Take a Tour in Historic Bethlehem During Holidays

Historic Bethlehem welcomes in the 2012 holiday season with tours, events, and museum experiences that capture the spirit of Bethlehem's first Christmas in 1741 and today. Programming begins today and lasts through December 31.

This will be the first holiday season in the Christmas City since much of the historic area was designated a National Historic Landmark District.

The special holiday season offerings available include:

A Christmas City Stroll – Discover Christmas City on a candlelit walking tour that explains the famous candle-in-every-window and sheds light on the beloved Bethlehem Star.

Rise & Fall of Bethlehem Steel: Holiday version – Learn how blast furnaces worked and why men needed a brass check to enter the gates on this walking tour of Bethlehem Steel. The holiday season tour will include facts about life as a steel worker during the holidays.

Scenic Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride – Relax and enjoy the beauty of Bethlehem on this ride through quaint downtown Bethlehem. Two carriages will be available on weekends to accommodate the high demand for this holiday tour favorite.

Bethlehem By Night Bus Tour - Take in the holiday lights and historic sites on this tour through North and South Bethlehem, including a ride up to the star on South Mountain. A must-see for first time visitors!

Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, A 1700s Christmas – Go back in time to the founding of Bethlehem in 1741 on this tour through the oldest building in the city. The museum is decked in pyramid trees and other traditional 18th century décor.

1750 Smithy with Colonial Gift Shop – See sparks fly and experience a working blacksmith forging over the fire at the Smithy, before visiting the colonial wares gift shop on the second floor. Special holiday keepsake: A stocking hook made by a Historic Bethlehem blacksmith to hang over your mantle!

Hunt for History: Comfort and Joy – Children enjoy a festive version of the Hunt for History club with crafts, treats and a lot of holiday spirit.

Walking and bus tours leave from the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center on Main Street. Tickets can be purchased in advance at historicbethlehem.org or by calling 1-800-360-TOUR.

The Visitor Center will carry Historic Bethlehem mugs and candles, Moravian mints, and beautiful ornaments – perfect souvenirs or holiday gifts for family and friends.

For tour times and museum hours, please visit HistoricBethlehem.org or call 1-800-360-TOUR.