christmas : events

1750/1761 Smithy  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28 to Dec 31
425 Main Street (Next to Hotel Bethlehem)
Opening the doors of this reconstructed workshop brings into view the bellows, forge, anvil and fire used by historic Bethlehem's resident blacksmiths. Step inside, visit the blacksmiths and learn about iron working and its importance to early Bethlehem. Free, donations appreciated.
Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-30: Noon-4pm
Dec. 31: Noon-3pm
Free ~ Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

A Christmas Carol  
Pennsylvania Youth Theatre
Dec 4-14
Bethlehem's Ice House at Sand Island
One of the holidays' most endearing and enduring tales is brought to life for children of all ages in this dazzling musical production directed by Madeleine Ramsey.
Part ghost story, part parable, this festive show brims with holiday spirit as a cast of 90 actors, singers and dancers guides the miserly Scrooge on an unforgettable journey from darkness to light. See Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future in this heart-warming musical based on the Dickens classic. Tickets available on the PYT Website.
Thursday Dec. 4, 12:15pm
Friday, Dec. 5, 12:15 & 7:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2 & 7:30pm
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 & 4pm
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 12:15pm
Thursday, Dec. 11, 7pm
Friday, Dec. 12, 7pm
Saturday, Dec. 13, 1, 4 & 7pm
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 & 4pm
$23 for adults; $18 for children and seniors ~ Call 610-332-1400.

Advent Organ Concert at Central Moravian Church  
Central Moravian Church
Nov 29, 3:00 PM
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
Rebecca Kleintop Owens, Director of Music and Organist, will present an organ recital in the church. Program to include favorite Advent and Christmas arrangements on the recently renovated and enhanced Moller/Walker organ.
Free Will Offering. ~ Call 610-866-5661.

Bach Choir Christmas Concerts  
Bach Choir of Bethlehem
Dec 13-14
Dec 13, 8pm First Presbyterian Church of Allentown - Tilghman Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard
Dec 14, 4pm - First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem 2334 Center Street
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Bach Festival Orchestra and world-renowned soloists under the direction of Greg Funfgeld perform Vivaldi's Gloria and Bach's Magnificat. More information and tickets available on the Bach Choir's Website
Dec 13 - $35; Dec 14 - $29 & $39 ~ Call 888-743-3100.

Bethlehem By Night Tours  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28 to Dec 30
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
Tours leave in the evening from the Welcome Center 11/28 through 12/30. On this bus tour, led by guides dressed in colonial Moravian costumes, you'll enjoy a relaxing ride through the city, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. More information and tickets available on the Christmas City Website.

Nov 28-Dec 21: Thur - Sun: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Dec 26-Dec 30: Fri-Tues: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Additional Saturday Tours at 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
$10 per adult; $5 per child (3-12); Under 3 Free ~ Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Capital BlueCross Breakfast with St. Nicholas  
Christmas City USA
December 6 & 13; 9-10:30am
Christkindlmarkt
This holiday season, families are invited to share a very special breakfast with the one and only St. Nicholas! Tickets include daily admission to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem (an $8 value), continental breakfast and one photo and a visit with St. Nicholas. Reserve your tickets on the Christmas City Websiteearly, as seats for this memorable event always go fast! Call 610-332-1300.

Cemetery Tour  
Saturdays in October.
Leaves at 2:30pm from the Welcome Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem
Discover why Bethlehem was an important early American community as seen through the lives of the people buried in God's Acre, Bethlehem's oldest cemetery. Please visit Historic Bethlehem's website or call 1-800-360-9697 for more information.
Adults $10; 6-12 years old $5; under 6 free

Christkindlemarkt Bethlehem  
Christmas City USA
Friday, Nov. 28 - Sunday, Nov. 30
Thursday, Dec. 4 - Sunday, Dec. 7
Thursday, Dec. 11 - Sunday, Dec. 14
Thursday, Dec. 18 - Sunday, Dec. 21
Hours: Thursdays - Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Sundays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem features aisles of exquiste handmade works by the nation's finest artisans. Find more information, tickets, dates and times at the Christkindlemarkt Website. Call 610-332-1300.

Christmas City Cirque  
Christmas City USA
3pm & 7pm

Experience an unforgettable evening of high-flying circus performers, music, magic, juggling and comedy. Christmas City Cirque is a spectacular showcase of extreme acrobatic delights. Tickets and more information available on the Christmas City Website Call 610-332-1300.

Christmas City Follies IX  
Touchstone Theatre
Dec 3-21
321 East Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA
Music, wit, and holiday hijinks all wrapped in a vaudevillian package that will serenade your imagination and bake your Christmas cookies. A Touchstone classic and Lehigh Valley tradition. Get your tickets early here!
Preview on Dec. 3rd at 8pm - Pay What You Will Dec. 4th - 21st: Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm $20 / $18 (Students and Seniors) Thursdays at 8pm - Pay What You Will (at the door) ~ Call (610) 867-1689.

Christmas City Tree Lighting  
Nov 28
Usher in the holiday season with the City of Bethlehem's official tree lighting ceremony. The event, which features the illumination of Bethlehem's official tree at Payrow Plaza at City Hall and all of the city's holiday lights, concludes with the official arrival of Santa Claus. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 610-681-6055.

Christmas Community Putz and Star & Candle Shoppe  
Central Moravian Church
November 28 thru New Year's Eve
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
One of three Community Putzes, Central's is the oldest, begun in 1937. Showings every half-hour relate to the Nativity story with narration, lights, and small figurines, many of them handed down through generations. The Putz is a uniquely Moravian tradition. More information available at Central Moravian's Website.
Thursday thru Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
After Christmas: Daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Call 610-866-5661.

Community Advent Breakfast  
Nov 30, 8:30 AM
Moravian Village of Bethlehem, 561 Wood Street
This multi-denominational service/breakfast, which celebrates the start of the Advent season, includes the Moravian Trombone Choir, Christmas carols and guest speaker Rev. Tony Pompa of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Limited seating - tickets required and are sold at the Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem Welcome Center & Comfort Suites. For more information call 610-841-5835.
$9 for adults, $6 for youth to age 16

Early Bethlehem at Work Walking Tours  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28 to Dec 30
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
Tours begin at the 1762 WaterWorks in the Colonial Industrial Quarter Enjoy a guided walk through the historic Colonial Industrial Quarter as you learn about 18th and 19th century Bethlehem. The tour includes stops at the 1761 Tannery, 1762 Waterworks and the Springhouse, which features a vignette of the first Christmas celebration in Bethlehem. Pick up your tickets at Historic Bethlehem's Welcome Center, 505 Main St or on the Christmas City Website.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 30, No Tours Dec. 24-25 and 31 11 a.m. - 4p.m. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Ethnic Christmas Trees From Around the World  
Bethlehem Comfort Suites
Dec 23 to Jan 3
120 W. Third Street, Bethlehem, PA
A beautiful display of Christmas trees representing many of the cultures that settled on Bethlehem's South Side.
Free ~ Call (610) 882-9700.

First Night Bethlehem  
Christmas City USA
Dec 31

The Christmas City celebration will go out with a bang on Dec. 31 when ArtsQuest presents First Night Bethlehem. This family-friendly, non-alcoholic New Years celebration will feature music, over 50 performers and activities, while ringing in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. Be sure to come and check out this great event with the whole family! Tickets and more information can be found on the First Night Bethlehem Website Call 610-332-1300.

German and English Advent Singstunde  
Central Moravian Church
Dec 2, 7:00 PM
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
Presented by Moravian Archives, the Moravian Music Foundation and Central Moravian Church. Located in the Old Chapel at Church Street & Heckewelder Place.
Free. ~ Call 610-866-5661.

Hand-Dipped Holiday Candles  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
December 6 & 13: 1, 2 and 3pm
Luckenbach Mill, 459 Old York Road
Kids ages 6-12 can have fun while making a hand-dipped holiday candle. Advance reservations required. Tickets and more information can be found on the Christmas City Website. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Holiday House Tour  
Dec 13
Historic Downtown Bethlehem
BHDA's fifth holiday house tour will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2008 10:00 - 4:00. This year's tour features at least seven professionally decorated houses and the Putz display at the Sisters House on Church Street. The preview party on Friday, December 12th will take place in one of historic district's most beautiful homes and features advance viewing of two distinctive homes on the tour plus a reception catered by the Hotel Bethlehem. Tickets can be purchased on the Christmas City Website or at the Moravian Bookshop and the Banana Factory after October 1.

Tickets for the preview party, which includes the full Saturday are $50 per person. Tickets for the tour will be $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28-30, Dec 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-30: 10am-5pm Dec: 31, 10am-3pm
427 N. New Street
Transport yourself to a time when meticulous handwork and artistry were prized in the production of everyday objects. Enjoy the special "Colors of Christmas" displays and the premier Elizabeth Johnson Prime dollhouse collection. More information and tickets available on the Christmas City Website. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum  
Nov. 28: 2-9 p.m.
Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21: 2-7 p.m.
Dec. 24: 2-5 p.m.
Dec. 26-28: 2-7 p.m.
Dec. 29-30: 5-7 p.m.
Dec. 31, 2-5 p.m.
Jan. 1, 2-7 p.m.
705 Linden Street
Christmas and trains go hand in hand. The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club's Christmas open house features more than 4,000-square-feet of train layout highlighting the Lehigh Valley, Reading and CNJ railroads.

Luminaria & Late Shopping Night in SouthSide and Historic Districts  
Downtown Bethlehem Association
Dec 13, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The merchants of Downtown Bethlehem join as thousands of families decorate their walkways and properties with luminarias, lighting up the streets and uniting neighbors in giving to those in need during the holiday season. All proceeds from the sale of luminaria kits benefit New Bethany Ministries. Merchants will stay open late (10 PM) to celebrate the joy of the night! For more information about luminaria kits, please see the New Bethany Ministries Website. Call 610-841-5831.

Moravian Christmas Music Concerts  
Central Moravian Church
Dec 4-6 and 11-13 and Dec 20 all at 2:00pm
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
A wonderful afternoon of music, an experience of colonial Bethlehem, and a view into some of the best Moravian traditions all in one performance. Learn more about the colonial Moravians and American Indian story right here in Bethlehem in this year's new program. Tickets available at the Christmas City Website. Call 610-866-5661.

Moravian Museum of Bethlehem  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28-30, Dec 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 & 26-30: 10am-5pm
Dec 31: 10am-3pm
Central Moravian Church, Main and Church Streets
Visit the 1741 Gemeinhaus, Bethlehem's oldest building and a National Historic Landmark, to enjoy period decorations and discover the stories of Bethlehem's original founders, the Moravians. Tickets and more information available on the Christmas City Website. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Mrs. Goundie's Kitchen  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
December 20 and 27: 1:30, 2, 2:30 and 3pm
Goundie House, 505 Main Street
In this fun afternoon activity, children ages 3-10 are invited to decorate a holiday cookie with Mrs. Goundie. Advance reservations required. Tickets and more information available on the Christmas City Website. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Old Bethlehem Historic Walking Tours  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28 to Dec 30
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
Join your guide dressed in traditional colonial Moravian costume as you visit Historic Bethlehem, just as John Adams and George Washington did before you! Witness Bethlehem's most influential and historic landmarks, enjoy the stories of the people and places that made Bethlehem a center of culture and industry in America, and create your own family tradition to discover the meaning of Christmas in the Christmas City. More information and tickets available on the Christmas City Website. Tours leave from Welcome Center, are 45 minutes and can be vigorous at times. All 6:00 pm tours are led by lantern.
No tours 12/24 & 25
11/28-12/21: Tour departure times are Thursday-Sunday 3:00, 4:00 & 6:00 pm.
12/26-12/30: Tour departure times are Friday-Tuesday 3:00, 4:00 & 6:00pm.
$10 per adult, $5 per child (6-12) under 6 Free ~ Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Pass Into History Museum Experience  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28 to Dec 31, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
Learn about the heritage and history of Bethlehem as you visit the Moravian Museum, housed in the oldest building in Bethlehem, and the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, which features exquisite paintings, china, furnishings, textiles and a premier collection of doll house s. The pass is good for two days. More information and tickets available on the Christmas City Website.
Nov 28-30, Dec 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 & 26-30
Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri & Sun: 10am-5pm; Sun: Noon-5pm Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Scenic Horse-Drawn Carriage and Wagonette Rides  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 28 to Dec 30
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
Experience the holiday lights, sounds and sights of Bethlehem's Historic District while relaxing on an old fashioned carriage ride. Wagonette rides are also available and seat up to eight people. Reservations are strongly recommended as most visitors and locals have made this cozy ride a family holiday tradition. More information and tickets available at the Christmas City Website Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Segway Tours Every Saturday  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Apr 1 to Oct 31
Leaves from Segway of the Lehigh Valley at 318 E. Third Street
Experience Bethlehem's history with 21st century technology every Saturday from April through October. Tour includes a Segway training session as well as a tour of Bethlehem's north and south sides. Meets at 9am. Must weigh at least 100 lbs and no more than 250 lbs. Tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
$80 per person. ~ Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

Sisters House Open House and Putz Display  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
December 13: 10am-4pm & December 14: Noon-4pm
66 W. Church Street
Gain access to the private Sister's House, whose rooms feature 150 putzes from around the world, courtesy of the private collection of George Dvorsky, famous Broadway singer and actor. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.

The Nutcracker - 40th Anniversary Presentation  
Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
Dec 13 at 4pm and Dec 14 at 2pm
Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Avenue
Think sugarplums and snowflakes as Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley and its Pennsylvania Youth Ballet present one of the season's most beloved holiday traditions, The Nutcracker. Artistic Director Karen Knerr brings the tale of Clara and the wooden Nutcracker to life on stage at Zoellner Arts Center in a delightful performance featuring professional guest artists and local pre-professional dancers from Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Tickets and more information available on the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Website. Call 610-865-0353.

Workshop at the WaterWorks!  
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 29 & Dec 6, 13, 20 and 27: Noon-4 pm
1762 WaterWorks, Colonial Industrial Quarter
Drop by the historic 1762 WaterWorks and make a decoration to celebrate the holidays. For ages 12 and under; free with same-day receipt from any Historic Bethlehem Partnership admission. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.


– Downtown Bethlehem Assocation member