Holiday tradition encourages the public to focus on community and spirit of Christmas

Bethlehem, PA (December 22, 2023 ) – The gleaming red neon “Hotel Bethlehem” sign atop Historic Hotel Bethlehem shines like Rudolph’s nose throughout the year. However, on Christmas Eve, this Rudolph red icon takes a little break. The hotel staff turns off the word “Hotel” so that only “Bethlehem” shines. “This transforms the sign from an advertisement to a reminder of our community to focus on one another and the true spirit of the season,” said Historic Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines.

The tradition goes back decades, possibly as early as 1960. Former employees believe hotel management stopped it in the late ‘70s, long before Haines and his partners took ownership and restored the local landmark. In 2018, a community resident, Debbie Helms told Haines about the old tradition and he brought it back. “I just thought it was a great  way to honor Bethlehem’s heritage and celebrate our history,” he said.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located on the site of Bethlehem’s first house. It’s where, on Christmas Eve in 1741, Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf and other Moravian settlers named Bethlehem in honor of the place where Jesus was born. Haines said, “By illuminating only the word ‘Bethlehem,’ we’re truly focusing on the reason for the season.”

The word “Hotel” will remain dark through Christmas night.

About Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Historic Hotel Bethlehem, located in the heart of Historic Moravian Bethlehem, is celebrating over 100 years as a community hotel. Guests enjoy the hotel’s original 1922 elegance in its 125 guest rooms and suites along with the grandeur of the lobby, restaurants and multiple ballrooms. The hotel also offers an Executive Conference Center, Ladies Boutique Shoppe, and Hotel B Ice Cream Parlor. The hotel is affiliated with Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. USA Today named Historic Hotel Bethlehem the ”#1 Best Historic Hotel in the Nation” in 2021, 2022, and 2023. For more information visit hotelbethlehem.com.