Christmas Fair Bethlehem PA: Your Guide to Bethlehem's Magical

Greg @ WalknTours
12 minutes ago
4 min read

Holiday Markets

If you're searching for the best Christmas fair in Bethlehem PA, you're in for a holiday experience unlike any other in America. Known as Christmas City USA, Bethlehem transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season with festive markets, twinkling lights, historic streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and centuries-old Christmas traditions.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just a day trip, here's everything you need to know before visiting Bethlehem's famous Christmas celebrations.

Why Bethlehem is Called Christmas City USA

Bethlehem isn't just using Christmas as a marketing slogan. The city was founded by Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve in 1741 and named after the biblical town of Bethlehem. Nearly 300 years later, that holiday spirit still defines the city. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved Moravian Historic District, admire glowing Moravian stars, attend Christmas concerts, and experience traditions that have been celebrated for generations.

The Best Christmas Fair in Bethlehem PA

When people search for a Christmas fair in Bethlehem PA, they're usually looking for one (or both) of these incredible holiday experiences.

Christmas City Village

Located in Historic Downtown Bethlehem, Christmas City Village recreates the feel of a traditional German Christmas market.

You'll find:

Charming wooden vendor huts
Handmade ornaments and gifts
Local artisans
Holiday decorations
Hot chocolate and seasonal treats
Live holiday music
Beautiful Christmas lights throughout downtown

The market is free to visit, making it one of the best holiday attractions in Pennsylvania. After shopping, you can stroll Main Street's boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Just a few minutes away at SteelStacks, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is one of the country's largest Christmas markets.

Visitors can expect:

Hundreds of artisan vendors
Christmas decorations
Handmade gifts
Gourmet foods
German-inspired holiday treats
Glass-blowing demonstrations
Live entertainment
Photos with Santa

It's consistently ranked among America's best Christmas markets and attracts well over 100,000 visitors each holiday season.

More Christmas Things to Do in Bethlehem

The Christmas markets are only part of the experience.

Walk Historic Main Street

Bethlehem's downtown feels like something out of a Hallmark movie. Historic buildings are covered in lights, Moravian stars hang above the streets, and festive storefronts invite visitors to browse local shops.

See the Live Advent Calendar

One of Bethlehem's most unique traditions is the Live Advent Calendar. Each evening leading up to Christmas, a different window opens in the historic district to reveal musicians, performers, or holiday surprises. It's a tradition you won't find anywhere else.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

For a classic holiday experience, climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage and ride through Bethlehem's decorated historic streets while learning about the city's fascinating past.

Visit the Historic Moravian District

This UNESCO-recognized historic area is where Bethlehem's Christmas traditions began. Historic churches, museums, and beautifully restored buildings help tell the story of one of America's oldest Christmas celebrations.

Best Time to Visit

If you want the most magical experience:

Weekdays: Smaller crowds and easier parking.
Evenings: The lights are spectacular after dark.
Weekends: More entertainment, but expect larger crowds.

November through mid-December typically offers the full holiday experience, with both Christmas City Village and Christkindlmarkt operating throughout the season.

Where to Eat

After exploring the Christmas fair, warm up at one of Bethlehem's favorite restaurants.

Some excellent choices include:

Apollo Grill
Edge Restaurant
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Fegley's Brew Works
McCarthy's Red Stag Pub

Don't leave without trying:

Moravian Sugar Cake
Moravian Cookies
Hot cider
Fresh roasted nuts
German sausages
Holiday pastries

Parking Tips

Holiday weekends can be busy.

For the easiest visit:

Use downtown parking garages.
Arrive before noon on weekends.
Consider visiting on a Thursday or Friday afternoon for fewer crowds.

Explore Bethlehem at Your Own Pace

After visiting the Christmas fair, there's even more to discover beyond the holiday decorations.

With the WalknTours Bethlehem Historic Walking Tour, you'll uncover the fascinating stories hidden throughout downtown. Learn how Bethlehem was founded on Christmas Eve, hear tales of the Moravian settlers, explore colonial buildings, discover the city's industrial history, and experience one of America's most historic communities—all at your own pace using your smartphone.

Unlike traditional group tours, you can stop whenever you'd like to shop, grab a coffee, or simply enjoy the holiday atmosphere before continuing your adventure.

Start your tour here: https://www.walkntours.com/walking-tours/bethlehem-historic-walking-tour

See our Travel Guided here to learn more about Visiting Bethlehem PA https://www.walkntours.com/travel-guide/things-to-do-in-bethlehem%2C-pa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Christmas fair in Bethlehem PA?

Most visitors enjoy both Christmas City Village and Christkindlmarkt. Christmas City Village offers a charming outdoor experience in Historic Downtown, while Christkindlmarkt is a larger indoor/outdoor artisan market.

Is Christmas City Village free?

Yes. Christmas City Village is free to attend, that is the outdoor market around the Hotel Bethlehem. But the Christkindlemart and indoor markets require a ticket. It's best to purchase in advance.

Is Bethlehem worth visiting at Christmas?

Absolutely. Bethlehem is widely considered one of America's top Christmas destinations thanks to its rich history, festive atmosphere, and unique holiday traditions.

How much time should I spend?

Plan for a full day, but an overnight stay lets you experience both holiday markets, evening lights, restaurants, and Bethlehem's historic attractions without rushing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're shopping for handmade gifts, sipping hot chocolate beneath glowing Moravian stars, or wandering centuries-old streets decorated for the holidays, there's a reason Bethlehem has earned the nickname Christmas City USA.

If you're searching for the perfect Christmas fair in Bethlehem PA, you'll find not one—but two unforgettable holiday markets, surrounded by nearly 300 years of Christmas traditions that make Bethlehem one of the most magical destinations in the country.