BETHLEHEM, PA – Bethlehem’s Payrow Plaza will be transformed into a winter wonderland as the Citizens’ Christmas City Committee hosts the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The towering spruce, adorned with over 30,000 twinkling lights, will stand as a beacon of holiday cheer.

Join the festivities and immerse yourself in a magical experience:

• Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
• Time: Plaza opens at 4:30 PM, Prelude at 4:40 PM, Ceremony begins at 5:00 PM
• Location: Payrow Plaza, 10 E Church St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

A Night of Holiday Entertainment

Delight in captivating performances by The SwingTime Dolls, Holmes Family Singers, Seth Witcher, The Becahi Marching Band, Cunningham & Associates, and special guests from Touchstone Theatre. Santa Claus will also make an appearance to spread holiday cheer.

A Taste of Bethlehem

This year, guests can purchase a variety of culinary delights from local Bethlehem businesses, including Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop, Edge Restaurant, and Panchitas Kitchen. Adults, ages 21 and older, can savor handcrafted, holiday-inspired spirits for purchase from Country Club Brewing, Franklin Hill Vineyards, McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar, and Social Still.

A Historic Celebration

This year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is especially meaningful as we celebrate the addition of Moravian Church Settlements-Bethlehem to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Community Spirit and Gratitude

The iconic Christmas trees were generously donated by three local families:

• The Weidner and Hontz Family: Their 25-year-old Norway spruce, planted by a retired Bethlehem Steel worker, will be the centerpiece at Payrow Plaza.
• The Crisafi Family: In memory of Jill Marie Crisafi, the donated 28-year-old blue spruce will be displayed on the Hill-to-Hill Bridge.
• The Neeme Family: Their tree will grace Payrow Plaza as the Mayor’s Tree.

BetterScape Lawn, Shrub and Tree Care has added their donation of two trees for display at the entrance of the Bethlehem Area Public Library. All donated trees will remain lit throughout the holiday season.

Community Collaboration

The Mayor’s Tree decorating event, organized by Beverly Bradley and the Cops ‘n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program, brought together second graders from Clearview Elementary and third graders from Calypso Elementary to adorn the tree with over 100 ornaments. The Mayor’s Tree is on display all season long at Payrow Plaza, next to the Rotunda.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The City of Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is made possible by the generous support of:

• The Bethlehem Parking Authority – Premier Sponsor
• Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital – Silver Bell Sponsor
• Cantelmi-Long Funeral Home, Hatzel & Buehler, Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Northampton Community College, Servpro, and Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University – Christmas City Sponsors
• City Entertainment Systems and Lehigh Valley with Love – A/V and Sound Sponsors
• American Hairlines and BetterScape Lawn, Shrub and Tree Care – Stage Decor Sponsors

Join us for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer and create lasting memories in the heart of Christmas City, USA.

About The Bethlehem Chamber: The mission of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce is to advocate, preserve and advance business and community interests to further economic growth in the city of Bethlehem.

Information provided to TVL by:
Tammy Wendling