around you, horses dressed to the nines, and twinkling holiday lights create the perfect holiday backdrop in every photo op.

Maybe a wagon ride fits your group better? If you have a larger party with you, then partake in a wagon ride or the Santa’s Red Sleigh carriage ride where you can have Santa accompany your party. You’ll remember this magical Christmas carriage ride for years to come.

4. Holiday Cocktail Trails

How does a fun holiday cocktail trail sound? This activity is tailored for adults over 21 years old, so the little ones should stay behind for this level of fun.

Grab your ticket, pick your trail, and get your palate ready to sip on some of the most delicious holiday cocktails created by 12 local businesses. Who says you have to stop at one trail? Each trail offers a different group of caterers, each offering some of their favorite cocktails.

Split up the trails throughout your visit and enjoy the holidays sipping away various cocktails. Who knows, you may leave with a recipe for a new cocktail to bring to your holiday traditions!

5. Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour

Maybe you’re not into the holiday cocktails tour or want more walking tours. Bethlehem has something for everyone, but the kids must stay behind for this activity.

Get those taste buds ready for the Spirits of Christmas Pub walking tour. Join in the fun and get ready to learn about the Moravian history while you enjoy tasting some craft beer.

To start your tour, they offer your first tasting for free. Sounds like a plan to me!

6. The Nutcracker

One of my family bucket list items is watching The Nutcracker live. Bethlehem does not disappoint with this entertaining and beautifully performed play.

The show includes talented individuals from the state youth ballet performing and a talented live orchestra to accompany the performers. I can hear the music already playing in my head! It’s time to book those tickets!

7. Christmas Sweets

If you’re anything like me, you can never get enough of a sweet treat! Bethlehem brings a variety of sweets for you to try during the Christmas season.

You can stop by one of two shops and get your sweet tooth fix. They offer Moravian sugar cookies, Kiffles, nut rolls, and Groman’s cookies.

My family has our Christmas tradition of baking together in the kitchen to create some of the tastiest nut rolls. There is never enough!

Stop into Schropp Dry Goods or the Goundie House and get your sweets before you depart Bethlehem.

8. Trees of Historic Bethlehem

Similar to the event in D.C., where each U.S. state tree is decorated in theme, Bethlehem offers a Christmas tree viewing of 20 different U.S. cities each Christmas season.

The changing of the cities chosen each year allows you to visit more than once and see a different display of city-themed Christmas trees. Kids and adults alike can join in on an ornament scavenger hunt centered around historical landmarks as part of the Christmas tree-viewing fun.

9. Outdoor Ice Skating

Bethlehem brings visitors and locals the most magical fun during Christmas. There’s no need to find a frozen lake to skate across. Bethlehem sets up its outdoor ice skating rink where you can enjoy gliding around freshly catered ice with your family and friends.

The ice rink offers holiday-themed music to keep everyone’s spirits in the season. You’re bound to feel the joy of Christmas here on the ice.

10. Holiday Markets

If you’re ready to experience the best holiday market shopping in the U.S., you’ll love visiting and shopping at the Christkindlmarkt, which means Christ Child Market, in German.

The holiday market is known for its large gathering of artisans, crafts, live entertainment, and delicious food to fit any palate. The German-inspired holiday market offers a unique experience for Americans. Christkindlmarkt has a selection of handmade gifts curated and designed for your holiday gift-shopping experience.

But your shopping doesn’t have to stop there. You can continue your holiday shopping at the outdoor Christmas City Village, the unique Weihnachtsmarkt, in German it is also known as the Christmas Market experience.

11. Holiday Zoo Lights

Nearby you can visit the Lehigh Zoo for their Winter Light Spectacular. The zoo puts together an annual tradition of holiday displays and over 1.2 million holiday lights to bring the magic of the Christmas season together for all. The best part, it’s a walking tour so take your time and soak it all in!

Do you love to gather around a fire pit in the cold, crisp air? You’ll love making your own hot chocolate and s’mores. Grab your graham crackers, get your chocolate ready, and watch your marshmallows melt over the fire pit.

Read the article on the MSN website.

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