BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A monster of a Christmas tree — donning up to 25,000 lights and standing 45 feet high and 25 feet wide — was brought to life Friday evening to kick off the city's holiday season.
Payrow Plaza, between City Hall and Bethlehem Area Public Library, was packed with people for the festivities.
Greg Cryder, city electrical bureau chief, said earlier this month that it was all hands on deck to decorate when the tree arrived Nov. 8, as other decorations also went up around the city.
Mayor J. William Reynolds said experiences like witnessing the lighting of the tree are what make life feel whole, and especially when loved ones are by your side for the holidays.
“That special feeling you have right now, you can only get that in one place in the world — and that’s your hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,” Reynolds said, as he was met with applause from the crowd. “ … More than anything else, find time to spend with your loved ones to remember who we are, where we are as a city and what we are as a community.”
“That special feeling you have right now, you can only get that in one place in the world — and that’s your hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania."Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds
Friends Rebecca Orwig and Sara Collins, both Bethlehem residents, agreed the tree turned out “breathtaking and beautiful.”
The monster of a tree at Payrow Plaza comes to life. @LVNewsdotcom pic.twitter.com/4r1yJLM7sw
— LVN Will Oliver (@LVN_WillOliver) November 24, 2023
Collins said she’s been going to the tree lighting ceremonies for decades now, but this is the first time she’s been able to go with Orwig.
The event was complemented by holiday tunes and more from the Freedom High School Band, Second Baptist Church Choir and Touchstone Theatre.
There were all kinds of drinks to keep folks of all ages warm, including beer, wine and hot chocolate.
The event was live streamed on the City of Bethlehem and Citizen’s Christmas City Committee Facebook pages.
