Spend the Holidays in Bethlehem

Before the lights go up, Bethlehem's fall calendar fills with festivals, food, and centuries-old tradition. Here is where to start.

CELTIC CLASSIC, SEP 25 TO 27: A celebration of Celtic heritage with Highland athletics, pipe bands, Irish music, and the beloved Tartan Parade, one of the city's biggest fall weekends. Learn More

MONOCACY FARM FALL FESTIVAL, SEP 27: A relaxed community day of local food and craft vendors, live music, farm tours and children's activities, with free admission and parking. Learn More

OKTOBERFEST AT STEELSTACKS, OCT 2 TO 4 AND OCT 9 TO 11: Raise a stein for German-inspired food, live music, biergartens, and the crowd-favorite dachshund parade and races. Learn More

HARVEST FEST, OCT 10: Historic Downtown welcomes fall with seasonal bites, tastings, local shopping, and family-friendly fun throughout the district. Learn More

The heart of Christmas City is its markets, where artisan gifts, handmade treasures, and festive food fill historic downtown.

CHRISTKINDLMARKT BETHLEHEM, NOV 13 TO DEC 20: One of the nation's most celebrated holiday markets at SteelStacks, filled with artisan gifts, festive food, and European-inspired charm. Learn More

CHRISTMAS CITY VILLAGE, NOV 20 TO DEC 20: Charming wooden holiday huts return to Main Street with unique gifts and artisan finds, free to explore Fridays through Sundays. Learn More

HOLIDAYS AT THE BETHLEHEM BLACKSMITH SHOP, NOV TO DEC: Step inside the historic 1750 Smithy for artisan demonstrations, handmade gifts, and colonial trades. Learn More

After dark is when Bethlehem glows. Wander the historic district on foot or by carriage and see the city at its most magical.

CHRISTMAS CITY STROLL, NOV 13 TO JAN 3: A walk through the National Historic Landmark District and 280 years of Moravian history, with evening tours lit by lantern light. Learn More

CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE & SLEIGH RIDES, NOV 14 TO JAN 3: See Historic Bethlehem sparkle from a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh departing near Church and Main. Learn More

TREES OF HISTORIC BETHLEHEM, HOLIDAY SEASON: More than 20 beautifully decorated trees displayed throughout Bethlehem's treasured historic sites. Learn More

Some Bethlehem traditions have been passed down for generations. These moments bring the whole family together.

BETHLEHEM CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, NOV 27: The official start of the Christmas City season, with holiday entertainment and festive community spirit. Learn More

SANTA'S HAUS, NOV 28 TO DEC 20: A free family tradition where children meet Santa, with weekend afternoon photo opportunities. Learn More

LIVE ADVENT CALENDAR, DEC 1 TO 23, NIGHTLY AT 5:30 P.M.: A new door opens each evening to reveal a local business, performance, treat, or holiday surprise. Learn More

MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY CHRISTMAS VESPERS, DEC 3 TO 5 AND DEC 10 TO 12: A candlelit Vespers service featuring student choirs, Moravian worship traditions, and beautiful Christmas music. Learn More

For the grown-ups, Bethlehem's holiday season comes with its own set of spirited traditions.

RED & GREEN HOLIDAY COCKTAIL TRAIL, NOV 14: A festive 21+ tasting experience through Historic Downtown, with holiday cocktail samples at participating restaurants and shops. Learn More

SILVER & GOLD HOLIDAY COCKTAIL TRAIL, NOV 21: A second seasonal cocktail trail bringing more holiday sips and downtown discoveries. Learn More

SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PUB WALKING TOUR, NOV 28 TO JAN 3: An adults-only guided tour pairing Bethlehem holiday history with stops at historic pubs and taverns. Learn More

The season sounds like Bethlehem. From candlelit choirs to Grammy-winning voices, these are the performances that fill the Lehigh Valley with holiday music.

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: COMING HOME, NOV 29 AT ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER: Michael Feinstein and guest Mandy Gonzalez bring classic holiday music and seasonal favorites to Bethlehem. Learn More

STRAIGHT NO CHASER HOLIDAY CONCERT, DEC 5 AT STATE THEATRE, EASTON: The acclaimed a cappella group brings Christmas classics, comedy, and contemporary arrangements to the stage. Learn More

LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR, DEC 11 AT STATE THEATRE, EASTON: The Tony and Grammy winner performs holiday classics, original seasonal music, and selections from Hamilton. Learn More

BACH CHOIR OF BETHLEHEM CHRISTMAS CONCERT, DEC 12: An exceptional evening of choral music featuring Bach's Christmas Oratorio and a new setting of A Christmas Carol. Learn More

For a night out with the family or someone special, the Valley's stages come alive with holiday classics and dazzling spectacle.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, DEC 3 AT STATE THEATRE, EASTON: A touring presentation of Dickens'beloved holiday classic. Learn More

DEREK HOUGH: DANCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, DEC 3 AT WIND CREEK EVENT CENTER: A high-energy holiday dance production from Derek Hough. Learn More

PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER, DEC 12 TO 13 AT ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER: A classic family tradition with nearly 100 dancers and a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's score. Learn More

HOLIDAY POPS, DEC 19 AT MILLER SYMPHONY HALL, ALLENTOWN: The Allentown Symphony Orchestra's annual favorite, with lush arrangements, guest vocalists, and family fun. Learn More

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE, DEC 19 AT WIND CREEK EVENT CENTER: A family-friendly spectacular blending Broadway-style production, holiday characters, and circus artistry. Learn More

A short drive opens up even more of the Lehigh Valley's holiday magic, well worth the trip from your home base at The Wilbur.

LIGHTS IN THE PARKWAY, NOV 27 TO JAN 6 IN ALLENTOWN: Drive through more than a mile of illuminated holiday displays and animated scenes in Lehigh Parkway. Learn More

EASTON WINTER VILLAGE, NOV 27 TO DEC 20 IN EASTON: Center Square becomes a European-inspired winter destination with around 40 merchant huts, skating, entertainment, and seasonal food and drink. Learn More

Bethlehem's magic does not end on December 25. The lights stay lit, the rides keep running, and the Valley rings in the new year in style.

CHRISTMAS CITY STROLL, THROUGH JAN 3: The Christmas City magic continues past the holiday, with a quieter way to enjoy the Historic District, lights, and seasonal traditions. Learn More

CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE & SLEIGH RIDES, THROUGH JAN 3: Horse-drawn rides carry on into the new year, a lovely option for a quiet winter weekend or a special celebration. Learn More