Home improvement network HGTV recently named Bethlehem one of this year’s best small towns to visit at Christmas. Here’s why.
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Pennsylvania’s Christmas City needs no introduction — it’s literally named for the place Jesus Christ was born.
That Bethlehem landed among popular home improvement network HGTV’s favorite American towns to visit during Christmas last month might have come as no surprise, then.
The commonwealth’s seventh-largest city has been nicknamed “Christmas City, USA” for 88 years, the name reportedly unveiled during a dramatic lighting of its Main Street Christmas decorations. A giant Christmas star, now lit with LEDs, has overlooked Bethlehem for about as long.
HGTV praised Bethlehem’s historic district for being “adorned with beautiful lights” in its Nov. 17 write-up.
The Pennsylvania city, founded Christmas Eve in 1741, even has a Hallmark movie set in it. But the Christmastime draw today is the sheer amount of holiday events, which have garnered acclaim in the past.
A nationally acclaimed European-style Christmas market called Christkindlmarkt is in its 33rd year, operating Thursday through Sunday until the weekend before Christmas. This year’s Christkindlmarkt, which takes place at the old Bethlehem Steel plant, includes glass blowing, performances, craft making and more. Tickets cost $11.50 to $14, depending on the day and when the ticket is purchased.
The smaller, more low-key Christmas City Village also takes place in the city, with local vendors manning huts. It is free to roam.
One of Bethlehem’s more unique traditions is the live advent calendar. A crowd gathers outside a historic tavern each evening from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, with one visitor chosen to knock on the business’ door. A representative from a local business then emerges from the tavern and distributes goodies to the awaiting crowd.
The holiday season also brings about the Christmas City Stroll, a walking tour led by a guide in 18th century garb who shows visitors Bethlehem’s oldest buildings and teaches about the city’s Christmas traditions. The tour costs between $12 and $20.
Those interested in the history of Bethlehem’s booze, as well as its traditions, can opt for the Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour, also led by a 1700s-attired guide, for $30.
Bethlehem, which is quite hilly in some areas, can also be seen from the comfort of a bus or horse-drawn carriage during the holiday season. The Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour, which costs $25 for adults and $20 for children, also goes over the city’s history, but covers much more ground. It culminates with a trek to the Bethlehem’s giant star. Carriage rides are more for the sightseers, with options for private groups.
The manager of the Downtown Bethlehem Association, the main promoter of the city’s Christmas events, could not be immediately reached for comment.
HGTV’s best small Christmas towns in neighboring statesSkaneateles, N.Y.Cape May, N.J.Lewes, Del.Frederick, Md.Shepherdstown, W.Va.Medina, Ohio
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