Christmas Season Activities & Tours
Our Christmas City activities will become your new holiday tradition!
Kick-off your Christmas City visit with a picture in front of our Vintage Sled! This tangible piece of history is the perfect backdrop for festive photos (please do not climb in sled) and is located at the pottery wall near the Smithy on Main St. Special thanks to our friend Connie at Brownstone Designs for this incredible piece and to Nancy Swolensky for her stunning photograph!
Christmas Activities & Tours
Christmas tickets sell out quick - act fast and become a member for early ticket access to ALL activities: https://historicbethlehem.org/support/become-a-member-2/
ALL DATES ARE FINAL AND TICKET SALES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Our sites will be closed on the following days:
November 25, Thanksgiving Day; December 24, Christmas Eve; December 25, Christmas Day;
December 31, New Years Eve; and January 1, New Years Day.
Masks are required for all visitors for inside the historic buildings and on the motorcoach/trolley during tours. Masks are not required for outdoor portions of walking tours for fully vaccinated visitors. Walking tours are limited to 20 visitors.
Trees of Historic Bethlehem
Catch a glimpse of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem, a time-honored tradition displaying over 28 trees across five historic sites. This year, each tree is decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club to reference timeless games, including Checkers, Clue, and Scrabble
Tours are offered from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM through the following dates:
November 18 - November 20
November 25 - November 28
December 1 - December 4
December 8 - December 11
December 15 - December 23
December 26 - December 3
January 2, 2023
January 5, 2023 - January 8, 2023
Ticket Prices:
- Multi-Site Pass: $25
- One Site Pass: $12
Trees of Christmas' Past
Christmas City Stroll
Take a walk through beautiful downtown Historic Bethlehem with our certified guide in period dress. Discover the story of Bethlehem's unique beginning, the tales of a candle-in-every-window, and the renowned Bethlehem Star.
Tours are offered at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, or 6:00 PM through the following dates:
November 18 - November 20
November 25 - December 11
December 15 - December 23
December 26 - December 31
January 2, 2023
January 5, 2023 - January 8, 2023
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $15 per person (groups of 20 per guide)
Enjoyed your tour? Our wonderful tour docents appreciate tips!
Holiday Putz Trail
We are excited to present our Holiday Putz Trail, a collection of displays at two of our historic sites! A Putz is a traditional Moravian Christmas 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 through the use of ornate, hand-crafted figurines. Each set may feature animals, buildings, and amazing details to recreate the holiest of scenes. This year, the Historic Bethlehem Putz displays feature hand-crafted models of the buildings that make up the Moravian Landmark District.
Admission is included with Trees of Historic Bethlehem ticket!
Event is offered from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM through the following dates:
November 18 - November 20
November 25 - November 28
December 1 - December 2
December 8 - December 9
December 15 - December 16
December 19 - December 22
December 26 - December 31
January 2, 2023
January 5, 2023 - January 8, 2023
Ticket Prices (Rates increase during month of December):
- Multi-Site Pass: $25
- One Site Pass: $12
Bethlehem By Night MotorCoach Tour
Deemed "the best way to see Bethlehem," our motorcoach tour explores the history & traditions of Bethlehem. Sit back and experience Christmas City on a trip back in time with our certified guide in period dress. 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.
Tour departs at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, or 7:00 PM through the following dates:
November 25 - November, 27
December 1 - December 4
December 8 - December 11
December 15 - December 23
December 26 - December 30
Ticket Prices:
- Step-On Guide (Full hour experience): $450
Historic Bethlehem Live Advent Calendar
FREE Event!
The only one of its kind in the country! Visitors of the Historic Downtown Bethlehem will enjoy the annual one-of-a-kind tradition, featuring free entertainment and local businesses. Event is held at 501 Main Street.
Each night from December 1 - December 23 at 5:30 PM
Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides
Journey through Bethlehem's scenic downtown and enjoy the lights, sights, and sounds of Church Street, Main Street, and Market Street on a cozy horse-drawn trolley!
Payrow Plaza, 10 E. Church Street
Trolley rides run every 20 minutes through the following dates:
December 3
December 6
December 13
December 19 - December 20
Ticket Prices:
- $25 per person
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Take a cozy, serene horse-drawn carriage ride through Bethlehem's downtown area. It's the perfect way to enjoy the lights, sights, and sounds of Christmas City with your family and friends.
Main Street in front of Central Moravian Church
Carriage rides run every 20 minutes from 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM through the following dates:
November 18 - November 20
November 25 - November 27
December 1 - December 4
December 8 - December 11
December 15 - December 23
December 26 - December 31
Ticket Prices:
- $75 per carriage - each private carriage holds up to (4) adults and (2) children on laps. Duration 20 minutes.
Wassail Party
Following the annual City of Bethlehem tree lighting, follow the sounds of jingling bells up to the Kemerer Museum and join in our wassailing merriment. Admire the dazzlingly decorated trees of Historic Bethlehem. This year, each ornament was carefully chosen by the Bethlehem Garden Club to personify the chosen decoration theme.
See the lighting of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem, officially kicking off the exhibit. Hear some of Bethlehem’s storied past from costumed docents stationed throughout the Kemerer Museum, including Annie Kemerer, founder of the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts. Lend an ear to festive holiday tunes to get in the holiday spirit. Light refreshments will be offered at this family-friendly event.
Event runs from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM on 11/18/22
Site Locations & Hours
Visitor Center & Museum Store
505 Main Street
December:
- Monday-Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday-Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm
January:
- Closed Mondays
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 am - 5 pm
- Thursday-Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Learn more about our offerings: Historic Bethlehem Tours
1810 Goundie House
501 Main Street
December:
- Monday-Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday-Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm
January:
- Closed Mondays
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 am - 5 pm
- Thursday-Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Shop the beautiful home decor and accessories from Marche Maison Vintage Market at the 1810 Goundie House market!
Moravian Museum
of Bethlehem
66 W. Church Street
December:
- Thursday-Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
- 12/20-12/23: 11 am - 6 pm
- 12/27-12/30: 11 am - 6 pm
January:
- Thursday-Sunday January 6-9, 11 am - 6 pm
- Starting January 15, Saturdays/Sundays, 1-4pm
Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
427 N. New Street
December:
- Thursday-Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
- 12/20-12/23: 11 am - 6 pm
- 12/27-12/30: 11 am - 6 pm
January:
- Thursday-Sunday January 6-9, 11 am - 6 pm
- Starting January 15, Saturdays/Sundays, 1-4pm
1869 Luckenbach Mill
459 Old York Road
December:
- Thursday-Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
- 12/20-12/23: 11 am - 6 pm
- 12/27-12/30: 11 am - 6 pm
January:
- Thursday-Sunday January 6-9, 11 am - 6 pm
- Starting January 15, Saturdays/Sundays, 1-4pm
1750 Smithy
Main Street, Adjacent to Historic Hotel Bethlehem
November:
- Friday-Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
December:
- Thursday-Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
- 12/20-12/23: 11 am - 5 pm
Learn all about colonial-era smithing in Blacksmithing 101.
To register, call 1-800-360-TOUR.
The Smithy and the Blacksmith Program are being funded in whole or in part with funding received through the County of Northampton's Hotel Tax Program.
Group Tours
Appointment Tours:
Tours may be scheduled by appointment outside of regular operating hours. 24 hours notice is requested for all appointments. Minimum charge of $36 to schedule an appointment tour for non-members. Member appointments are free. Please call 1-800-360-TOUR with questions or to schedule.
