5 Activities to Do During Christmastime in Bethlehem, PA

Did you know that Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a historical town named by Nicolaus Zinzendorf through a song on Christmas Eve in 1741? It was until 1937 that people started recognizing the town as Christmas City, USA. Today, Bethlehem is among Pennsylvania's best destinations to enjoy the Christmas festive season.

Whether it's your first time or a regular visitor to Bethlehem, you'll always be amazed by the Christmas holiday charm lingering in the air. Here are a few things to do to have the best Christmastime experience in this magnificent city:

Explore the Markets

Thanks to its two stellar shopping markets, Bethlehem is an exciting city to go shopping for Christmas gifts. You can visit the German Weihnachtsmarkt along the town's main street for the best outdoor shopping experience.

Similarly, you can explore the Christkindlmarkt, highly recognized as one of the nation's leading holiday markets. The market opens in mid to late November each year.

Visit Historic Bethlehem Museums

Learn the city's history by visiting its museums and sites that offer various tours to get you in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas City Stroll is perfect for a short yet detailed overview of the city's history. It's a one-hour walking tour led by costumed guides explaining the city's origin and how it became a Christmas City USA.

You can also get tickets for the famous Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour to enjoy a magnificent view of the popular star atop the South Mountain. During this tour, you'll discover why the city's Southside has colored lights and the Northside features white lights. 

Participate in Local Traditions

Bethlehem, PA, is famous for its unique and varied holiday traditions like the Live Advent Calendar. This one-of-a-kind activity takes place every evening at 5:30 pm from December 1-23. You meet outside the Goundie House 501 Main Street and enjoy nightly surprises like stories, tasty treats, or musical performances. These activities are a perfect representation of the city's traditions and culture. 

Also, don’t miss Christkindmarkt, celebrates the spirit of the season and is an area favorite during the holidays.

Enjoy Delicious Foods

From the eclectic Southside to historic Main Street, Bethlehem boasts an impressive collection of restaurants sure to satisfy your varying cravings and appetites. If you're on Main Street, you can visit the Apollo Grill, a local favorite dining spot. Go to the Bayou to try their famous mac and cheese and satisfy your craving for Southern eats.

On the Southside, visit the Bookstore Speakeasy for a memorable dining experience. For breakfast, head to Roasted for savory pancakes or enjoy a homemade French Macron and a cup of locally-roasted coffee from Lit Roastery and Bakeshop. 

Get Help Finding a Perfect Home

Bethlehem, PA, is a magnificent city to spend your Christmas holiday every year. To get the best holiday experience, finding the perfect accommodation is a vital consideration that you have to make. We provide the best advice and resources to help our clients find a perfect place to call home before, during, and after Christmas. Contact us today to speak to our home team of real estate agents.