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Bethlehem, The One Christmas Town In Pennsylvania That’s Simply A Must-Visit This Season

Bethlehem, known as America's Christmas City, offers a festive holiday experience with events, markets, and decorations.

Published Dec 7, 2022

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Getting into the Christmas spirit really isn't difficult, especially living in Pennsylvania. After all, we're never far from a Christmas event or activity. Even a drive around the neighborhood to admire the twinkling lights is oh-so-delightful. However, if you're still struggling to get in the spirit this holiday season or even if you're just yearning for a getaway, make it to this Christmas town in Pennsylvania. Brimming with holiday cheer, it's known as Christmas City for a reason.

Known as America's Christmas City, Bethlehem got its name on Christmas Eve in 1741, and the small Pennsylvania town has embraced and celebrated its connection with Christmas ever since.

A horse-drawn carriage rides through a brightly lit street at night, with festive decorations and traffic in the background.
Flickr/Discover Lehigh Valley PA

A simple stroll through downtown, awash in twinkling lights, is a surefire way to get in the Christmas spirit. Bethlehem is also bustling with activity all season long.

A festive walkway adorned with colorful lights, bows, and decorations, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere at night.
Facebook/Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Everywhere you go, you'll be greeted with Christmas cheer.

Illuminated holiday decorations, including reindeer and stars, in front of an industrial backdrop with smokestacks.
Facebook/Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

The holiday season officially kicks off each year with the lighting of the Christmas tree, a festive event that usually occurs in mid-November.

A large, illuminated Christmas tree surrounded by a crowd of people at a festive event.
Facebook/Visit Bethlehem

Every holiday season, on weekends from mid-November through mid-December, Bethlehem also hosts the Christkindlmrket at the PNC Bethlehem SteelStacks.

Entrance to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem with festive signage and industrial buildings in the background.
Facebook/Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Tickets are required for admission to the market, which hosts a collection of vendors, selling everything from baked goodies to handmade jewelry.

Get some more Christmas shopping done at Christmas City Village on Main, where you'll find vendors in wooden huts. Hop aboard the free holiday trolley to explore the Moravian Historic District and Downtown Bethlehem.

A decorated Christmas tree with large gift boxes in front of an industrial backdrop, lightly snowing.
Facebook/Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Make sure you take time to visit the shops in downtown Bethlehem, too, and try a few of its delightful restaurants.

The Christmas City Village is generally held Thursday through Sunday from early November to Christmas Eve.

You'll quickly discover that a single day in Bethlehem just isn't enough time. A stay at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem puts a pretty bow on the end of a merry day.

A beautifully lit brick building with arched windows, decorated for the holidays, along a quiet street at night.
Facebook/Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Even if you don't stay overnight, make it a point to stop at this historic hotel. Its elaborate Christmas decorations make it well worth a visit.

Two festive Christmas trees adorned with red ornaments and lights flank a hotel lobby decorated for the holidays.
Facebook/Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Find a full list of Christmastime events and activities on the Visit Historic Bethlehem website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.

A festive display reads "Happy Holidays" in bright lights, surrounded by holly leaves and berries.
Facebook/Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

What is your favorite Christmas town in Pennsylvania? Bethlehem? Lititz? Indiana? Let us know in the comments! Next time you're up for a holiday adventure, how about following this Christmas town road trip in Pennsylvania?

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