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Christmas in Bethlehem, PA
General Overview
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the holidays as you experience a Bethlehem, PA Christmas. Named on Christmas Eve 1741, this historic city has been celebrating the holiday for nearly 300 years – and it shows in every twinkling light and centuries-old tradition still carried on today.
Every visit to one of the best Christmas towns in America should include a stroll down Historic Main Street, twice named the top main street in America by USA Today/10Best. Here you’ll find a collection of quaint, charming shops specializing in holiday treasures, unique Christmas gifts and local finds, including the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe, a charming 19th century stocked with one-of-a-kind gifts, festive decor, and Christmas City keepsakes including the iconic Moravian Star.
A Bethlehem, PA Christmas is something every holiday enthusiast needs to experience at least once in their life. It’s only a short drive from Philadelphia and New York, making it the ideal day trip or weekend getaway for couples, families, and friends. Make your reservations early, as prime days and times fill up in advance.
Experiences Overview
Wander down the streets on a lantern-led Christmas City Stroll as you learn about the very first Christmas back in 1741. Raise a glass of Moravian-style Glühwein at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and visit the iconic Sun Inn on the popular Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour, or hop aboard a motorcoach for a cozy and comfortable look at the history behind the town that’s been known as Christmas City USA for nearly a century.
Looking for family fun? Take the children to see the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition, featuring more than 20 different beautifully decorated trees spread across three historic sites. The holiday magic kicks off with the City of Bethlehem’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 27, immediately followed by Historic Bethlehem’s Wassail Party, a beloved and free annual tradition for all ages.
Trees of Historic Bethlehem
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays as you visit some of Bethlehem’s most popular historic sites to explore this family-friendly exhibit that’s perfect for all ages.
A popular attraction for guests from near and far, Trees of Historic Bethlehem features 20-plus Christmas trees beautifully decorated by members of the local Bethlehem Garden Club and sponsored by small businesses from throughout the community.
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Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour
Discover Bethlehem’s rich traditions and holiday heritage in a totally different way as you visit the taverns and historic locations of Main Street. You’ll learn about the Marquis de Lafayette’s ties to Bethlehem, the early Moravians’ views on brewing and much more.
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Christmas City Stroll
Designed especially for the holidays, the Christmas City Stroll is a casual, comfortable walk (evening tours are led by lantern) through Bethlehem’s Historic District that explores the city’s 280-plus years of history starting with its founding in 1741.
Learn More"[I enjoyed] Everything! Everyone needs to visit Bethlehem during the Christmas season. It gives you a sense of why the season exists! It renews love between two people. It's simply awesome."
— Shai M.
"[I enjoyed] The pub crawl! It was magical and got me so interested in the history of the town which added so much to my trip."
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"[I enjoyed] Seeing the sites and the Bethlehem Star as well as hearing the history of the city [on the Motorcoach tour]. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. The hour flew by and wished it lasted longer."
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Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour
Discover the rich history and holiday traditions of Bethlehem, Christmas City USA, as you traverse the city’s Historic District and SouthSide. Led and narrated by a Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites guide dressed in Colonial attire, you’ll travel down Church Street through the heart of the new Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site, take in the sights of Historic Main Street beautifully decorated for the holidays and more.
Learn MoreNEW! Holidays at the Bethlehem Blacksmith Shop
We’re giving Bethlehem’s Smithy a festive glow-up. Throughout the holiday season, the Blacksmith Shop will feel warmer, brighter, and more inviting than ever – an easy, joyful stop just off Main Street for families, shoppers, and visitors soaking in the season.
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Christmas Frequently Asked Questions
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When does the Bethlehem, PA Christmas season begin?
The first tours and Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition kick off the Bethlehem, PA Christmas season on Friday, November 13, with the period from Thanksgiving weekend through the week before Christmas the prime time to visit the Christmas City. If you're looking for holiday activities while the kids or grandkids are home from school after Christmas, most of our programs and tours resume on December 26. For a listing of all of HBMS's holiday programs and events, visit our Christmas events page.
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This is my first Christmas in Bethlehem, What should I make sure to see and experience?
The Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour takes guests throughout Bethlehem's north and south sides, offering the best views of the Christmas City while highlighting its rich history. The historic buildings have candles in every window, and the city decorates various trees around town, adding to the Christmas City splendor. The Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition, Christmas City Stroll, and Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour are other popular attractions during the holiday season. If you want a souvenir or keepsake from your visit in the Christmas City, stop by the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe on Main Street, where you can also purchase authentic local treats such as kiffles and Moravian Sugar Cake.
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What holiday events does HBMS offer throughout the Christmas season?
The Christmas City Stroll, Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour, Trees of Historic Bethlehem, and Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour are just some of the options.
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Are Historic Bethlehem's holiday events ADA accessible?
Accessibility varies by activity or event. If there are specific questions on accessibility, please call us at 1-800-360-TOUR for more detailed information.
