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The Christmas City is filled with a wide variety of musical, theatrical and artistic events to help you celebrate the holidays.

Some events and performances may require tickets.

Spring & Main Streets
Thursday- Sunday starting Nov. 28 and ending December 21
Official Website

Recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top holiday markets in the world, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem features aisles of handmade works by the nation's finest artisans, live holiday music, authentic German and Austrian food and much more.

Click here to buy Christkindlmarkt season passes online.

Downtown Bethlehem
Dec. 31, 1 p.m. - midnight
Official Website
Sponsored by: Capital BlueCross

First Night® Bethlehem is a family-friendly, community New Year's celebration.

First Night® Bethlehem 2009 promises to be a fun-filled celebration all over downtown. ArtsQuest is very proud to ring in 2009 with a truly eclectic mix of arts and cultural entertainment throughout the city.

With venues located mostly within walking distance of each other, families can enjoy folk, choral and instrumental music; swing, blues and rock bands; magicians, clowns and much more.

Click here to buy admission buttons online.

Charles A. Brown Ice House, 75 River Rd.
Dec. 4-7 & 10-14
Presented by Pennsylvania Youth Theatre

One of the holidays’ most endearing and enduring tales is brought to life for children of all ages in this dazzling musical production directed by Madeleine Ramsey.

Part ghost story, part parable, this festive show brims with holiday spirit as a cast of 90 actors, singers and dancers guides the miserly Scrooge on an unforgettable journey from darkness to light. See Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future in this heart-warming musical based on the Dickens classic.

Performance Info

Central Moravian Church, Main & Church Streets
Nov. 29, 3 p.m.
Presented by Central Moravian Chuch

Rebecca Kleintop Owens, Director of Music and Organist, presents an organ recital featuring favorite Advent and Christmas carols.

The concert is free, but tickets are required.

Dec., 13 & 14
Presented by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Bach Festival Orchestra and world-renowned soloists under the direction of Greg Funfgeld perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and Bach’s Magnificat.

Performance Info

The Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St.
Banana Factory website

The Banana Factory, a community art center and gallery, recognizes the importance of the visual arts and has dedicated itself to promoting and sharing them with everyone, regardless of age, race or economic background. From gallery exhibitions by nationally-known artists to shows by local school children and summer employment programs for inner-city youth, the center is making the arts accessible to all.

Established in 1998 “to kindle, support and celebrate the artistic, cultural and creative spirit of the Lehigh Valley,” the Banana Factory has been a cornerstone in the revitalization of South Bethlehem and has rapidly become one of the main visual arts attractions in the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Spring & Main Streets
Dec. 27-28
Presented by ArtsQuest

Experience an unforgettable evening of high-flying circus performers, music, magic, juggling and comedy! The “cirque” has been described as the modern circus and focuses on amazing performances combining elements of busking, circus, opera and ballet. Acts include contortionists, jugglers, clowns and trapeze artists, perfectly blended into a delightful show that’s ideal for all ages.

Performance Info

Click here to buy tickets online.

Touchstone Theatre, 321 East 4th St.
Dec. 3-7, 11-14 & 18-21
Presented by Touchstone Theatre

It's playtime again! The popular Christmas follies wrap music, wit, silliness and dazzling performances into a variety act package that will serenade your imagination and delight your senses.

The production is created and performed by the Touchstone Ensemble and Apprentices.

Performance Info

Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St.
Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 20
Presented by Central Moravian Church and ArtsQuest Sponsored by The Morning Call

Experience the charming story of the early Moravians of Bethlehem and their interactions with the American Indians as they share the true meaning of Christmas. This delightful holiday show features historic Moravian figures, Mainstreet Brass and the Central Moravian Church Choir, as well as the glorious sounds of the Moller pipe organ.

Performance Info

Click here to buy tickets online.

Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave..
Dec. 13-14
Presented by Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley

Think sugarplums and snowflakes as Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley and its Pennsylvania Youth Ballet present one of the season's most beloved holiday traditions, The Nutcracker.

Artistic Director Karen Knerr brings the tale of Clara and the wooden Nutcracker to life on stage at Zoellner Arts Center in a delightful performance featuring professional guest artists and local pre-professional dancers from Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

Performance Info