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Bethlehem is home to famous holiday light tours, community putzes, historic house tours and much more.

Events and performances may require tickets. This fall you'll be able to purchase tickets to many of these peformances right here from ChristmasCity.org. Check back in the fall for updates.

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.

Downtown Bethlehem
Dec. 31
Official Website

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.

Admission buttons are required. Details on how to purchase buttons will be coming this fall.

Bethlehem Rose Garden Band Shell, Off Eighth Avenue
Dec. 13-14, 2 p.m.

Singing, narration, actors and live animals come together in this reenactment of the historical events surrounding the birth of Christ. Free; outdoors; goodwill offerings accepted.

Historic Bethlehem Welcome Center, 505 Main St.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 30, No Tours Dec. 24-25 and 31
Presented by Historic Bethlehem Partnership

Enjoy this relaxing ride through Bethlehem with her beautiful holiday decorations aglow! The historic district features glistening white lights, Moravian stars and 18th century buildings lit with window candles, while the South Side showcases festive, multi-colored lights, celebrating the city's ethnic diversity.

Included is a spectacular view of the Lehigh Valley from the top of South Mountain and a look at the 81-foot-tall Star of Bethlehem, the enduring symbol of the Christmas City. A guide in period dress narrates your experience, conveying Bethlehem's unique and important history.

Tour Info

Christkindlmarkt, Spring & Main Streets
Dec. 6 & 13, 9-10:30 a.m.
Presented by ArtsQuest

This holiday season, families are invited to share a very special breakfast with the one and only St. Nicholas! Tickets include daily admission to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem (an $8 value), continental breakfast and one photo and a visit with St. Nicholas.

Reserve your tickets early, as seats for this memorable event always go fast! Ticket information is coming soon.

Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 31
Presented by Central Moravian Church

A cherished Moravian tradition begun in 1937, the Christmas Community Putz - the oldest of Bethlehem's three community putzes - retells the story of Christ's birth through music, narration, tiny lights and small, antique German figurines.

The Community Putz is free and open to the public.

Hours

Payrow Plaza, New & Church Streets
Nov. 28, 4:30 p.m.

Usher in the holiday season with the City of Bethlehem’s official tree lighting ceremony. The event, which features the illumination of Bethlehem’s official tree at Payrow Plaza and all of the city’s holiday lights, concludes with the official arrival of Santa Claus.

The event is free and open to the public.

Moravian Village, 561 E. Market St.
Nov. 30, 8:30 a.m.

This multi-denominational service/breakfast, which celebrates the start of the Advent season, includes the Moravian Trombone Choir, Christmas carols and guest speaker Rev. Tony Pompa of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Limited seating – tickets required.

East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Rd.
Nov. 29 - Dec. 30
Presented by East Hills Moravian Church

The Christmas putz originated in the Middle Ages as a way to teach the Christmas story. East Hills’ putz shares the Christmas story through music, narration, lights and scenic displays.

The putz is built each year and covered with moss, with the scenes created using lights and figures from members of the church.

The putz is free; there is a free will offering. Special group tours can be arranged day or evening.

Hours

Edgeboro Moravian Church, 645 Hamilton Ave.
Dec. 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21
Fri.-Sat.: 6-8 p.m.; Sun.: 3-6 p.m.
Presented by Edgeboro Moravian Church

Telling the story of the birth of Christ through miniature scenes, lights and narration. Free, goodwill offerings accepted.

Dec. 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Presented by the Bethlehem Historic District Association Sponsored by The Morning Call & Historic Hotel Bethlehem

This holiday season, you’re invited to take a look inside some of Bethlehem’s most beautiful and historic homes, all decked out for Christmas.

The Bethlehem Historic District Association’s 2008 Holiday House Tour is a self-guided walking tour that takes you inside Bethlehem’s distinctive homes and the community putz display. All homes are located in the historic district and within walking distance of each other. The houses are decorated for the holidays by professional florists and decorators.

The following homes are included on the 2008 tour

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and will be asked to remove shoes inside the homes (bags will be provided to carry shoes while in the houses). Houses are not accessible for disabled patrons; strollers, hard-sided carriers and cameras are not permitted. Proceeds from the tour benefit BHDA’s streetscape improvement and beautification project.

Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of the tour.
Check back soon for purchasing information.

Dec. 12, 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy an advance viewing of at least two distinctive homes on the Holiday House Tour plus a sumptuous reception catered by the Hotel Bethlehem. The party takes place in one of historic district’s most beautiful homes!

The home tour takes place from 5-7 p.m., with the reception from 7-9 p.m. Tickets to the Preview Party and Saturday Tour $75.

Goundie House, 501 Main St.
Nov. 28-Dec. 23
Mon.-Thurs.: 1:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sun.: 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy Bethlehem’s newest tradition! Just like your Advent calendar at home, each day the door opens and a present is bestowed upon those in attendance. Free.

Throughout Bethlehem’s neighborhoods
and shopping districts
Dec. 13. Inclement weather dats: Dec. 14 or 20
Presented by New Bethany Ministries

Thousands of families decorate their walkways and properties with luminaria, lighting up the neighborhood and uniting neighbors in giving to those in need during the holiday season.

One luminaria kit is $10; additional kits for homes are just $5. All proceeds from the sale of luminaria kits benefit New Bethany Ministries.

Event Info