Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is more than a Christmas town; the variety of attractions make it the most underrated family weekend getaway in the Northeast. Surprising stories captivate each generation. Whether you’re interested in religious cults, American history, the Industrial Revolution or pop music, there’s something for everyone. Plan at least three days any time of year to explore the many things to do in Bethlehem with friends and family.
Start in its charming 18th-century historic district, NorthSide, home of the Moravians who played an important role in the Revolutionary War. Much of the town is authentically colonial, unlike most living history museums.
On the other side of the Lehigh River, marvel at the gritty 20th-century Rust Belt relics and the forward-looking arts district that anchor SouthSide. Expert guided tours organized by the local tourism office cover several aspects of this unusual history. (Note that topics and schedules change frequently.)
Who were the Moravians?
Among Bethlehem’s top things to do, the recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Moravian Church Settlements are a must. They were built by devout Christians who valued spiritual living and hard work over rigid Catholic rules. They came together as the Unitas Fratrum (Fraternity of Brethren) in Bohemia and Moravia (now Czech Republic) in 1457. Although not well known, Moravians are much more than a religious cult. As the earliest Protestant denomination, they developed distinct religious settlements in Germany, Denmark, and Northern Ireland. Members believed in equality and social improvement. They were remarkable for their spiritual, societal and ethical values, all on display in Bethlehem PA.
The faith spread quickly from Bethlehem and Winston-Salem throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Nepal.
Today, the Moravian doctrine is summed up by the phrase: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love.” To learn more about them, join a tour led by Moravians (their active congregation numbers more than 900!) and hear how a Love Feast follows their services.
The NorthSide: Moravian Heritage and UNESCO Sites
German Moravians who emigrated to the New World in 1741 named their village Bethlehem after its Christmas Eve founding date.
Eager missionaries, the Moravians educated other immigrants, Native Americans and the enslaved around the Lehigh Valley. One of their members, 16-year-old Countess Benigna Zinzendorf, even founded the first boarding school for women in the colonies, which became Moravian University.
Typical of their other planned, communal societies (download this map of Bethlehem’s top Moravian attractions here), Bethlehem has a Gemeinhaus or congregation hall, church, and several “choir houses.” These sites followed the social structure to separately house unmarried men, unmarried women, couples and widows.
Bethlehem’s UNESCO World Heritage District
The UNESCO World Heritage district features “Moravian Church Civic Baroque” architecture characterized by limestone buildings and large windows. While any reconstructed Moravian buildings are not part of the UNESCO designation, they’re worthwhile Bethlehem PA attractions because they provide a fascinating look at the Moravian’s unusual lifestyle.
Colonial Industrial Quarter: Located along Monocacy Creek, America’s first industrial park was once a closed industrial community with up to 35 industries. Bethlehem PA’s Moravian sites reveal the religious order’s zealous work ethic. Key sites include:
- The 1762 Waterworks: The first municipal pumped water system in the American colonies. Moravian farmers pumped spring water uphill 90 feet to reach the village and the waterwheel still works!
- The Tannery: Produced over 3,000 cowhides annually. Despite the Moravians’ pacifist principles, they provided saddles for the Continental Army.
God’s Acre: A tranquil cemetery where all 2,700 grave markers are flat to symbolize that everyone is equal in death. True to their faith, Moravians buried people of all races side-by-side and maintained their social structure — women buried with women, men with men, etc. even in death.
Old Chapel: The original Moravian chapel dating to 1751 is the oldest functioning log structure in the US. General George Washington, his wife Martha, and other Revolutionary leaders prayed there. The Old Chapel is still used for special events. Regular services that welcome visitors take place in the larger Sanctuary (1806).
The Gemeinhaus: The Moravian’s community hall, fully restored, is the oldest structure in Bethlehem. Originally used for worship, offices, dining and lodging, it is now a small museum.
Revolutionary War History: The Original “Arsenal of Democracy”
While no battles were fought in the religious community of Bethlehem, the town served as a vital sanctuary and hospital for the Continental Army.
Bethlehem, PA Attractions with Ties to the Revolution!
The Sun Inn: Built in 1758, this Moravian inn hosted the many non-members who traveled to see this prosperous industrial community. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams all ate or stayed there. It is also where a 19-year-old Marquis de Lafayette recovered from wounds sustained at the Battle of Brandywine. Fun thing to do: take a free, self-guided tour of historic rooms or dine upstairs among the Founding Fathers’ spirits. Specials include a Franklin Burger (veggie burger made with black beans) and a Lafayette Sandwich (steak and Gruyère cheese).
The Second Single Brethren’s House: Now part of Moravian University, this Moravian ‘choir’ from 1748 once housed only single men. The building served as a major hospital twice during the Revolutionary War. Due to poor sanitation, smallpox and typhoid, many more died of illness than battle wounds. It’s said they were buried at night in trench graves to keep the British Army from discovering Patriot losses.
Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier: A memorial honoring an estimated 500 soldiers who died while hospitalized in the Brethren’s House. The bronze plaque was installed in 1931 by the Sons & Daughters of the American Revolution. More remains were discovered while building houses and constructing Highway 378 across the Monocacy Creek from Main Street. The memorial was rededicated in 1995.
Bethlehem’s Main Street and The Gilded Age
Bethlehem PA’s downtown corridor has been honored as first among USA Today readers’ “Top 10 Main Streets.” The period cobblestones and quiet side lanes host a pleasing mix of upscale boutiques, jewelry shops, and many dining places. Pause at the many historic markers to learn more about these 19th-century buildings and what makes them so special.
Top Things to Do along Bethlehem’s Main Street
Historic Hotel Bethlehem: Built by the Schwab family (owners of Bethlehem Steel) to rival U.S. Steel’s William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is known for its restored 20th-century décor, resident ghosts, and stories of Industrial Age intrigue. It also stands on the site of the very first Moravian village house, adding a special vibe to the storied hotel for families and history buffs.
Moravian Book Shop: Founded in 1745, this is the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the US. It’s a must-see stop with a fun café and the best collection of unique Christmas ornaments I’ve ever shopped. Plus, there’s a wonderful collection of children’s books, frequent book signings, and unusual Bethlehem souvenirs.
Moravian University: Notable for being the first institution to educate women in 1742.
Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites: This not-for-profit group manages Bethlehem PA’s historic attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites and runs the guided tours. Their helpful Visitors Center and unusual gift shop are located at 501 Main Street. If you’re going to invest in only one guided tour, make it the comprehensive “Old Bethlehem Walking Tour” led by costumed interpreters. Otherwise, drop in to get information for your own self-guided village walk.
Main Street Bethlehem Dining Options
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem runs several good dining options. Stop by the hotel for afternoon tea. Enjoy the lavish Sunday brunch with live music and admire huge murals overhead which chronicle the history of Bethlehem. The hotel’s fine dining 1741 On The Terrace restaurant overlooks several UNESCO World Heritage sites and is a worthwhile splurge.
Favorites in the town include the Hotel B Ice Cream Parlor across Main Street. Try The Flying Egg for breakfast, McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub for Irish products, fresh scones and fish n’chip lunch; and cafes with good cocktails like Tapas on Main.
The SouthSide: SteelStacks and Rebirth
The SouthSide is dominated by the remains of the Bethlehem Steel plant, which closed in 1995 after being the second-largest steel producer in the world. The site is incredibly Instagrammable on a self-guided visit. However, if you book a guided tour of this top family site with someone like Schuyler, whose grandfather worked at Bethlehem Steel and shared so many personal stories, you’ll never forget your visit.
Bring or rent bikes — or stroll — to use the well-maintained South Bethlehem Greenway RailTrail. It provides a fun tour of the newer, more diverse part of the city.
Bethlehem Steel’s Legacy: The Awesome SteelStacks
The five massive blast furnaces that tower over the river once produced 3,000 tons of molten iron every six hours. This steel helped build the Golden Gate Bridge, the Chrysler Building, and 87% of New York City’s skyline during the early 20th century. Bethlehem Steel was also known an essential part of WWII’s Arsenal of Democracy because they built so many battleships.
- Hoover-Mason Trestle: This restored, elevated park and pedestrian walkway allows visitors to walk through the rusting iron ore processing machinery. Built in 1907, it connected the gritty ore yards to the blazing blast furnaces. It’s not for those afraid of heights, but it’s well worth the stair climb to peer into the steel works.
- National Museum of Industrial History: A Smithsonian affiliate housed in a former steel repair shop. Admission is free, making it one of Bethlehem PA’s favorite family outings. I encourage your group to stop by, even if you don’t have ‘how-things-work’ kids or science buffs in your party.
- Wind Creek Bethlehem: A contemporary casino and resort that sits on what was once the plant’s iron ore yard. Originally the Sands Casino, they own part of steel plant’s original 10-acre site and contribute to its cultural makeover. Good option if traveling with adult family!
SouthSide Arts District: The ArtsQuest Center is a contemporary community hub with three concert venues built around 2010. You’ll need advance tickets for one of their popular, big-name concerts. Or, drop in for a drink and listen to live music free of charge.
- Musikfest: The largest free music festival in the US draws more than 150,000 fans each summer. Live concerts and shows covering every genre and style are held indoors and out.
- Among the many free things Bethlehem families enjoy are free yoga classes, lectures, children’s programs and guided tours. The whole area epitomizes the remarkable rebirth of Bethlehem after its main industry closed.
Beyond “Christmas City, USA”
Visit historic Bethlehem PA at any time of year because there’s so much to see and do with family of any age.
How Bethlehem Became Christmas City
You already know the city was founded on Christmas Eve. There are more Christmas connections! The first documented Christmas tree in America appeared in the town’s Gemeinhaus in 1747. Bethlehem’s brand as “Christmas City” was formalized in 1949 with the installation of a 91-foot-tall LED star atop South Mountain. The star is the 26-pointed Moravian star, technically known as a rhombicuboctahedron. The illuminated shape represents Jesus lighting the way and can be seen from 30 miles away on clear nights.
Christmas Tree Ornaments: These fun facts led to Christmas tree ornament shopping becoming a top family attraction in Bethlehem! It’s true, many visitors who aren’t Christian buy the ornaments for their decorative value. The Moravian Bookstore and other shops have very exotic collections, most not found online.
Festivals: The city draws millions of visitors annually for Musikfest in August and Christkindlmarkt during the holidays.
Plan Your Stay in Family-Friendly Bethlehem
Bethlehem’s evolution from a pacifist Moravian settlement to a global industrial titan — and now a cultural hub — makes it a rare destination where 300 years of American history are visible on a single walk. And unlike the theme parks, it’s the real deal.
There is something going on at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem almost every week of the year, so you’ll have to book ahead. Family rooms exude the austere comfort of a luxury hotel built for international businessmen who traded in steel. There are cheaper chain motels on SouthSide but this is one destination hotel guaranteed to enhance your visit.
Looking for your next weekend getaway in Pennsylvania for families? Choose the timeless destination of Bethlehem and discover something entirely new.
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