BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Although they haven't yet dashed through the snow (it's been a balmy winter so far), the horses from Christmas City's Carriage Rides provide old-time charm.
Equines Hank, Grayson, Luigi and Ruby are from Saucon Valley Carriage, a local company that offers horse-drawn rides during the holidays.
The carriage rides start on Kemmerer Museum and loop around New and Main Streets before returning back to the museum.
Owners Tim and Heather Faust have provided their services since 2022, though the horse-drawn rides have been a tradition in Christmas City since the early 2000s, organized by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
Learning to drive in the city
Heather Faust has worked as an equine trainer and carriage driver for 15 years.
She taught her husband the ins and outs of driving, including horse health care, proper harnessing and driving tips.
When they're not spreading holiday joy, the duo provide carriage rides at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, quinceañeras and other special occasions.
Their four Percheron, a breed of French draft horses, are exceptionally large and strong, and were purchased by the couple from breeders who trained on how use their heavy, muscular legs to pull weights (the average weight of a carriage with passengers is 1,800 pounds).
Additionally, the four-legged team were taught some safety commands, so they wouldn't spook on the busy city streets.
"We showed them around at home by the country roads and got them used to the traffic, then slowly took them to the different sites and sounds in the city," Heather Faust said.
During the busy holiday season, the horses alternate their shifts and work in pairs.
"When we take two out, the other two, they kind of stand at the fence and look at us like, 'Why didn't you take me?'" Heather Faust said.
Giddy-up the gaits
Despite having the same role, the horses have distinct personalities — and gaits.
On the job, Luigi, the feistiest, is a fast walker, while Grayson is more curious and likes to peek around at his surroundings.
Ruby, the only mare, is the oldest and leaves the stable for smaller carriage rides on flatter surfaces.
Hank, the dominant gelding, is a true draft horse.
"When we hook him up to his harness, he knows he's going to work," Heather Faust said. "Even in the pasture, at rest he is the dominant one and keeps everyone moving around him."
While driving, the regal-appearing equines sometimes wear rubber boots to protect their hooves as they clip-clop through town. They also wear blinders on their eyes to prevent them from becoming distracted by honking car horns and other noises or sights.
The harnesses are equipped with bells that jingle as they giddy up through cobblestone corridors in the historic district.
'Enjoy the experience'
Each ride lasts 20 minutes.
The carriage seats up to four adults (with space for two child lap seats).
Tickets start at $90. For an additional $10, riders can get a narrated tour that offers stories of the holiday traditions that have occurred in Bethlehem, including the origins of the Moravian Star to the Christmas Eve naming of the city in 1741.
The horse-drawn experience runs through Jan. 7, with a special ride available on Valentine's Day for romantics.
For the Faust family, the holidays are one of their favorite times to work.
"Being near the lights in downtown Bethlehem by the historic building, we love it," Tim Faust said. "Sometimes life moves fast and the carriage rides are a great way to slow down and enjoy the experience throughout Christmas City."
Throughout the years, Luigi and Co., have spread merriment and joy — not just at Christmastime.
"We've had a few engagement on the carriage rides..one couple wanted us to re-create a scene so they could ride off in the sunset [in celebration] of their retirement," Heather Faust said.
For information and reservations, click here.
