This Magical Town is Known as ‘Christmas City USA’ — Home to the First Christmas Tree in History & 2 of the Best Holiday Markets in the U.S.

New York City is already starting to dazzle during the holidays, but sometimes you want to escape the crowds and dive headfirst into a true Christmas town experience. Well don’t we have the journey of a lifetime for you—and it’s just 90 minutes from New York City ! Meet Bethlehem, Pennsylvania —nicknamed “Christmas City USA” — which quite literally turns into a living holiday postcard every December. Think cobblestone streets glowing with lantern light, historic buildings adorned with millions of twinkling bulbs, and horse-drawn carriages clopping through the 18th-century district. Bethlehem *is* Christmas ------------------------ Before you even step foot in the town, you have to understand: Bethlehem’s connection to Christmas isn’t a modern marketing gimmick—it’s in the city’s DNA . The story begins in 1741, when a small group of Moravian settlers gathered in a crude log cabin—the only building in their new settlement—huddled together with their leader, Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf. As they sang a hymn with the lyrics, *“Not Jerusalem, lowly Bethlehem... ’twas that gave us Christ to save us,”* the Count was so moved he christened the new settlement Bethlehem . A town literally named on Christmas Eve in a stable . From there, the traditions only grew. In 1747, Bethlehem became home to the first documented decorated Christmas tree in America (take that, Rockefeller Center!). The official title of “Christmas City USA,” however, came much later. During the Great Depression in 1937, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign to brand the town as the ultimate holiday destination—and it was a hit. To seal the deal, they erected the massive 90-foot-tall Star of Bethlehem on South Mountain , which has lit up the city every holiday season ever since. So when you visit, you’re not just walking into a festive town—you’re stepping into the original American Christmas story. Where the true magic lies: the 2 can’t-miss holiday markets ----------------------------------------------------------- While there’s plenty to take in throughout Bethlehem, the town’s Christmas markets are the truly heart of the city’s festive magic. ### Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem A German-inspired market set against the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces, Christkindlmarkt is consistently ranked among the top holiday markets in North America . Wander heated tents featuring 150+ artisan vendors, find authentic German ornaments, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats . New for 2025: a Winter Wonderland stage, glassblowing demos to craft your own ornament, and private outdoor igloos for cozy festive drinks. 📍 SteelStacks Campus | Weekends, Nov. 14 – Dec. 21 ### Christmas City Village Step into the Historic Moravian District for dozens of charming wooden huts filled with local crafts, holiday foods, and unique gifts. Free to browse, it’s perfect for strolling with hot cocoa in hand and snapping your holiday Instagram-worthy shots. 📍 Main Street & Sun Inn Courtyard | Fri–Sun, Nov. 14 – Dec. 21 More to explore during Christmas in Bethlehem --------------------------------------------- Bethlehem’s holiday offerings go far beyond markets: 🗓️ Live Advent Calendar – Each night from Dec. 1–23, a lucky visitor opens the 1810 Goundie House door to reveal a surprise treat, gift, or performance—a uniquely American tradition. 🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Cruise past historic buildings, each lit by a single Moravian candle, for a magical old-world experience. 🏮 Christmas City Stroll & Lantern Tours – Guided tours in period dress reveal the city’s history, traditions, and why Bethlehem is Christmas City USA. 📖 Moravian Book Shop – The nation’s oldest bookstore (est. 1745) becomes a cozy holiday hub filled with books, ornaments, and Moravian crafts. 🍺 Spirits of Christmas Pub Tour – Adults-only walking tour through historic taverns, ending with a warm Gluhwein in the festively decorated Historic Hotel Bethlehem. 🍺 Holiday Carriage & Ghost Tours – Family-friendly rides, spooky ghost twists, and festive lights. 🐤 PEEPSFEST & Giant PEEPS Drop – A 400-pound giant Peeps Chick drops at SteelStacks to ring in the new year (Dec 30–31). 🎄 Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Over 35,000 lights, 25 decorated trees, and specialty displays make a visit a holiday destination on its own. ❄️ Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo – Just 30 minutes from downtown, wander over a million lights, festive displays, and visit Santa. How to visit “Christmas City USA” from NYC ------------------------------------------ Getting to Bethlehem from New York City is easy: it’s about a 90-minute drive , making it perfect for a quick weekend getaway. If you prefer not to drive, NJ Transit and Trailways also run limited bus routes straight into town! Source: https://secretnyc.co/christmas-city-usa-bethlehem-pennsylvania/