How to Celebrate the Winter Holidays in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

A Moravian Star is the holiday symbol for Bethlehem.

Founded in 1741 by Moravians and named "Bethlehem" on Christmas Eve of that year, Pennsylvania's Eastern star has blossomed from its humble roots to become fondly known as America's Christmas City. Each holiday season, Bethlehem's streets become illuminated with the sparkle of holiday festivities unrivaled elsewhere. Here are a few tips to make the most of your holiday season visit to the Christmas City.

Instructions

1. Kick off your holiday season at Bethlehem's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held in late November at Payrow Plaza on Church St., this free evening event treats visitors to the official tree lighting ceremony for the Christmas City's main tree, and all of the lights throughout the city. Topping off the annual event is the arrival of Santa Claus himself.

2. No holiday visit to Bethlehem is complete without attending the Live Christmas Pageant. Held on an early December mid-afternoon at the Community Arts Pavilion, this beloved city tradition features live animals and costumed performers reenacting the birth of Jesus. Singers and a narrator relate the story as the pageant unfolds.

3. Be sure to visit during Christkindlmarkt. Inspired by Germany's festive open-air holiday markets, this annual event in Bethlehem's historic downtown features Germanic cuisine, live holiday tunes and arts and crafts sold by artisans.

4. Spend some time in the city's downtown Historic District, speckled with charming shops, cafes and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Moravian Bookshop, one of the oldest in America, where you can pick up a Moravian Star as the perfect keepsake of your visit. Brunch at the Hotel Bethlehem is a delight, and a beer at the BrewWorks is the perfect respite at the end of the day.

5. Attend a Moravian Music Christmas Concert. Held in the mid-afternoon late November through mid-December, you'll be treated to the delightful charm of an old-fashioned Christmas in the breathtaking, 200-year-old Central Moravian Church. Traditional Christmas carols and Moravian hymns make these concerts truly unforgettable.

6. Take a Bethlehem by Night Light Tour. Offered evenings late November through late December, these enchanting bus rides through Bethlehem's historic district feature glistening white lights, Moravian stars and 18th century buildings aglow with window candles. The tour includes a look at the 81-foot-tall Star of Bethlehem, the enduring symbol of the Christmas City. All the while, a guide adorned in period dress narrates your experience.

7. Another great way to take in the magic of the Christmas City is with an old-fashioned carriage ride. While relaxing on an old-fashioned carriage, you'll experience the holiday lights, sounds and spectacles of Bethlehem's Historic District. Rides are offered late November through late December on Thursdays through Sundays.

8. Ring in the New Year in style with First Night® Bethlehem, an eclectic blend of arts and cultural entertainment throughout the city. With venues primarily located within walking distance of one another-or reachable via the free Christmas City Trolley-families can enjoy live music, magicians, other entertainers and so much more.

Resources

• For more information about any of the area