Published December 02. 2025 02:34PM

The most wonderful time of the year arrived early again this year, as the Christmas City Village sprinkles the magic of Christmas over historic downtown Bethlehem.

Presented by the Downtown Bethlehem Association, Christmas City Village transforms the Sun Inn Courtyard into an authentic German Weihnachtsmarkt, or open-air Christmas market.

Holiday-themed wooden huts, all adorned with Moravian stars, are at the hub of the festive atmosphere.

The merry event runs Nov. 14 through Dec. 21, Fridays and Saturdays noon 8 p.m. and Sundays 8 to 6 p.m.

Visitors can soak up the delightful atmosphere while searching for Christmas treasurers at a variety of unique vendors, stroll through the downtown draped in its Christmas finery, and visit charming retail shops, gourmet restaurants and historic Moravian museums.

Press photos by Tami QuigleyA sign beckons visitors to experience the magic of the 2025 Christmas City Village Nov. 15, the first weekend of the merry event nestled in the Sun Inn Courtyard in Bethlehem’s historic district. The festive event runs Nov. 14 through Dec. 21, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 8 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bob Wingrove, executive director of The Freezer Ministry and Garden Gatherers Inc., center, is flanked by Gary Marsh and Karen Montgomery at the hut sponsored by The Freezer Ministry and Garden Gathers and Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering. The organizations teamed up to host the hut to support the fight against homelessness and hunger. The trio, volunteers with The Freezer Ministry and Garden Gatherers and BES, were doling out hot apple cider, cookies and information and accepting donations for the all-volunteer organizations. “Since Covid, we’ve donated over a half million meals valued at over $1.5 million at an evaluation of $3 per meal,” Wingrove said of The Freezer Ministry and Garden Gatherers, an ecumenical/community program. Wingrove is displaying information on The Stars of Bethlehem Holiday Concert and Reception, a fundraiser for The Freezer Ministry and Garden Gatherers Dec. 16 at the historic Chapel of Central Moravian Church and Hotel Bethlehem. The BES shelter is located at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 75 E. Market St. The organizations are offering concerts next to their hut in close proximity to The Sun Inn throughout the run of Christmas City Village. Those interested in performing may contact Wingrove at robert.wingrove@rcn.com.

Shoppers in search of treasurers to place under the Christmas tree peruse the variety of gift ideas available at the huts.

Ashley, an event representative with Saint Rocco’s Treats, displays some of their meat-based dog treats available in flavors like cheeseburger and salmon. This year marks the first time Saint Rocco’s Treats, based in Pipersville, Bucks County, is participating in Christmas City Village, and Ashley said it was a good experience. “We use all human grade ingredients,” Ashley said, noting the soft strips are great for training. Flavors include turkey and cranberry, as well as sweet potato.

Bridget Ploner, a server and bartender at The Melting Pot of Bethlehem, and Danny Els-Piercey, one of the eatery’s owners, showcase some of the stocking stuffers and ornaments available at their hut, which also offered The Melting Pot’s garlic and wine seasoning as well as chocolate fondue and signature dippers. “This is our first year here and it’s a good experience. Everything is fantastic, especially with the Holiday Cocktail Trail going on,” Els-Piercey said. “It’s great to be here building more of a connection to the community.”

The Sun Inn Courtyard is bedecked for Christmas, brightening a cloudy November afternoon.

Shoppers check out the beef jerky choices at Matt-Hat Jerky. Matt Kuplack, now a college student, started the business at age 11 in the Poconos before relocating to Bethlehem. The Bethlehem-based business that offers artisanal beef jerky handcrafted in small batches also has a kiosk in the Lehigh Valley Mall.

Shoppers take a peek at the festive wares in the holiday-themed wooden huts, all adorned with Moravian stars.