Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced new COVID restrictions last week that shut down all in-person indoor dining. Outdoor dining and takeout are still permitted.
Bethlehem has been able to maintain the Christmas experience its known for across the region despite restrictions and with minor changes. “The Trees of Historic Bethlehem” exhibit and bus tours have been cancelled. Outdoor walking tours are still available.
We’ve been able to get really creative,” said Norah Jones of Historic Bethlehem Welcome Center. “The pandemic has kind of forced us to innovate and establish partnerships. I feel like this year is a little bit different but I don’t think it’s different in a bad way. We’re all pretty dedicated to the Christmas season here.”
Compared to recent years, the Visitors Center staff has seen half thenumber of people walk through the doors and support the city so far this Christmas season.
Mayor Robert Donchez said the city has partnered with various groups to help visitors and local businesses experience Christmas in Bethlehem much like previous years.
Bethlehem Parking Authority and Lehigh Valley Health Network is offering free parking on Saturdays and at green bagged meters. In addition, visitors can use the Park Mobile App for three free hours of parking during the days leading up to the holiday.
Downtown Business Association and SouthSide Arts District are supporting local businesses and assisting them with navigating the pandemic. The city is alsopublishing a Curbside Guide to promote local restaurants and shops,
“We are working closely with our business community and doing everything possible to support them,” Donchez said. “We have provided parklets, chairs, tables and heaters to make outdoor dining more comfortable.”
Shop for everyone on Main Street
After checking out the Hotel Bethlehem, cross to the street to Hand Cut Crystal .
The shop is a premier dealer of Swarovski Jewelry and Crystal Living, selling crystal jewelry, glassware, finials and ornaments.
Bibliophiles can spend the afternoon perusing Moravian Book Shop ‘s extensive collection to find the perfect holiday read.
The oldest bookstore in America has indie best sellers, trade books and select books highlighting the history of Moravians, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Steel, the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania. They also have gift items, reference books, stationery, art supplies, greeting cards and more.
For bath and body products, Foo Foo Shoppe has all the lotions, body wash, soaps, hand creams and perfumes you need to stuff holiday stockings. The shop also sells hundreds of kinds of designer rubber ducks from all over the world.
At Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom , guests can try out and purchase a wide selection of olive oils and vinegars from Calabrian Agrumato Olive Oil to Mulled Cider Fruit Vinegar. The shop also has salts and seasonings, pasta and rice, pantry items, skincare and packaged items.
The store is decorated for the holidays with garlands, festive gift baskets and gift box bottle sets.
Marked by colorful chandeliers in their windows, The Gem Shop has clothes great for gift-giving and your own retail therapy. The clothing shop has designer clothes for affordable prices with unique jewelry and fashion accessories to match.
Donegal Square , a Celtic gift shop, has gift ideas from Ireland and British Isles.
Shop, then grab a wee drop of whiskey or a pint of Guinness at their Pub, located at the backside of the shop, and hear some folklore.
Franklin Hill Vineyards and Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works have seasonal spirits for you.
The wine shop sells Lehigh Valley’s oldest winery products like blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin, blends of Chambourcin and Merlot with a high vanilla oak and rose blends of tart catawba grapes with sweet concord.
The brewery serves craft microbrews and sustainable, locally sourced foods.
Shipping, local same-day delivery and curbside pick-up are available.
Where to eat while you shop
While you browse and search for those holiday gifts, there are plenty of places open for food and drinks.
Chocolate lovers can get their fix at Chocolate Lab, the local chocolatier. Chocolates are made in-house, fresh and daily from store opening to closing.
They’ve got caramels, chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter and other cups, buttercreams and truffles, chocolate bars and clusters and seasonal chocolates.
Several steps away is Hotel Bethlehem’s Ice Cream Parlor, where guests can enjoy scoops of Penn State Creamery Ice Cream, pies and other baked goods.
Next door, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop has wall-to-wall-to-ceiling candy, bottled sodas and novelty gift items.
A Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory right in Bethlehem, Grandpa Joe has over 250 candy bars and more than 100 bulk candies, 15,000 pounds of candy and 225 flavors of old-fashioned, glass-bottled soda.
Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn has the perfect snack as you walk around. The little shop has a eight sweet and seven savory popcorn flavors.
Guests can walk in and grab small and medium bags or 1- to 3½-gallon tins. Popcorn is popped and flavored in-house.
Gift baskets are available for purchase as you munch on your own bag.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, Johnny’s Bagels and Deli has omelets, bagels and sandwiches. All items are under $10. Only available for takeout.
And if you’re looking for a fancier bite, The Flying Egg has eggs, Benedicts, toasts, pancakes and waffles for breakfast and burgers, wraps, greens and soups for lunch. Vegan options are available.
The diner is available for takeout and delivery.
The owner of the breakfast diner also has a Spanish restaurant and creperie several feet away. Tapas on Main is home to authentic Spanish tapas-style cuisine. The restaurant serves lunch, brunch, dinner and curbside meals. Cachette Creperie + Bistro has 11 savory crepes and eight sweet crepes plus sandwiches, salads and soups.
Both restaurants are available for takeout and delivery.
For another international stop, Kavva’s Polish European Market has Polish snacks and sandwiches to go. Only takeout is available.
A block away on the intersection of Guetter Street and West Broad Street, Ripper’s Pub is cozy, dark wood paneled dive bar with friendly bartenders and good food. Perfect for a quick drink and bite.
Takeout are available.
The Joint Coffee Co. has your coffee pick-me-up. It’s several feet away from the dive bar.
With a neon logo, guests are invited to sit or stop in for a latte or drip coffee. Beans are roasted in-house and are available for purchase online or in store.
Takeout is available.
