It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Bethlehem’s Christmas City, USA
Many places feel a sense of ownership over the Christmas season. Big and bustling cities with bright lights and high end shops, towns filled with quaint charm, and ski resorts covered in fresh snowfall all call themselves must visit holiday destinations. But which one can truly claim the title of the Christmas City? Surprisingly, it is not New York City or a seasonal pop up village. The real Christmas City is Bethlehem, a historic community more than 280 years old. Tucked into the heart of the Lehigh Valley, the Bethlehem Christmas City experience is only a short day trip from nearly anywhere in NEPA.
Bethlehem welcomes visitors year round, but the city becomes its most magical when the holiday season arrives. As ornamented trees appear and sleigh bells begin to ring, the Bethlehem Christmas City tradition comes to life. With unforgettable gift shopping, fascinating historical tours, and an iconic Christmas market, travelers can easily spend an entire day soaking in the festive spirit.
Celebrating centuries of Christmas
In 1741, after weeks spent traversing cold, rough terrain, Moravian missionaries founded a community on Monocacy Creek in southeastern Pennsylvania. On Christmas Eve, while singing “Not Jerusalem, Lowly Bethlehem,” they aptly named their settlement for the very place where the holiday originated.
Nearly 200 years later, on December 7, 1937, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce officially declared Bethlehem “Christmas City USA” and erected a star atop South Mountain. The same city that once acted as a beacon for expedition worn missionaries again became a symbol of hope. Today, the star still shines nightly, carrying on Bethlehem’s legacy as a bright light.
The Spirit of the Season at Christkindlmarkt
The holiday season officially begins when Christkindlmarkt returns for its 33rd year. This beloved German inspired market brings artisans, performances, delicious food, and the return of popular ornament maker Käthe Wohlfahrt to PNC Plaza at SteelStacks.
Named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice competition, Bethlehem’s market is known for thousands of handmade gifts created by local and regional artisans. From Moravian glass stars to fine art photography and handcrafted décor, it is a one of a kind shopping experience in the heart of the Christmas City.
Beyond shopping, the market offers a full schedule of performers every day. Families can visit St. Nicholas, create crafts at the Crayola Creativity Station, watch live ice carving, or even make their own glass artwork with the ArtsQuest Hot Glass Experience.
Winter Wonderland at SteelStacks
Winter Wonderland transforms the Levitt Pavilion lawn into an expanded holiday village presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The space features festive décor, expanded lighting, and plenty of new experiences for Christkindlmarkt visitors. Highlights include a second entrance and exit to improve guest flow, more photo opportunities, family areas like St. Nick’s new Bavarian inspired home, a larger Crayola Craft Area, spacious glassblowing demonstrations, cozy outdoor igloo rentals with food and beverage packages, and even more artisan vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. A new permanent stage also brings more than seventy five holiday performances to the village throughout the season.
Guests can take part in a wide lineup of seasonal activities, from breakfast events and hands on art making workshops to food and beverage tastings. A heated hospitality tent provides seating for up to one hundred fifty five guests and serves as both a public dining space during market hours and a venue for private rentals or group gatherings.
Sightsee with festive historical tours.
Bethlehem is just as famous for its history as it is for Christmas. During the holiday season, historic tours become festive strolls and carriage rides. Guides in period attire share stories of early Moravian Christmases while visitors admire the city’s stunning seasonal décor.
Bethlehem is also home to the first Christmas tree in America, displayed in 1747. The Bethlehem Garden Club continues that tradition with the Trees of Historic Bethlehem, a collection of beautifully decorated trees arranged across five historic sites.
Head downtown for local fun & festivities.
If you didn’t get your fill of shopping at Christkindlmarkt, wander through Bethlehem’s downtown shops for even more inspiration. Bethlehem’s local, small businesses get in the spirit just as much as their big-name counterparts. Clothing boutiques, wineries, book shops, and taprooms line the streets, each offering their own festive displays. Simply walking through town is a holiday experience on its own, with lights, décor, and surprises around every corner.
Finish your day with a breathtaking view of Bethlehem illuminated below. The Bethlehem by Night Motor Coach takes visitors up South Mountain, providing a clear look at the glowing star that started it all. Overlooking the warm, twinkling lights of the Christmas City, it is easy to understand why this place has held the title for centuries.
Plan your visit to the Christmas City and Christkindlmarkt
Christkindlmarkt returns on select long weekends from November 14 through December 21. The market is open Thursdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Their handy market map helps you plan your route through the vendors, food stops, and festive attractions. Tickets start at $12.50 in advance for Thursday and Friday visits and $13.50 on the day of. Weekend admission is $14.50 in advance and $15.50 on the day of. Guests can also take advantage of free admission on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. Combo options are available on the ArtQuest website.
With so much to explore, the map makes it easy to make the most of your visit. And whether you spend the day shopping, strolling through historic streets, enjoying seasonal treats, or simply soaking in the glow of the Christmas City, a trip to Bethlehem always delivers that warm holiday magic that makes the season feel complete.
* Featured Image (top) courtesy of Craig Roberts for The Christmas City
