In The Valley, Press Release

HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM’S HOLIDAY DECORATIONS READY TO DELIGHT CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM VISITORS



Largest Small Office Party to unite Lehigh Valley small businesses on Dec. 11.

 

BETHLEHEM, PA – December 1, 2014 – Santa’s elves have once again worked their magic and transformed the Historic Hotel Bethlehem into a holiday and winter wonderland with lights, trees, wreaths, and other festive decorations as part of the Christmas in Bethlehem celebration.

 

The elves, also known as professional designers Gary Burger and Robert Averill, undertake decorating the hotel lobby, restaurants, grand ballroom, meeting spaces, and exterior each November. Together they design the elaborate displays that highlight the hotel’s ornate architectural features, and supervise and organize their set-up along with the hotel’s engineering staff. All decorating is done during the overnight hours so as not to disturb the hotel’s guests. (See decorating fun facts below.)

 

“We are honored that so many area residents and visitors have made our hotel part of their Christmas in Bethlehem tradition by visiting with us to see our beautiful decorations year after year,” said General Manager Dennis Costello. “We’re glad to help them get into the holiday spirit.”

 

Guests coming to the hotel to see the decorations can also check out these holiday activities and events taking place in December:

  • The hotel will host the Largest Small Office Party on December 11 from 6 – 10 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom so the Lehigh Valley’s many small businesses can all party together. Guests can reserve a full table or just a couple of seats. Tickets are $49 per person (tax and gratuity included), and include a cocktail hour (cash bar) with passed hors d’oeuvres from 6 – 7 p.m., a dinner buffet, a Christmas-themed dessert display, and a raffle drawing for hotel prizes. Local favorite band Cunningham and Associates will provide live musical entertainment. For reservations, call 610-625-2220.
  • Visits by Santa Claus at the Musical Sunday Brunch each Sunday in December leading up to Christmas between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
  • The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem is offering a collectable Christmas tin filled with peppermint bark candy by Bazzini this year. The lid of the tin features an original painting by Yaralov Gallery Owner and artist Sergei Yaralov, and depicts a scene of a late 1990’s snow-covered Main Street featuring the hotel and several storefronts during the holiday season. The tin retails for $16.95.
  • The Shoppe is also selling festive décor, Christmas ornaments, a collector’s edition Hotel Bethlehem Christmas ornament, and a variety of other gift ideas. Unique gift options include guitar string bracelets available in dozens of designs, handcrafted men’s ties sold exclusively at Hotel Bethlehem, crossbody bags available in 21 colors, and the hotel’s signature scent as a candle, room spray or hand soap. Some items can also be personalized with monograms.
  • A free holiday sing-along will be held in the lobby on December 23 from 8 – 10 p.m., and also on December 30 from 7 – 9 p.m., with pianist CJ Steinway, who will play holiday favorites.

 

The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located in the heart of Bethlehem, Pa.’s nationally registered historic district. The Hotel is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and is also listed on the Department of Interior’s National Park Service National Register.  Experience world-class service, charming guest accommodations and award-winning cuisine, all on a site that has been warmly welcoming guests since 1741. Visit www.hotelbethlehem.com for more information.

 

 

 

Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Christmas Decorations Fun Facts

 

  • More than 35,000 Christmas lights are used.
  • Over 1,000 hours of labor are needed to complete the decorations.
  • 26 sparkling Christmas trees throughout the hotel
  • Two 16 ft. trees in the lobby
  • 36 wreaths
  • Six 7 ft. toy soldiers
  • Two 6 ft. nutcrackers
  • Nativity scene by St. Joseph’s Studio
  • Every tree is recreated every year.
  • The Mural Ballroom is designed with a gold and silver classic Christmas theme.
  • A handcrafted gingerbread replica of Hotel Bethlehem is on display in the lobby.