Bethlehem was founded by Moravians on Christmas Eve 268 years ago, and the city's traditions have been rooted in Christmas ever since. There are many activities wonderful for holiday visitors, from a host of Christmas events to holiday shopping to horse-drawn carriage rides to a Christmas market.
Things to do in Christmas City
If you will be visiting over the holidays, the list of events is impressive (some require ticket purchase, and you might want to book ahead of your trip). They include:
- Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is one of the top Christmas markets in the U.S., and a must-see during a holiday visit to Christmas City.
- Christmas City Follies, which features both a kid-friendly and evening showing of a vaudevillian style show as well as performances at the Christmas market.
- Christmas with Santa is only two days during the season, so book early. It includes breakfast, photo with Santa and includes a ticket to Christkindlmarkt.
- PEEPS Fest is a celebration of the popular confection. Attendees can participate in PEEPS crafts. Throughout the city, restaurants will be featuring desserts made with PEEPS.
- Ethnic Christmas Trees from Around the World show off the many cultures that settled the area via lovely decorated Christmas trees.
- Live Advent Calendar in which each day a new door is opened. And yes, it has a present for those who attend the free event.
- First Night Bethlehem on New Year's Eve, a family-friendly event featuring music, art and live performances. Best part? Watching the PEEP drop at midnight.
Shopping in Christmas City
There's no question that over the holidays, the shopping destination of choice is the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt. There are also some other great spots to shop.
- Chocolate Lab features handmade chocolates and hand-painted cookies.
- Stone Soup Studios sells artisan scarves, jewelry and purses.
- The Moravian Bookshop is the world's oldest bookseller in America, established in 1745.
Where to Stay in Christmas City
The area has a pretty diverse mix of specialty inns and popular chain hotels. Here are a few family-friendly options:
- Grand Estonioan Suites Hotel is nice for families because the hotel features 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites. It is also three blocks from the Crayola Factory. It is a short drive to Bethlehem.
- Lafayette Inn is a family-friendly and pet-friendly inn. They also feature two-room suites. It is about 20 minutes from Bethlehem.
- Comfort Suites Bethlehem is another suite hotel option for families.
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites is another Bethlehem suite chain hotel.
- Hotel Bethlehem does not have many suites, but it does have special "pet amenities" like a pet concierge and pet menu. It also claims to be haunted by friendly ghosts.
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