christmas : events
"Mary Did You Know?"Dec 20, 10:00am
El Shaddai Bethlehem Ministries, 529 East Broad Street, 18018
Come follow the star to El Shaddai Bethlehem Ministries for a time of fun and excitement as they present to you “Mary Did You Know”, a short play of the Nativity with live animals and a cast of actors dressed in shepherd garbs. For more information please call 610-625-3500.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
Pennsylvania Playhouse
Dec. 4-5, 11-13 and 18-20
Fri-Sat, 8 p.m., and Sun, 3 p.m.
Bethlehem, PA
The Herdmans show up at the church Christmas pageant tryouts and everyone is horrified. Why? Because they are horrible children - they steal, burn down buildings and terrorize the neighborhood. In fact, their classmates only feel safe from them at church, that is until an innocent comment brings the Herdmans into church and starring in the annual Christmas pageant. Soon even the congregation is running for cover! But who would have guessed that the parents, teachers, children and especially the Herdmans could end up discovering the true meaning of the season? Find out why everyone is in such an uproar over the Herdmans, and how a series of disasters turns into what everyone comes to agree is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Pennsylvania Playhouse website. Call 610-865-6665.
"The Christmas Doll"
Pennsylvania Youth Theatre
Dec 4, 7pm; Dec 5, 2 and 7pm
Dec 6, 1 and 4pm; Dec 10-11, 7pm
Dec 12, 1, 4 and 7pm; Dec 13, 1 and 4pm
Charles A. Brown Ice House - 75 River Road, Bethlehem, 18018
Celebrating the spirit of giving and the unending belief in hope, this holiday musical is sure to inspire children of all ages. Join Pennsylvania Youth Theatre’s company of 40 professional adult and child performers as they weave the tale of two sisters who discover a long lost doll, Morning Glory, changing their lives forever - for this is no ordinary doll. This musical is sure to be a holiday treasure for you and your family. Visit the Christmas City website for more information. Call 610-332-1400.
"The Nutcracker"
Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
Dec 12 at 4pm and Dec 13 at 2pm
Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Avenue
Think sugarplums and snowflakes as Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley presents one of the season's most beloved holiday traditions, “The Nutcracker.” Artistic Director Karen Knerr brings the tale of Clara and the wooden Nutcracker to life on stage in a delightful performance featuring professional guest artists and local pre-professional dancers from the ballet guild. The guild, celebrating its 52nd season in 2009-10, produced the Lehigh Valley’s first Nutcracker in 1968. Tickets and more information available on the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Website Call 610-865-0353.
31st Annual Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant
Dec 12-13, 1:45 PM
Rose Garden Band Shell, Eighth Avenue & Union Boulevard, Bethlehem, 18018
Singing, narration, actors and live animals come together in this reenactment of the historical events surrounding the birth of Christ. Free; outdoors; goodwill offerings accepted. For more information contact David Landis at 610-865-0274.
50th Annual Nazareth to Bethlehem Christmas Peace Pilgrimage
Dec 12, 10:45 AM
Nazareth to Bethlehem
The annual Nazareth to Bethlehem Christmas Peace Pilgrimage offers people the opportunity to walk with family and friends while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. For the past 50 years, people who believe in the importance of peace have made it a tradition to gather and walk 10 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a pilgrimage that symbolizes the journey of Mary and Joseph. For more information, please visit peacewalk.org or call 610-258-7313.
Advent Organ Concert at Central Moravian Church
Central Moravian Church
Nov 28, 3:00 PM
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
Rebecca Kleintop Owens, Central Moravian’s Director of Music and Organist, presents an organ recital featuring favorite Advent and Christmas carols.
FREE, but tickets are required. Goodwill offerings accepted. ~ Call 610-866-5661.
An Old Fashioned Moravian Christmas
Central Moravian Church
Dec. 3-5 and 10-12; All at 2pm
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
Experience the charming story of the early Moravians of Bethlehem as they share the true meaning of Christmas. This enchanting holiday performance features appearances by Mainstreet Brass and the Central Moravian Church Choir*, along with the glorious sounds of the Moller/Walker pipe organ, masterfully performed by organist Rebecca Kleintop Owens. Tickets and more information available at the Christmas City Website. Call 610-866-5661.
Bach Choir Christmas Concerts
Bach Choir of Bethlehem
Dec 13, 4:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2334 Center Street, 18017
At the close of a year celebrating the 200th anniversaries of Haydn’s death and Mendelssohn’s birth, this festive Bach Christmas Concert features music by these two great composers, including Haydn’s “Saint Nicholas Mass,” which has been described as “a spellbinding piece that can melt the hardest of hearts.” There is a pre-concert organ recital by Thomas Goeman at 3:30 p.m. At the end of the program, guests are invited to join in singing traditional carols. More information and tickets available on the Bach Choir's Website Call 888-743-3100.
Banana Kids Holiday Party
Christmas City USA
Dec 11, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Christkindlmarkt, Spring & Main Streets, Bethlehem, 18018
The sights and sounds of Christkindlmarkt are the backdrop for this delightful evening of holiday-themed kids’ crafts. For more information or to reserve your tickets visit the Christmas City website. Call 610-332-1300.
Central Moravian Church Star & Candle Shoppe
Central Moravian Church
Nov 27 to Dec 31
Central Moravian Christian Education Building
Make your trip to Bethlehem a special one with authentic Moravian items. This popular source of traditional Moravian stars, candles and handmade gift items is conveniently located just across the hall from Central Moravian Church’s Christmas Community Putz. More information available at Central Moravian's Website.
Nov 27-29 & Dec 3-6, 10-13 and 17-20, Thur-Sat, 10 AM - 8 PM, & Sun, 1-8 PM
Dec 26, 10 AM - 8 PM; Dec 27, 1-8 PM
Dec 28-30, 10 AM - 8 PM; Dec 31, 10 AM - 10:30 PM Call 610-866-5661.
Christkindlemarkt Bethlehem
Christmas City USA
Friday, Nov. 27 - Sunday, Nov. 29
Thursday, Dec. 3 - Sunday, Dec. 6
Thursday, Dec. 10 - Sunday, Dec. 13
Thursday, Dec. 17 - Sunday, Dec. 20
Hours: Thursdays - Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Sundays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Main & Spring Streets, Bethlehem, 18018
Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is a delightful holiday market for the entire family that features aisles upon aisles of exquisite handmade works by more than 100 of the nation’s finest artisans; the heart-warming sounds of live holiday music; delicious food; jolly, old St. Nicholas and more. The market, which is visited by 65,000 people annually, also includes entertaining ice carving demonstrations and Germany’s Käthe Wohlfahrt, renowned for its quality, handcrafted Christmas ornaments and collectibles.. Find more information, tickets, dates and times at the Christkindlemarkt Website. Call 610-332-1300.
Christmas City Follies
Touchstone Theatre
Dec 26-27
Performed at Christkindlemarkt, Main & Spring Streets, Bethlehem, 18018
The Christmas City Follies feature music, wit and holiday hijinks all wrapped in a vaudevillian package that will serenade your imagination and bake your Christmas cookies. They’re a Touchstone classic and a Lehigh Valley tradition! Get your tickets early on the Christmas City Website. Call (610) 867-1689.
Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 27, 4:30 PM
Payrow Plaza, 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem, 18018
Usher in the holiday season with the City of Bethlehem's official tree lighting ceremony. The event, which features the illumination of Bethlehem's official tree at Payrow Plaza at City Hall and all of the city's holiday lights, concludes with the official arrival of Santa Claus. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 610-865-7100.
Community Advent Breakfast
Nov 28, 8:30 AM
Moravian Village of Bethlehem, 561 Wood Street
This multi-denominational service/breakfast, which celebrates the start of the Advent season, includes the Moravian Trombone Choir, Christmas carols and guest speaker Dr. Christopher Thomforde, president of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary. Limited seating - $9 tickets required and are sold at the Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem Visitor's Center & Comfort Suites. For more information call 610-841-5835.
Ethnic Christmas Trees From Around the World
Bethlehem Comfort Suites
Nov 22 to Jan 2
120 W. Third Street, Bethlehem, PA
A beautiful display of Christmas trees representing many of the cultures that settled on Bethlehem's South Side.
Free ~ Call (610) 882-9700.
First Night Bethlehem
Christmas City USA
Dec 31
First Night® Bethlehem 2010 promises to be a fun-filled celebration all over downtown. ArtsQuest is very proud to ring in 2010 with a truly eclectic mix of arts and cultural entertainment throughout the city. With venues located mostly within walking distance of each other, families can enjoy folk, choral and instrumental music; swing, blues and rock bands; magicians, clowns and much more. No matter what venues you visit, you'll find fun at First Night® Bethlehem Tickets and more information can be found on the First Night Bethlehem Website Call 610-332-1300.
Gerald Charles Dickens in a one-man presentation of "A Christmas Carol"
Moravian Book Shop
Dec 13, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Foy Concert Hall, Main & Church Streets, Bethlehem, 18018
The Moravian Book Shop proudly presents Gerald Charles Dickens performing a one-man presentation of his great-great grandfather’s classic tale A Christmas Carol at Foy Concert Hall. Tickets are available for $20 at the Book Shop or by calling 610-866-5481. Tickets available day-of at the door for $22. You are invited to stop by the Moravian Book Shop after each show where Mr. Dickens will autograph selected books written by his great-great grandfather and sign Byers’ Choice Carolers. Because of time constraints Mr. Dickens will only sign books and merchandise purchased at the Moravian Book Shop. Call (610) 866-5481.
Historic Bethlehem Visitors Center
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 27 to Dec 31
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center provides information about entry to Historic Bethlehem's sites, travel in and around the Lehigh Valley region, and a museum store. Open Mondays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Thursday-Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed Dec. 24-25). Visitor Center hours Dec. 28-30 are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and hours Dec. 31 are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More information can also be found on Historic Bethlehem's website. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.
Holiday Craft Fair for Habitat for Humanity
Moravian College
Dec 5, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Breidegam Field House, Moravian College
The Moravian College chapter of Habitat for Humanity will hold their 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Show in the Breidegam Field House. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trip, during which 25 students will travel to either Avery County, North Carolina or Pickens, South Carolina. The craft fair will feature about 40 crafters and vendors with tables displaying different crafts as well as baked goods and refreshments. Items being sold are candles, Christmas decorations, lamps, chocolates, children's clothing, scarves and mittens, jewelry of different styles, and home decor items. Free parking for the fair is available behind Johnston Hall off of Elizabeth Avenue. Call (610) 861-1650.
Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum
Nov 27 to Jan 3
705 Linden Street, Bethlehem, 18018
Christmas and trains go hand in hand! The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club’s model railroad features more than 4,000-square feet of train layout highlighting the railroads of the Lehigh Valley. Visit the LKVMRR website for call 623-810-5730 for more information.
Nov. 27-29, 2-7 p.m.
Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2-7 p.m.
Dec. 24, 2-5 p.m.
Dec. 26-27, 2-7 p.m.
Dec. 31, 2-5 p.m.
Jan. 1-3, 2-7 p.m.
$5 per person; children 12 and under free
Live Advent Calendar
Nov 27 to Dec 23; Mon-Thur, 1:30 PM; Fri-Sun, 1:30 & 5:30 PM
Goundie House, 501 Main Street, Bethlehem, 18018
Enjoy Bethlehem’s newest Christmas tradition! Just like your Advent calendar at home, each day the door at the opens and a present is bestowed upon those in attendance. Gather at the Goundie House door to receive your free treat.
Luminaria & Late Shopping Night in SouthSide and Historic Districts
Downtown Bethlehem Association
Dec 12, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The merchants of Downtown Bethlehem join as thousands of families decorate their walkways and properties with luminarias, lighting up the streets and uniting neighbors in giving to those in need during the holiday season. All proceeds from the sale of luminaria kits benefit New Bethany Ministries. Merchants will stay open late (9 PM) to celebrate the joy of the night! For more information about luminaria kits, please see the New Bethany Ministries Website. Call 610-841-5831.
Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 27 to Dec 31
66 W. Church Street, Bethlehem, 18018
Enjoy "House on the Lecha: An Architectural History of Bethlehem’s Gemeinhaus,” as well as period decorations, including multiple reproductions of the 1747 pyramid of greens, which has been called the “first recorded Christmas tree in America”.
Nov 27-29, Dec. 3-6, 10-13 & 17-20; Thur - Sat: 10 AM-5 PM & Sun 12 - 5 PM
Closed Dec. 24-25
Dec 26-30: 10 AM-5 PM; Dec 31: 10 AM-2 PM Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.
Moravian Singstunde
Central Moravian Church
Dec 1, 7:00 PM
Old Chapel of the Central Moravian Church
Sing your favorite Advent and Christmas hymns in German and English in this traditional Moravian Singstunde in Central Moravian Church’s historic Old Chapel. Sponsored by Central Moravian Church, the Moravian Music Foundation and the Moravian Archives of Bethlehem.
Free. ~ Call 610-866-5661.
Old Bethlehem Historic Walking Tours
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Nov 27 - Dec 30
Mon – Wed: 6 PM Thur-Sun: 3, 4 and 6 PM
Historic Bethlehem Visitors Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem, 18018
This walking tour, led by a guide in period dress, leads you through Bethlehem’s charming historic district. Marvel at the inspiring beginnings of this early Moravian town on the Colonial frontier and discover the collection of beautifully preserved 18th century Germanic style buildings that’s unsurpassed in the nation. Tours leave from Visitors Center. No tours Dec. 24-25; 6 PM tour is led by lantern. Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.
Pinocchio: Presented by Pennsylvania Youth Theater
May 7-23
Ice House at Sand Island, 56 River Street, 18018
This historic play is a freely adapted classic from Carlo Collodi’s famous story of a wooden puppet’s quest to become a real boy. It was written by Yasha Frank, one of the central figures in the Federal Theatre Project of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) years in the 1930s. This famous play is packed full of amazement, circus arts, and adventure as it highlights the best in the human spirit set against the real-world backdrop of fear and uncertainty. For tickets and more information please visit PYT's website.
Scenic Horse-Drawn Carriage and Wagonette Rides
Historic Bethlehem Partnership
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
Experience the holiday lights, sounds and sights of Bethlehem's Historic District while relaxing on an old fashioned carriage ride. Wagonette rides are also available and seat up to eight people. Reservations are strongly recommended as most visitors and locals have made this cozy ride a family holiday tradition. More information and tickets available at the Christmas City Website Call (610)-691-6055 or 800-360-TOUR.
The Pipes of Christmas
Celtic Cultural Alliance
Dec 20, 6:30pm - Doors open at 6:00pm
Foy Hall, Moravian College, Main & Church Streets
Enjoy a Celtic Christmas! Featuring Scott Walker and harpist Carol Thompson. Tickets are $20 or $15 for CCA Members and 2009 Celtic Classic volunteers. They are available at Donegal Square at 534 Main Street. Call (610) 868-9599.
– Downtown Bethlehem Assocation member
