What better place to experience the magic of Christmas than Bethlehem? And you don’t even have to travel to the Far East – just follow the star to Bethlehem, Penn.

Known as Christmas City, U.S.A., Bethlehem is a charming, 266-year-old city in the Lehigh Valley founded by the Moravians on Christmas Eve 1741. The electric Star of Bethlehem sits atop South Mountain year-round lighting the way to a city rich in holiday traditions, dazzling Christmas events and activities for young and old.

Bethlehem is known for its warm, friendly celebration of the holiday season. On Main Street, a collection of quaint shops welcome you for a delightful shopping experience, or you can spend your day enjoying the traditions of an old-fashioned “Moravian Music Christmas” at CentralMoravian Church. Stop by the Moravian Bookstore on Main Street, the oldest continuously operated bookstore in the country. The bookstore offers books, gifts, décor unique to the city, and even a café.

Other popular attractions include historic walking tours where visitors can learn about the Moravian influence on the city, the Bethlehem by Night Light Tours, and the Christmas Community Putz, where visitors can hear the story of Christmas retold through narration, lights and carved wooden figurines. And there’s no better way to complete your visit than by taking a cozy ride in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh.

Christkindlmarkt

At Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, visitors can peruse aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, listen to live holiday music, and sample delicious, authentic German and Austrian food. Plus, there’s a spectacular liquid fireworks display, live theatrical performances, children’s rides, and guided nighttime walking tours to see the city’s historic 18th-century buildings, and beautiful holiday lights. For information, visit www.christmascity.org or call 610-332-1300.

The Sayre Mansion

Located in the heart of Bethlehem’s Fountain Hill Historic District, Sayre Mansion is the Lehigh Valley’s premier urban inn. Originally the home of town icon and entrepreneur, Robert Sayre, the mansion offers a glimpse of the grace and elegance of yesteryear. Meticulously restored, the bed and breakfast inn features luxurious comfort in each of the 18 guest rooms and three Carriage House suites.

Sayre Mansion Inn offers all the amenities of a modern hotel with a blend of old-world elegance and full corporate services. Each beautifully restored room is unique in design and appearance, but all come with a full, hearty breakfast. All rooms feature air conditioning, private baths, telephones, wireless Internet access, hair dryers and cable television.

The inn sits on two acres of picturesque grounds adorned with century old trees, a popular wedding reception venue.

Robert Sayre was the chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and it was his dedication to his career that determined where he would build his Gothic Revival-style mansion in 1858.The soot, smoke and noise of the railroad, practically at his feet, didn’t matter. As a hands-on manager, Sayre wanted to be right in the center of everything. And so he was. He moved his family to the mansion in June 1858 and lived here until his death in 1907.

Special packages

The inn offers many special packages. The “Wine Enthusiasts Package” includes a private tour of the recently restored wine cellar where you can select a complimentary bottle of wine and a selection of artisan cheeses. $170-$290.

“Romantic Getaway,” which includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast for two, a dozen roses and box of chocolates. $200-$300.

“A Day at the Spa, a Night at the Mansion,” which includes spa services at a day spa, fruit, juices and mineral water, plus one night’s lodging and breakfast. $300-$400.

“A Night on the Town,” includes a $100 gift certificate at a fine restaurant and transportation to and from the restaurant. $250-$350.

“Book Lovers Getaway,” includes two days in the Sayre Library Suite to catch up with your reading. Receive a $25 gift certificate to the Moravian Book Shop. The package also includes a two night’s stay, breakfast and afternoon tea. $425.

The recently refurbished Carriage House has a varied history and features architectural elements as unique as the main house. The new and completely renovated spacious suites retain the historical ambiance and “living quarter” feel of the original building. Each suite offers original hardwood floors, free WiFi, telephone with voice mail, hair dryers, bathrobes, iron, ironing board, refrigerators and coffee makers. All Carriage House suites also feature feather beds, feather pillows and comforters, and deluxe triple sheeting. $275-$295.

For information, visit www.sayremansion.com. For information, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org, or call 1-800-747-0561. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bethlehem by Night bus tours, Nov. 23-Dec. 3: Travelers can go on a relaxing ride through Bethlehem, which will be magnificently decorated for the holidays. The tour, accompanied by a guide dressed in a Colonial Moravian costume, will visit Bethlehem’s North Side, South Side and the city’s 81-foot-tall Star of Bethlehem. Tours will take place every evening at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Three additional tours will take place Saturdays at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Nov. 23-Dec. 31: Spring and Main Streets, Historic Bethlehem. Mondays-Wednesdays, 5-9 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission. Visit www.christmascity.org for details. Season passes available.

Historic Walking Tours led by guides dressed in colonial attire. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday tours at 2:30, 4 and 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12.

Horse and Carriage Rides. Rides take place every 20 minutes from 2-10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 per person (child on lap under 1 year is free).

Belsnickel. Children of all ages will enjoy special carriage rides with Historic Bethlehem’s own Belsnickel, Pennsylvania’s German curmudgeon who knows if you’ve been naughty or nice this year. Rides will take place on select Saturdays from Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, from 3-4 p.m. Ride duration is 20 minutes. Admission is $10.

Tickets for all activities will be available beginning Nov. 1. Call 610-691-6055 for details. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.