Bethlehem's post office draws thousands for unique Christmas card stamps

Christmas is a big deal in Bethlehem, Conn. On top of the music and lights, people travel from all over to add a little flare to their holiday cards.

BETHLEHEM, Conn. — A decades old tradition in one Connecticut town has stamped its way into Christmas history.

The holiday season is going strong in our state. From toy drives, to Christmas tree lights, and everything in between, every community has some tradition to call its own.

In the little town of Bethlehem, the holiday spirit is alive and well. Christmas is a big deal, and on top of the music and lights, people have traveled from all over to add a little flare to their holiday cards.

“Every year, I just make a point to come here, pick a stamp that I think is cute, and it just adds a little something extra to your Christmas card, and people love it,” said Lauren Henry, from Bethlehem.

Each December, the Bethlehem Post Office floods with travelers from across Connecticut and beyond, who take part in the town’s time-honored tradition.

More than 90 pictures adorn the stamps used for more than 80 years in Bethlehem. Once stamped, the letters are turned over to the post office, where they are canceled before being mailed out, sharing the name of the place where Jesus was born.

In 2025 alone, more than 80,000 cards were sent out, spreading the holiday spirit across the state, country and even all the way in Europe.

“I’m going to guess we’ve been doing this about 20 years now,” said John Basile, from Enfield. “Most of them are going to the United States, but I send two to my relatives in Italy every year.”

Be sure to tune in Christmas Day for FOX61’s full feature on this decades-old tradition, how it all came to be, and meet the people who make it all possible.

Steffen Reals is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at SReals@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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Bethlehem’s post office draws thousands for unique Christmas card stamps

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