Nestled in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is a city where history and culture collide in the most delightful ways.
From its colonial Moravian roots to its steel-producing legacy, this charming destination offers visitors a rare blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Whether you’re seeking festive holiday magic or industrial heritage, Bethlehem delivers unforgettable experiences year-round.
1. Experience Christmas City, USA
Since 1937, Bethlehem has proudly carried the nickname Christmas City, USA, and the title fits perfectly. Winter transforms the entire city into a holiday wonderland that rivals any destination in America.
The giant Star of Bethlehem glowing atop South Mountain can be seen for miles, creating a magical backdrop. Streets fill with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the joyful sounds of carolers.
Families flock here each December to experience authentic holiday spirit. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a Christmas card, making it one of the most enchanting seasonal getaways in the country.
2. Stroll the National Historic Landmark District
Walking through Bethlehem’s North Side feels like time travel without a machine. This preserved colonial Moravian settlement boasts more original 18th-century buildings than even Colonial Williamsburg, which is pretty impressive.
Cobblestone streets wind past beautifully maintained structures that housed early settlers centuries ago. Each building tells stories of the hardworking Moravians who established this community.
Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic German-style construction and careful preservation efforts. History comes alive here in a way that textbooks simply cannot capture, making every corner a photo opportunity and learning experience.
3. Visit the Oldest Bookstore in America
Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop holds the distinguished title of America’s oldest continuously operating bookstore. That’s nearly 280 years of selling books in the same location, which is mind-blowing.
Stepping inside feels special, with wooden floors creaking beneath your feet and shelves packed with treasures. Beyond books, you’ll find unique gifts, Moravian stars, and locally made items.
The shop maintains its historic charm while offering modern selections for every reader. Browsing here connects you to centuries of book lovers who walked these same aisles, making each purchase feel meaningful.
4. See a Putz and the Moravian Stars
Moravian traditions bring distinctive cultural flavor to Bethlehem that you won’t find elsewhere. The iconic Moravian Stars, with their many pointed rays, decorate homes, businesses, and street corners throughout the city year-round.
During holidays, churches and museums display elaborate Putz displays; miniature Christmas panoramas depicting the nativity story. These intricate dioramas showcase incredible craftsmanship and devotion passed down through generations.
Viewing a Putz offers insight into Moravian religious customs and artistic traditions. The stars have become symbols of the city itself, representing the light and hope that early settlers brought to their new home.
5. Attend Christkindlmarkt
Ranked among America’s best holiday markets, Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt transports visitors straight to a European winter celebration. Hundreds of artisans fill booths with handcrafted goods, ornaments, and unique gifts you can’t find at regular stores.
Aromas of roasted almonds, bratwurst, and mulled wine drift through the air as visitors bundle up and explore. Traditional German music and entertainment create an authentic festive atmosphere.
Families return year after year, making it a beloved tradition. The market perfectly captures old-world charm while supporting local and regional craftspeople, making your holiday shopping meaningful and memorable.
6. Walk the Colonial Industrial Quarter
Overlooking Monocacy Creek, this 18th-century industrial park showcases the remarkable self-sufficiency of Moravian settlers. They built an entire working community with tanneries, mills, and the first public waterworks in America.
Restored buildings like the Tannery let you see where leather was processed using traditional methods. Ruins of the original waterworks demonstrate innovative engineering that pumped water for public use centuries before modern plumbing.
Walking these grounds reveals how industrious and forward-thinking the Moravians were. Educational plaques explain each site’s purpose, making history tangible and fascinating for visitors of all ages.
7. Explore the SteelStacks Campus
Bethlehem Steel once stood as America’s second-largest steel producer, powering the nation’s growth for over a century. Today, the massive blast furnaces remain standing as dramatic monuments to industrial heritage.
The site has been brilliantly transformed into a cultural arts campus hosting concerts, festivals, and performances. Five towering blast furnaces create an unforgettable backdrop, especially when illuminated at night.
Museums on-site tell stories of steelworkers and the industry that built America. The juxtaposition of industrial grit with vibrant arts programming makes SteelStacks unlike any cultural venue you’ve experienced before.
8. Walk the Hoover-Mason Trestle
Forty feet above ground, this elevated walkway once transported raw materials to roaring steel furnaces below. Now it serves as a pedestrian path offering breathtaking views of industrial relics and city skylines.
Walking the trestle puts you eye-level with the massive blast furnaces, providing perspective on their incredible scale. Interpretive signs explain the steel-making process and the workers who labored here.
The experience is both humbling and exhilarating, especially at sunset when golden light bathes the steel structures. It’s a powerful reminder of American industrial might and the communities that built this nation.
9. Attend World-Class Festivals
Bethlehem earns its reputation as a festival hub with year-round celebrations drawing enormous crowds. Musikfest, held every August, is the nation’s largest free non-gated music festival, featuring ten days of performances across multiple stages.
The renowned Bach Festival celebrates classical music with world-class orchestras and choirs. Celtic Classic brings Irish and Scottish culture alive with music, dancing, and athletic competitions.
Each festival transforms the city into a celebration of culture and community. Visitors can enjoy top-tier entertainment without expensive tickets, making Bethlehem accessible and welcoming to everyone who loves live performances.
10. Experience the Arts and Dining Scene
The SouthSide Arts District pulses with creative energy, anchored by the Banana Factory Arts Center where working artists maintain studios and galleries. Watching artists create in real-time adds authenticity you won’t find in typical galleries.
Lehigh University brings youthful vibrancy and cultural programming to the neighborhood. Independent restaurants serve everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors, while breweries like Fegley’s Brew Works craft exceptional local beers.
Eclectic shops offer vintage finds, handmade goods, and quirky treasures. The district perfectly balances artistic expression with delicious food and drink, creating a neighborhood worth exploring for hours.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
