7 Ways To Enjoy Downtown Bethlehem Pa At Christmas

Downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a charming destination to visit during the Christmas season. This historic town transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of activities and events that cater to all ages and interests. From festive markets to delightful holiday performances, Bethlehem is an ideal place to get into the holiday spirit.

Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy Downtown Bethlehem at Christmas. Here are seven ways to make the most of your visit:

Experience Christkindlmarkt

Christkindlmarkt is a beloved holiday tradition in Downtown Bethlehem. This festive market offers a unique shopping experience, featuring over 150 vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and decorations. You'll find a wide range of goods, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles, all made by local artisans.

As you browse the market, you can enjoy traditional German food and drinks, such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and glühwein. The market also features live music and entertainment, including choirs, bands, and dancers.

Special Events and Activities

Christkindlmarkt hosts various special events and activities throughout the season. Some of the highlights include:

• A visit from the Christkind, the traditional German Christmas angel
• A festive tree lighting ceremony
• A holiday concert series featuring local musicians
• A Santa's Workshop where kids can make their own crafts and decorations

Take a Holiday Lights Tour

Downtown Bethlehem offers a self-guided holiday lights tour, which takes you through the historic district and showcases the town's festive decorations. The tour features over 20 stops, including historic homes, churches, and public buildings.

You can take the tour on foot or by car, and it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Be sure to check the town's website for a map and guide, which includes information about each stop and the history behind the decorations.

Special Holiday Displays

Some of the highlights of the holiday lights tour include:

• The iconic Bethlehem Star, a 90-foot-tall star that sits atop South Mountain
• The festive lights display at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem
• The beautifully decorated windows at the Moravian Museum

Attend a Holiday Performance

Downtown Bethlehem hosts a variety of holiday performances throughout the season, ranging from concerts and plays to dance recitals and musicals. Some of the highlights include:

• The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's production of "A Christmas Carol"
• The Bach Choir of Bethlehem's holiday concert series
• The Dance Center's production of "The Nutcracker"

Special Events and Shows

Some of the other special events and shows you can catch in Downtown Bethlehem include:

• A holiday concert by the Bethlehem Symphony Orchestra
• A festive dance performance by the Lehigh University Dance Company
• A holiday-themed comedy show at the ArtsQuest Center

Shop and Dine in the Historic District

The historic district in Downtown Bethlehem is a charming place to shop and dine during the holiday season. You'll find a variety of unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet foods.

Some of the highlights include:

• The Moravian Book Shop, which sells a wide range of books, gifts, and Moravian-themed items
• The Bach Choir of Bethlehem's gift shop, which sells music-themed gifts and souvenirs
• The Historic Hotel Bethlehem's gift shop, which sells luxurious gifts and souvenirs

Special Holiday Menus

Many of the restaurants in Downtown Bethlehem offer special holiday menus and promotions. Some of the highlights include:

• The Historic Hotel Bethlehem's holiday dinner menu, which features traditional dishes such as roasted turkey and prime rib
• The Edge Restaurant's holiday tasting menu, which features a variety of small plates and desserts
• The 1741 on the Terrace's holiday brunch menu, which features a variety of eggs, pancakes, and waffles

Visit the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree in Downtown Bethlehem is a beloved holiday tradition. The tree is located in the historic district and is decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments.

You can visit the tree throughout the holiday season, and it's a great place to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Be sure to check the town's website for special events and activities surrounding the tree, including a tree lighting ceremony and holiday concerts.

Explore the Moravian Museum

The Moravian Museum is a must-visit destination in Downtown Bethlehem, especially during the holiday season. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays showcasing the history and culture of the Moravian Church.

Some of the highlights include:

• The museum's collection of historic Moravian artifacts and decorations
• The museum's exhibit on the history of Christmas in Bethlehem
• The museum's holiday-themed events and activities, including lectures, concerts, and craft workshops

We hope you've enjoyed this article about the 7 ways to enjoy Downtown Bethlehem, PA at Christmas. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or entertainment, there's something for everyone in this charming holiday destination.