Historic Bethlehem Christmas tree tour returns with 20 years of fan-favorite designs

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The “Trees of Historic Bethlehem” exhibition has returned for the 2025 holiday season, showcasing a curated selection of the top Christmas trees and themes from the past 20 years.

Presented by Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, the exhibition runs through Sunday, Jan. 11. Tickets are available now.

This year’s display features 21 elaborately decorated trees created by volunteers with the Bethlehem Garden Club and community members. The trees are spread across three landmark sites — the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts and the Single Sisters’ House.

Guests receive a guidebook with descriptions, photos and tree trivia to help them explore the exhibition at their own pace.

“Every year’s Trees exhibition is unique in its own way due to the theme, but this year is really special because we’re highlighting some of the most spectacular trees from the past two decades,” said Sharon Donchez, who co-chairs the Bethlehem Garden Club’s Tree Decorating Committee with Sandy Gass. “The 2025 trees honor the originals, but we also encouraged the volunteer decorators to incorporate new elements and their own artistic flair.”

This year’s trees include:

• The Waterworks Tree, featuring water-inspired décor and tin ornaments honoring the 1762 Waterworks, part of the Moravian Church Settlements—Bethlehem World Heritage Site.
• Winter Wonderland, a white tree adorned with white lights and ornaments.
• Dolce & Gabbana, a half-tree, half-mannequin design.
• The Bee Tree, originally featured in 2014 at Historic Burnside Plantation, decorated with beeswax candles, Moravian Stars and bee-themed ornaments.

“We are excited to share our love for Christmas in Bethlehem,” said Joanne Smida, owner of the Bethlehem Christmas Shoppe. “Bees have been an essential part of about a third of the world’s food supply. Our theme of ‘Bees’ gives thanks for the integral part they have and still contribute to the world’s ecosystems, agriculture and the essential natural byproducts produced.”

Children can enjoy themed trees such as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Circus, Antarctica (Penguins) and Baked Goods. History enthusiasts will find displays featuring antique ornaments, Victorian-era decorations and Scherenschnitte, the traditional German art of papercutting.

The exhibition is supported by The Bealer-Greene Christmas Endowment and local businesses, including Historic Hotel Bethlehem, WDIY Public Radio, Alloy5, Bethlehem Christmas Shoppe/Hand Cut Crystal, Lucinda and Walter Dealtry, ServPro, SumFoodie and Tiller Private Wealth.

Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for teachers and active-duty or veteran military members and $14 for children ages 4 and older. Children 3 and under are admitted free. Full dates and hours are available online.