Let the merrymaking begin with the best delights of Christmas City!
There’s no place like Bethlehem for the holidays. Year after year, the masses come together to enjoy the magic of wintertime festivities. On the night before Christmas in 1741, this charming city in eastern Pennsylvania was appropriately named Bethlehem. Ever since, this destination spot has been permeated with holiday cheer. Lovingly regarded as Christmas City, USA, embrace the season with these four festive attractions.
Bethlehem Christmas Horse Carriage Rides
Take a cozy tour of the city in a picturesque horse-drawn carriage. Journey through the lit-up streets of Downtown Bethlehem, learning all about the history and architecture. Choose your favorite classic Victorian carriage style, all of which are beautifully decorated. No matter which one you decide on, you’ll be lead by two tall, noble, white draft horses elegantly adorned with Christmas trimmings. Available all day Wednesdays through Mondays, reserve your carriage ride here. This classic pastime is sure to make your spirits bright!
Explore on Foot with the Christmas City Stroll
Get immersed in the true feel of Bethlehem as you walk around one of America’s National Historic Landmark Districts. Guided by certified experts, this walking tour will take you through the deep tales of Christmas City. Learn about how the city came to be and listen to a multitude of fairytale-like traditions as you visit the district’s most historic landmarks. This jolly expedition is offered at 2:00 pm every day until December 30th, except December 24th and 25th. Buy your tickets here.
Christmas Countdown at the Historic Bethlehem Live Advent Calendar
Celebrating its 10th year of community merriment, the Live Advent Calendar in Christmas City is the only active advent calendar in the country. Every evening up to December 23rd at 5:30 pm, join the crowd as locals and tourists alike come together for this nightly event. Located at 1810 Goundie House at 505 Main Street, as many as 300 people gather for treats or presentations provided by local restaurants and shops. The event is free of charge and all are welcome. See the calendar listing of daily merchants here. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to get good spots.
Celebrate Together at the Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
One of Christmas City’s most unique attractions, this German-inspired tradition of putting on festive outdoor Christkindlmarkts markets during the holiday season has become a staple of Bethlehem’s holiday culture. Come to the city’s Christkindlmarkts for food, drinks, handcrafted gifts, and community cheer. Located at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, this event has become one of the greatest holiday experiences of the Northeastern United States. Santa Claus is here to listen to Christmas wishes, and a 26-foot tall Christkindlmarkt tree adorns the courtyard. Come celebrate every Thursday through Sunday until December 23rd.
To learn more about all the wonderful things Bethlehem has to offer, contact us today. Happy Holidays!