Group Attractions

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Attractions are available during the holidays and anytime of the year (Subject to availability and restrictions). All packages can be offered with a holiday meal served buffet-style.

For prices, information and reservations please contact: Terry Blackman: 610-332-1302 or tblackman@artsquest.org or Susan Drexinger: 610-332-1304 or sdrexinger@artsqest.org

An Old-Fashioned Moravian Christmas

Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 2-4 and 9-11, 2 p.m.

Experience the charming story of the early Moravians of Bethlehem as they share the true meaning of Christmas. This enchanting holiday performance features appearances by Mainstreet Brass Quartet and the Central Moravian Church Choir,* along with the glorious sounds of the Moller/Walker pipe organ, masterfully performed by organist Rebecca Kleintop Owens. Guests will enjoy music from Rebecca’s latest CD, “An Old-Fashioned Moravian Christmas,” as the history of the Moravians is brought to life through music, singing and historical interlude.

*Schedules vary for appearances by the quartet and choir

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 26-Dec. 19 (times vary)

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, delicious food and more. Be sure to stop by the GlassWorks glassblowing booth where tree ornaments are usually being made.

Banana Factory

Open Daily

This is your first stop of the day, where a greeter will board your coach to welcome you to Bethlehem. The Banana Factory is an award-winning arts and cultural center where you can explore galleries, visit 28 studio artists and enjoy a 25-minute video documenting Bethlehem’s past and future. Guests are also invited to visit the Gallery Shoppe, showcasing fine art, holiday items and more.

For more information: Terry Blackman: 610-332-1338 or tblackman@fest.org Susan Drexinger: 610-332-1304 or sdrexinger@fest.org

Central Moravian Church- Star & Candle Shop

Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 26-Dec. 19, and daily Dec. 26-31 (times vary)

This popular source of traditional Moravian stars, candles and handmade gifts is conveniently located next to Central Moravian’s Christmas Putz.

Central Moravian Church- Christmas Putz

Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 26-Dec. 19, and daily Dec. 26-31 (times vary)

A cherished Moravian tradition begun in 1937, the Central Moravian Church Christmas 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.

Bethlehem By Night/Day Bus Tour

Daily/Nightly
45-50 minutes (allow one hour in itinerary)

Your costumed guide will take you back in time as you tour Bethlehem by bus. Tour highlights include the unique religious heritage of the town under the guiding influence of its early Moravian founders and continues with the progression of power and innovation that marks the city’s later entrepreneurial and industrial spirit. This is a great way to see the sites while being immersed in Bethlehem’s quiet beauty.

Dazzling “Lights” of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

Daily/Nightly

Enjoy exquisite restaurants, live entertainment and hundreds of slot machines and live table games (coming July 2010) at this dynamic resort in south Bethlehem.

NEW- Bethlehem by Night/Day Architectural Bus Tour

Daily/Nightly
45-50 minutes (allow one hour in itinerary)

The lights are up, the halls are decked and the walls are talking. Hear their stories! Your costumed guide will unveil three centuries of the Christmas City’s architects, builders and residents. This bus tour will feature historic mansions, industrial powerhouses, immigrant neighborhoods and the best collection of Germanic architecture in the country.

Festival of Trees

Open Daily

Enjoy traditionally decorated Christmas trees, representing many of the cultures that settled in the South Side of Bethlehem. This display is located in the Comfort Suites of Bethlehem lobby.

“Christmas” at Hotel Bethlehem Tour

Daily Nov. 26-Jan. 16

Experience a self-guided tour of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s Christmas Display featuring crystal snowflakes in The Tap Room, a unique flocked “Peacock” tree in the Mural Ballroom and three elves astride Christmas geese flying over “1741 on the Terrace.” Built in 1922 in the midst of the “Roaring Twenties,” the opulent lobby of this historic hotel is a journey back in time featuring a beautiful nativity scene handcrafted in Tuscany by the famed Fontanini family. Be sure to stop by the Main Street window to see a replica of Bethlehem’s “First House,” which stood on the site when the city was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741.

Early Bethlehem at Work - Guided Tour

Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 26-Dec. 27, and Dec. 31 (times vary)
30-minute tour

Be amazed as you enjoy a guided walk through Bethlehem’s historic Colonial Industrial Quarter. Discover the most extensive center of pre-industrial revolution technology in the 13 colonies! The tour includes stops at the 1761 Tannery, 1762 Waterworks and 1764 Springhouse.

1810 Goundie House - Self Guided Tour

Visit the home of John Sebastian Goundie, Bethlehem’s town brewer and community leader. He and his family resided in this handsome Federal-style brick home.

Rarely seen treasures from the four museums of Historic Bethlehem will be on exhibit for the exhibition “Hidden History in Bethlehem”. Our curator will select exceptional objects that have been tucked away in deep storage for years. Each piece tells a fascinating story of Bethlehem’s history and its people.

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Holiday Historyworks! Workshop

By Special Arrangement, 45-50 minutes (allow for 1 hour)

This new, interactive workshop introduces four creative Bethlehem and Pennsylvania German crafts- the Moravian dressed candle, Fraktur, Scherenschnitte and paper stars.

Moravian Museum of Bethlehem - Self Guided Tour

Daily Nov. 26-Dec. 31 (times vary)
45-50 minutes (allow one hour in itinerary)
(NOT Handicapped Accessible)

Visitors will be inspired and astonished by the determination, hard work and conviction of Bethlehem’s Moravian founders as they tour the Moravian Museum in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the oldest building in Bethlehem. Included in the visit is “House on the Lecha: An Architectural History of Bethlehem’s Gemeinhaus.”

Old Bethlehem Historical Walking Tour

Daily Nov. 26-Dec. 31 (times vary)
45-50 minutes (allow one hour in itinerary)

This walking tour, led by guide in period dress, takes you through Bethlehem’s charming historic district. Marvel at the inspiring and unique beginnings of this early Moravian town on the colonial frontier and appreciate its collection of beautifully preserved 18th century Germanic style buildings unsurpassed in the nation. (This tour is a vigorous walk through Bethlehem. Guests are exposed to seasonal elements - umbrellas, proper dress and comfortable shoes are encouraged.)

New Walking Tours include:

”Bethlehem during the French and Indian War”
“Colonial Industrial Quarter”
”John Adams’ Bethlehem”
“Old Moravian Cemetery”
“The Southside: From Farmlands to Steelyards”

“The Christmas Doll” (musical)

Dec. 3-19 (various afternoon and evening performances)

Celebrating the spirit of giving and the unending belief in hope, this holiday musical is sure to inspire children of all ages. Join Pennsylvania Youth Theatre’s company of 40 professional adult and child performers as they weave the tale of two sisters who discover a long lost doll, Morning Glory, changing their lives forever—for this is no ordinary doll.

“The Nutcracker” (musical)

Dec. 18, 2 p.m., and Dec. 19, 2 p.m.

Think sugarplums and snowflakes as Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley presents “The Nutcracker,” one of the season’s most beloved holiday traditions. This year marks the 41st consecutive production of this classic, which includes luminaries of the ballet world, community volunteers and Ballet Guild students. Performances are held at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center.

Lehigh Valley Premiere- “White Christmas” (musical)

Presented by PA Playhouse

Dec. 3-19 (limited afternoon and evening performances)

Based on Paramount Pictures’ 1954 film of the same name, White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont Inn and end up finding their perfect mates. The score features beloved songs Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, Sisters, How Deep is the Ocean, and the ageless title tune. Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin.

Central Moravian Church visit & Mini Organ Concert (includes Old Chapel)

Come experience the charming simplicity of the 1751 Old Chapel and the grandeur of the 1806 Central Moravian Church Sanctuary while learning about the Moravians, their religion and their customs, and then sit back and enjoy a 30 minute organ concert on a majestic pipe organ of more than 3000 pipes!

* Based upon scheduling availability