In The Valley, Press Release

HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A CHRISTMASTIME WONDERLAND ALREADY UNDERWAY



 

BETHLEHEM, PA – November 9, 2015 – It might only be mid-November but the elves at Historic Hotel Bethlehem are already hard at work behind the scenes decorating it for the upcoming Christmas season. Soon the hotel’s lobby, grand ballroom, meeting rooms, restaurants, exterior and The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem will be festive once again, transformed into a winter wonderland.

Each year professional designers Gary Burger and Robert Averill undertake decorating the hotel with lights, trees, wreaths, and other festive adornments starting in late October. 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 to not disturb the hotel’s guests. (See decorating fun facts below.)

Visitors will delight in several new additions to the decorations this year. First, playful elf figures can be found riding gliding geese in the 1741 on the Terrace restaurant. Second, new topiaries with silver frosted decorations will welcome guests at the hotel’s main entrance. And finally, dazzling light-up ornaments filled with glowing white stars that sparkle will be added to the hotel’s magical scene. These new ornaments will be sold in The Shoppe so guests who are enchanted by them can take them along to beautify their own homes. Five new Christmas trees have also been added, which brings the total count of trees throughout the hotel to 31.

“Each year it’s a fun challenge to make the hotel even more special at the Christmas season than it was the year before,” said General Manager Dennis Costello. “Our team does an amazing job of not only decorating our many spaces, but also embodying the Christmas spirit. We know Christmas in Bethlehem is a tradition for many locals and tourists alike, and we want them to delight in each visit with us the same way we enjoy seeing the look on their faces as they take in our Christmastime scene.”

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

  • The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem is offering its second annual limited edition collectible Christmas tin filled with peppermint bark candy by Bazzini. The lid of this year’s tin features an original painting by Yaralov Gallery Owner and artist Sergei Yaralov, and depicts a winter holiday scene of Historic Hotel Bethlehem. The tin retails for $16.99. A premiere event and tin signing will be held on Saturday, November 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in The Shoppe.
  • The Shoppe will expand its Christmas offerings of festive décor, a collector’s edition Hotel Bethlehem Christmas ornament, and many of other gift ideas.
  • 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.
  • Hotel Bethlehem will continue its tradition of serving complimentary hot apple cider and cookies in the lobby following the annual City of Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting event on Friday, November 27.
  • Visitors to the hotel are invited to take a self-guided tour of the hotel with a free brochure that can be picked up at the registration desk in the lobby.

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 http://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.
  • 31 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.
  • A handcrafted gingerbread replica of Hotel Bethlehem is on display in the lobby.

 

Information Provided By:
Tracey Werner, Blabbermouth Communications
tracey@blabbermouthcommunications.com