It’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Too often, we feel so rushed that we forget how important it is to take time out to enjoy the beauty of the season.
Sometimes, a short trip out of town is just what we need to recharge our batteries. While many opt for New York this time of year, I prefer Bethlehem for a less harried, more laid-back experience.
The small, walkable town of Bethlehem, also known as “Christmas City,” is all decked out in its Christmas finery this time of year, and there are plenty of activities scheduled for the weeks ahead.
Christmas—and More
Rich in history, Bethlehem is home to several excellent sites, some of which hold special events and exhibits during the holidays.
If you’ve never seen a “live advent calendar,” you’ll want to set your clocks for 5 p.m. and visit the John Sebastian Goundie House on Main Street. The restored, federal-style house dates to 1810 and was once home to the local brewer. Today, it is a house museum and, every evening through Dec. 23, a town crier will select a child from the crowd to knock on the door, which will open to some form of entertainment.
“It could be a quartet, Dickens-style carolers or even bagpipers,” said Kelly Ronalds, marketing director of the historic Hotel Bethlehem.
After the performance, merchants will hand out treats to the children.
Fans of crafts, local history and architecture should check out the Gemein Haus, located on Church Street. This log cabin, built without nails, once served as a Moravian church and is now a museum of Moravian history, featuring furniture, art, toys and crafts. At the same address, you’ll find the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem. Built in 1752, this structure was originally an apothecary. Today, guests visit to learn about the lifestyle of early settlers.
Nearby, the Moravian Book Shop, established in 1745, is known as the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world. Bethlehem native Marlena Sarunac said it’s a popular destination for bibliophiles and history lovers.
“The Moravian Book Shop is exactly the type of place where you can find yourself dreamily spending hours,” she said, adding that ornaments and gifts of every kind are also available this time of year.
Get Your Shop On
While you’re downtown, a variety of boutique shops, many of which have been there for years, are just a short walk away.
“You can smell the history as you step in and hear it in the creaks of the beautiful old floorboards,” Sarunac said.
Of course, no holiday visit would be complete without visiting the Christmas City Village downtown, where dozens of vendors set up shop in festively decorated, heated huts from Dec. 19 to 23. There, you’ll find a variety of items ranging from woodcarvings and pottery to homemade soap and Christmas decorations.
Drawing visitors from miles around, Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt has been recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top holiday markets in the world. This year, 125 artisans will showcase their wares. The family-friendly event will feature food, pictures with Santa, musical entertainment and demonstrations every Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 21.
Tours Galore
Bethlehem has no shortage of guides dressed in period garb to regale visitors with historic tidbits.
The “Christmas City Stroll” takes guests on a walking tour through downtown, where they will learn the story of the city’s unique beginning in 1741. Horse-drawn carriage tours are also available for those who prefer to sit back, relax and take in the city’s 18th-century architecture, while learning about the area’s 300-year history.
After dark, holiday decorations light up the town. Book the “Bethlehem by Night” bus tour and stay warm and cozy while enjoying the festive holiday decorations and a trip to the Moravian star atop South Mountain.
Staying Over
The Hotel Bethlehem, perhaps the city’s best-known hotel, is a great choice if you want to be in the heart of the action. The decorations alone are sure to put a smile on any Scrooge’s face.
Ronalds said the hotel is already decorated for the season with 26 Christmas trees, 36 giant wreaths, six 7-foot toy soldiers and a large crèche.
“People come here from all over the mid-Atlantic region to get their Christmas spirit,” she said.
If you don’t mind staying a few blocks away, the 100-year-old Sayre Mansion Inn is another great choice. This elegant boutique hotel offers bright, spacious rooms and daily breakfast and is a quiet and luxurious respite from the hustle and bustle.
Many eateries are within walking distance of both hotels. The award-winning Apollo Grill is a good choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for crab cakes, lamb shank, duck, veal, steaks or just a burger, this place has you covered.
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, be sure stop in at the Bethlehem Brew Works on Main, which offers casual fare, along with a wide selection of craft brews.
There’s so much more to do and see in Bethlehem during the holidays. If you have yet to visit during this magical season, you might want to take time now to schedule a long weekend to see everything the area has to offer.
“The most wonderful thing about Bethlehem is that it doesn’t matter what religion you identify with, how old or young you are, or whether you’ve seen it all 100 times, or for the first time,” said Sarunac. “The spirit of the town will delight you every time, and each fresh snowfall brings with it a sense of peace that’s hard to capture elsewhere.”
For more information on Christmastime in Bethlehem, visit www.christmascity.org.
