With a name like Bethlehem, it's no wonder this Lehigh Valley town is known as Pennsylvania's Christmas City. It's even got its own "rooming with livestock" origin story dating back to Christmas Eve 1741. Nowadays, Bethlehem in December is known for festive markets, sparkling lights (including a famous star of its own) and a blend of old and new traditions honoring the joyous and peaceful spirit of the holiday it's named after. Our two-day itinerary will show you how to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. You may just realize this is a trip you need to take every year!
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Why visit Bethlehem during the Christmas season?
Christmas in Bethlehem is unforgettable. Its Christkindlmarkt European-style market is world renowned for its selection of traditional arts and crafts. But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover more intimate Bethlehem traditions, like the Christmas Putz and Live Advent Calendar, which reveal this city’s Moravian history in a quieter way. With Christmas cheer and stunning decorations around every corner, you'll realize that in Bethlehem Christmas isn't just a vibe, it's a lifestyle.
Day 1: Discover Bethlehem's Christmas City traditions
On your first day in Bethlehem, be sure to hit all the iconic Christmas experiences, from historic walking tours that reveal how Christmas was celebrated in the past to stunning light displays that celebrate with a modern twist. Be sure to bring your Christmas list, because you’ll also want to do some shopping while you're here.
Explore historic downtown Bethlehem
Head downtown to discover Bethlehem's rich history, beginning with its first Moravian settlers more than 250 years ago. Start with the Christmas City Stroll walking tour to orient yourself among historic buildings and landmarks and learn about local holiday traditions through the centuries. Marvel at the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibit, a festive and educational collection of 20 richly decorated Christmas trees that spans three downtown sites, including the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts.
Then experience your first Christmas Putz — a Moravian tradition that tells the nativity story with narration, music and illuminated wooden figures. The great part is there are several throughout town from which you can choose. Be sure to visit the Sun Inn Courtyard at 5:30 p.m. for the Live Advent Calendar. With each day revealing a different family-friendly surprise, you never know what will come out of that door, but you definitely don't want to miss it!
Shop seasonal markets and local boutiques
Thousands of visitors come to Bethlehem each year to experience Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired Christmas market. Travel + Leisure even included Bethlehem in their list of top Christmas markets in the U.S in 2026. Discover what all the fuss is about as you browse festive handmade gifts and decorations and sample German delicacies like bratwurst, strudel and Bavarian pretzels. Watch a glass blowing demonstration or rent an igloo to relax and soak in the holiday cheer.
The Christmas City Village along Main Street offers free admission and is an excellent place to shop for unique gifts from local vendors and enjoy the decorations downtown. It's also perfectly positioned for you to check out nearby boutiques, like the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest bookstore in America.
Enjoy a festive dinner in Christmas City
If you want to peek inside the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and see their extraordinary decorations without spending the night, make a reservation at one of the two restaurants inside: the Tap Room or 1741 on the Terrace. Both offer delicious food, unparalleled ambiance and wonderful views of the Christmas City.
If you're peckish after watching the Live Advent Calendar, step inside the Tavern at the Sun Inn for cozy colonial fare or tasting flights from Christmas City Spirits. For craft beer and a delicious pub style menu, try Fegley's Brew Works.
December is a busy time in Bethlehem. Be sure to make reservations early so you don't miss out on your festive dinner!
Experience holiday lights after dark
One of the best ways to experience Bethlehem's festive lights is the Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour, which winds through the Historic District and South Side and ends with a climb to the top of South Mountain to see the iconic 91-foot tall Star of Bethlehem. For a more intimate experience, see the city's lights from a horse-drawn carriage.
Day 2: Attractions, culture and holiday fun
Now that you've hit all the holiday highlights, you can use your second day in Bethlehem to learn more about its history, culture and a few spots worth visiting any time of year.
Start the morning with Bethlehem history and culture
Learn about Bethlehem's past as a steel town at the National Museum of Industrial History. Then visit the SteelStacks and see how the old Bethlehem Steel Plant has been reimagined as a vibrant campus for arts and culture. Stop by the Visitor Center to take in local history exhibits and then walk across the Hoover-Mason Trestle for a bird's eye view of the factory. Continue your exploration by watching an independent film at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, visiting an art installation or grabbing lunch at Palette & Pour.
Seasonal events and festive experiences
Before you leave the SteelStacks campus, be sure to stop at the outdoor ice rink to go ice skating. As evening approaches, take the Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour to learn more about Bethlehem's Christmas traditions and sample food and spirits from some of their best pubs and taverns along the way.
While many of Bethlehem's holiday experiences happen daily from mid-November through Christmas, some only last a day or a weekend. Check our events calendar so you don't miss out on any special events, such as tree lightings, cocktail crawls, photos with Santa, holiday plays and performances or vespers concerts.
Explore nearby attractions and winter activities
If you're in the market for even more holiday cheer, stick around for an extra day or two to experience some other holiday activities in the Lehigh Valley. Drive through the epic Lights in the Parkway display in Allentown to see more than a quarter of a million lights over one sparkling mile.
Kids love the Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, where they can stroll through 1.7 million lights, meet popular characters, get their photo taken with Santa and enjoy special VIP Animal Mingles. Or experience a hi-tech synchronized light show, ride the Polar Express, make your own s'mores and enjoy other activities for both kids and adults at Illumination at Jefferson Park, the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs minor league baseball team.
Where to stay for a Christmas weekend in Bethlehem
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is always iconic, combining colonial elegance and modern luxury. But they outdo themselves at Christmas time, with thousands of lights, two dozen decorated trees, life-sized Nutcrackers and toy soldiers, plus a gingerbread replica of the hotel. If you want to surround yourself with Christmas magic during your stay, it's worth the splurge!
For maximum excitement and convenience, consider staying at Wind Creek Bethlehem, a casino, resort and entertainment complex right next to the SteelStacks. With ten restaurants on site, an event center hosting world-class musicians and comedians and an indoor shopping mall, you might want to extend your stay so you can experience it all.
Because it's such a busy season in Bethlehem, be sure to book well in advance or there might not be any room left in the inn!
Make Bethlehem your Christmas getaway
Famous markets. Traditions dating back to the 1700s. Classic Christmas activities like ice skating and carriage rides. No matter how you like to celebrate, Pennsylvania's own Christmas City is the perfect place to be this December. Learn more about Bethlehem and start planning your holiday getaway.
