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Bethlehem is a city of about 75,000 people in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania. It was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741 by Moravian missionaries, who named it after the biblical town of Jesus' birth. Their stone and brick buildings still stand in the Historic Moravian Bethlehem district, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bethlehem is famous as Christmas City, USA, with a giant star on South Mountain and the Christkindlmarkt each winter.
In the 1800s and 1900s, Bethlehem Steel grew into one of the largest steel companies in the world, supplying steel for the Golden Gate Bridge, the Chrysler Building and countless warships. The plant closed in 1995, but its enormous blast furnaces now tower over SteelStacks, an arts and cultural campus that hosts concerts and the Musikfest festival, one of the largest free music festivals in the country.
Lehigh University's Gothic campus climbs South Mountain, and the historic Main Street has shops and restaurants near the Hotel Bethlehem. The National Museum of Industrial History tells the story of American manufacturing.
Colonial settlement founded in 1741 by Moravian missionaries, with stone communal houses, a church square and a God's Acre burial ground. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024. Start at the visitor center on Main Street and take a guided walking tour.
Area along the Monocacy Creek where the Moravians ran trades in the 1700s, including the 1762 Waterworks, considered the first pumped municipal water system in America, and a tannery. Tours run in season. Walk the creekside paths and see the restored stone buildings.
Federal-style church completed in 1806 with a white bell tower, still home to an active congregation known for its trombone choir and musical tradition. It is a centerpiece of the historic district. Visitors may look inside outside service times; concerts are held often.
Museum in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the oldest building in Bethlehem and one of the largest log structures in the US, showing how the early Moravian community lived, worked and worshipped. It is the start of many guided tours. Check opening days, as hours are seasonal.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum in a former Bethlehem Steel building, displaying huge steam engines, machines and tools that tell the story of American industry, including pieces from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. Allow about two hours; it sits next to SteelStacks.
Arts and entertainment campus at the foot of the old Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces, with an arts center, cinema, free outdoor concerts at the Levitt Pavilion and festivals. The furnaces are lit in color after dark. Check the event calendar and come at dusk for the best views.
Elevated walkway built on an old railroad trestle that once carried ore to the blast furnaces, now a free linear park with signs about steelmaking. It brings you face to face with the giant rusting furnaces. It is open daily; walk it at sunset when the lights come on.
Concrete arch bridge opened in 1924 that links north and south Bethlehem over the Lehigh River and the old rail lines. It gives good views of the river and the steel works. Walk across it to connect the historic district with the South Side and SteelStacks.
Main street of the historic north side, lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings housing shops, cafes, restaurants and the Hotel Bethlehem. It is the hub of the Christmas City celebrations in December. Park in a city garage and explore on foot; it is busy on weekends.
Bookstore on Main Street founded in 1745 and considered one of the oldest continuously operating bookstores in the world. It sells books, Moravian stars, local gifts and Christmas items. Browse the holiday room in December and pick up a Moravian star as a souvenir.
One of the largest free music festivals in the US, held over ten days each August with hundreds of shows on stages across the historic district and SteelStacks, plus paid headline concerts. Book lodging early, use festival shuttles and expect big crowds on weekends.
German-style Christmas market held from late November through December under heated tents at SteelStacks, with artisan crafts, ornaments, glassblowing demos and holiday food. It is a highlight of the Christmas City season. Buy timed tickets online and go on weekdays to avoid crowds.
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Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
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