The Twinkliest Town in Pennsylvania Will Make Your Holiday Season Merry and Bright

Christmastime transforms Pennsylvania into an enchanting wonderland of shimmering lights, spectacular decorations, and a hearty dose of holiday cheer. One city, however, stands out as perhaps the symbol of the holiday season, earning the title of the most magical Christmas town in Pennsylvania. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has consistently been named one of the top Christmas towns in the United States, most recently coming in at #12 out of the 30 top Christmas towns named by Country Living. Bethlehem, also known as the Christmas City in Pennsylvania, is the place to go to wrap yourself in the holiday spirit.

Why Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Is Called the Christmas City

Embrace the holiday spirit with a Christmastime visit to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The enchanting town earned its name and the title of the Christmas City when it was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741. Ever since, it's been a must-visit for holiday revelers who want to celebrate the season, do a little Christmas shopping, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

Experience the Magic of Christkindlmarkt

Christmas in Bethlehem means the annual Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German market that runs each year from mid-November through the beginning of December. This year's dates are November 14–December 21, 2025. On display will be dozens upon dozens of local artisans, selling handmade gifts and seasonal treats. Plus, there will be family-friendly holiday activities to enjoy. Even if you miss Christkindlmarkt, you have until the end of December to stroll along Main Street, which hosts the charming Christmas Huts on Main. There, do a little before or after Christmas shopping, admire the decorated shop windows, and maybe even join in as Christmas carols ring out in the winter air.

Holiday Tours, Carriage Rides, and Dazzling Lights in Bethlehem

If you’ve never been to the Christmas City in Pennsylvania, you can meet historic Bethlehem with a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. The 20-minute carriage ride, which you can pick up at Central Moravian Church on Main Street, promises a beautiful view of the twinkliest town in Pennsylvania. Tours will. be offered between October 24, 2025, and January 3, 2026. In the evening, climb aboard the Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour, a 30-minute tour of the town as it shimmers with Christmas lights. Add a tour of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem to your itinerary, too. Three historic locations, including the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, feature more than 20 ornately decorated themed trees.

Stay in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem for a Truly Festive Getaway

A day really isn’t enough to drink in all of the sights and sounds that Bethlehem has to offer, especially during Christmastime. The Historic Hotel Bethlehem promises a cozy and magical place to stay the night. Exquisitely decorated for the holiday season, the historic hotel typically offers self-guided tours for those who aren’t staying at the hotel.

More Holiday Fun Near Bethlehem: Hershey’s Sweet Lights & Indiana, PA

For more holiday magic, drive through the two-mile Hershey’s Sweet Lights, which boasts more than one million lights. Or, if you want to feel like you've stepped into a real-life Bedford Falls, plan a visit to Indiana, Pennsylvania. One of my favorite towns, and the hometown of Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey), Indiana is magical at Christmas. I go every year for the It's A Wonderful Life Festival, where Santa meets visitors, a parade kicks off the celebration, and we roast marshmallows over a roaring fire pit.

Have you been to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at Christmas? What did you think? Let us know in the comments. Learn more about Christmas in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on the Visit Historic Bethlehem website as well as the Visit Historic Bethlehem Facebook page.

Whether you've just started or are almost finished with your holiday shopping, check out Only In Your State's Holiday Gift Guide for gift-giving inspiration.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.