10 Best Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem PA
by Jenna Mendez
7.1 min read
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Bethlehem transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Known as “Christmas City,” Bethlehem, PA, during Christmas time it boasts a rich history of vibrant traditions that make it an ideal destination for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Bethlehem, PA, during Christmas time promises a blend of charming holiday markets, twinkling lights, and unforgettable events.
We’re here to give you the low-down on the best ways to spend your holiday season in this historic city. From tree lighting to where to find the best sweet treats for your Christmas table, we’ve got you covered. Cozy up as we share the best events in Bethlehem, PA for the Christmas season.
Visit the Christmas City Village
Located in downtown Bethlehem, this charming market boasts a lot of holiday cheer. This German-inspired market offers guests warm holiday desserts and savory items and handmade gifts. Known as the “Christmas Hut on Main” by locals, the Christmas City Village in Bethlehem, PA is beloved by all.
When: November 9th – December 24th. Thursdays – Saturdays: 11am – 8pm.
Where: The Christmas City Village in Bethlehem, PA is held at two different locations along Main Street. Visit here for more information.
Stroll around downtown Bethlehem
Downtown Bethlehem, PA, during Christmas time is filled with shopping, holiday goodies, and many sights to see. Stroll along Main Street to discover quaint shops brimming with unique gifts and festive decorations, while the aroma of fresh-baked cookies and hot cocoa fills the air. The historic district is adorned with twinkling lights and beautiful displays, creating a picturesque backdrop for festive activities.
Some of the most iconic spots you don’t want to miss, happening right in downtown Bethlehem in Christmas time include:
- The Bethlehem Christmas Star
- The Christmas City Village
- The Moravian Book Shop – the oldest bookstore in America!
- Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn
- Lost Tavern Brewing
- Christmas City Spirits
- Dear Santa…
Get some handmade goods at the Bethlehem PA, Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Bethlehem, PA, the ultimate spot to get all your holiday needs. As known as the “Christkindlmarkt”, the Christmas Market in Bethlehem features handmade works by local and national artisans. These included cherished finds like handmade coo-coo clocks, nutcrackers, and painted ornaments.
The Christmas Market also includes a selection of warm snacks for visitors to try. These include German favorites like bratwursts, schnitzel, and dark chocolate hot coco!
When: November 15th – December 22nd.
Where: The Christmas Market in Bethlehem, PA, takes place on on PNC Plaza at SteelStacks. Located at: located at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 East First Street. Visit here for more information.
Take a Christmas Pub Walking Tour
This adult-only historic holiday pub tour has been delighting visitors for years! Follow your costumed guide through historic gems of Bethlehem as you sip on drinks from local shops in the city. Through your tour, you’ll learn the history and origins of Moravian traditions.
Be sure to arrive early as one complimentary tasting is included at the start of the tour at the 1810 Goundie House. Other drinks on your tour are available to purchase at all tour stops throughout this experience.
Where: Tours embark and drop off at the Goundie House located at 501 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018 Visit here for more information.
Get a sweet treat at the Bethlehem Live Advent Calendar
This Bethlehem PA, Christmas event is bound to leave you in delight and wanting more. Every night leading up to Christmas, Bethlehem gives guests a glimpse of a live advent calendar.
Here’s how it works: visitors gather around the 810 Goundie House at 5:30 pm where a guest is selected from the crowd to knock on the door of the house. Once they do, a special guest from a local business answers the door and hands out treats to guests in the crowd. How fun!
When: December 1st – December 23rd at 5:30pm.
Where: 810 Goundie House located at: 501 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Visit here for more information.
Embark on a carriage ride through the city
This amazing holiday tradition is for locals and out-of-towners alike. Ride through downtown North Bethlehem in clean, white carriages pulled by beautiful horses. This is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of this amazing Christmas City!
Each carriage can hold up to four adults and two children on laps. If it rains or snows, carriages can be covered.
When: Rides begin November 16th – January 11th.
Where: Rides depart every 20 minutes from 3-9pm from the Kemerer Museum. Reservations are required for this experience. Visit here for more information.
Partake in the Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour
This is one of the best ways to Bethlehem in all its Christmas glory! On this tour, you’ll journey back in time with your guide dressed in period clothing to learn the history and traditions of Bethlehem. This 90-minute tour also includes a visit to the famous Bethlehem, PA, Christmas Star atop South Mountain.
Don’t miss the chance to see Christmas lights on both sides of Bethlehem and candles in shop windows. This tradition has been taking place in Bethlehem, PA, for decades.
When: Fridays – Saturdays November 18th – December 30th at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for children.
Where: The tour picks and drops off passengers at the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center at 505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Online reservations are strongly encouraged; visit here to book your tour!
Attend the Wassial Christmas Party
After the grand City of Bethlehem tree lighting, this party kicks the holiday season off right. Taking place at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, guests can marvel at decorated trees, meet costumed docents, and learn all about Bethlehem, PA’s history.
The museum’s halls come alive with festive cheer, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions that make Bethlehem so special. Attendees can enjoy holiday music, indulge in seasonal treats, and participate in interactive exhibits that highlight the town’s storied past.
When: After the 2024 City of Bethlehem tree lighting
Where: Moravian Museum of Bethlehem located at 66 W Church St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Enchant at the Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo
The Winter Light Spectacular at the Leigh Valley Zoo isn’t just the best way to see animals, it’s a great way to ring in some holiday cheer. Located just outside the city of Bethlehem, this event comes with attractions like extensive holiday light displays, photo opportunities, firepits, and seasonal treats to munch on, you can’t miss! Perhaps most uniquely of all, the Winter Light Spectacular features nightly performances from princesses, Anna, Elsa, Belle and Cinderella!
When: Select nights in November and December starting at 6pm
Where: Lehigh Valley Zoo located at: 5150 Game Preserve Road Schnecksville, PA 18078
Marvel at the trees of historic Bethlehem
Visitors can view over 25 Christmas trees decorated by local volunteers. Each one uniquely adorned to reflect various themes and traditions. The dazzling display, set against the backdrop of Bethlehem’s charming historic architecture, creates a festive and enchanting atmosphere. As you wander through the exhibit, you’ll not only appreciate the creativity and effort that goes into each tree but also feel a deeper connection to the community spirit that makes Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations so special.
Where: Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts in Bethlehem, PA.
Bethlehem, PA, during Christmas time offers an array of festive activities that capture the spirit of the holiday season. From strolling through the enchanting Christmas City Village to marveling at the beautifully decorated trees, each event immerses visitors joyful atmosphere of this historic city. Whether you’re savoring sweet treats or enjoying a carriage ride through the twinkling streets, Bethlehem provides unforgettable holiday experiences for everyone.
For more ideas on making the most of your visit, check out our blog of the best things to do in Bethlehem, PA, regardless of the season.
We love our Bethlehem, P.A. customers! Santanna Energy Services has been proudly providing easy home electricity and gas plans to our Pennsylvania customers for over 35 years! We’re proud to offer a wide range of renewable energy solutions and products tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals and help the environment along the way.
Jenna loves to use her voice to spread awareness about reforestation, eco-friendly initiatives, and protecting planet Earth. She's passionate about making the world a better place and is driven by her desire to give back to the planet. She is committed to learning more about the environment and its preservation and is a strong believer in the power of education and activism.
