BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Bethlehem. Festive decorations are filling the streets as preparations ramp up for one of the city’s busiest times of year.
Across the “Christmas City,” garlands, bows and strings of lights are appearing on light poles and buildings, signaling the start of the holiday season. The light-up stars have returned to the SouthSide streetlights and across the Fahy Bridge, while Christmas tree lights now adorn Center and New streets.
On Main Street, crews are assembling the wooden huts that make up the Christmas City Village, a European-style outdoor market featuring local artisans and food vendors.
The Christmas City Village huts along Main St in Bethlehem on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 (Photo by: Isabel Hope/Lehigh Daily)
At Payrow Plaza, the city’s large Advent candles have been placed, and the Bethlehem Christmas tree will soon follow, ahead of the annual tree lighting ceremony Nov. 28.
Large candles at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 (Photo by: Isabel Hope/Lehigh Daily)
A large illuminated Bethlehem Star is expected to be installed on the SouthSide this year, after appearing on the North Side last holiday season.
At SteelStacks, Bethlehem’s industrial past is transforming into a winter wonderland as crews set up for the 33rd annual Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest Financial and organized by ArtsQuest.
The popular market, running Nov. 14 through Dec. 21, will feature more than 170 artisans and crafters from across the country, along with food vendors, live music and new attractions.
A major addition for 2025 is the debut of Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, an expanded holiday village featuring new décor, a second entrance and cozy private igloos available for rent. Guests can also enjoy festive drinks, hands-on crafts, hot glass ornament-making and visits with St. Nicholas.
Setup of Chriskindlmarkt outside of the SteelStacks in Bethlehem on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 (Photo by: Isabel Hope/Lehigh Daily)
ArtsQuest said the expanded Christkindlmarkt and refreshed holiday programming are all part of enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike.
“Christkindlmarkt 2025 promises to be the most immersive and memorable holiday market yet, fitting for a city proudly known as the Christmas City,” ArtsQuest PR coordinator Bryn Keeney said.
For full schedules, event tickets and updates, visit christmascity.org or artsquest.org.
