BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Better known as Christmas City USA, Bethlehem is being celebrated not just for its festive traditions, but also for its affordability.
That’s from a new analysis from HomeToGo, a global vacation-rental marketplace that tracks travel trends.
According to its newly released 2025 Christmas Cities Round-Up, the Berlin-based vacation rental marketplace ranked Bethlehem No. 1 in price, with a low median nightly rate of $55.39 per person, and No. 17 in overall travel demand.
HomeToGo’s report draws on search volume, accommodation rates, and population data to highlight U.S. destinations where travelers can capture the magic of a European-style Christmas market just a little bit closer to home.
“Our travel data shows that, whether they’re making the transatlantic trek or staying closer to home, Americans are prioritizing trips to festive destinations this winter,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo spokesperson, in a news release.
“As HomeToGo is based in Germany — the birthplace of the Christmas market tradition — we’re especially excited to unveil our Christmas Cities Round-Up. From cozy gems in the United States to bustling European capitals, this guide aims to help travelers find an ideal destination that delivers holiday magic while matching their budget and preferred travel time.”
Grace Oddo
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LehighValleyNews.com
The Christmas decorations in the lobby of Historic Hotel Bethlehem, designed by Anthony Sierra and design partner Ty Cundey.
What to see and do in Bethlehem
Bethlehem earned marks in the report for its two festive markets, carriage rides, live advent calendar and more.
This year, holiday experiences around the city include:
Demand more than doubling
Rounding out the Top 5 of HomeToGo’s report for most affordable cities for Christmas fun were Williamsburg, Virginia; Carmel, Indiana; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Holland, Michigan.
Within the United States, HomeToGo says it has recorded a rise in searches for destinations with festive activities, with demand more than doubling.
Across all featured U.S. destinations, the average median nightly price per person for a vacation rental during the 2025 holiday season is $104, the report said.