BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s no surprise in Bethlehem, aka Christmas City USA, that someone will pass a 43-foot signature holiday spruce on their way to an exhibition sporting more than 21 decorated Christmas trees.
And while the more than 20 fan-favorite trees aren’t as tall as their big brother at City Hall, the local volunteers and businesses behind decorating the individually themed “Trees of Historic Bethlehem” have done plenty of shining, according to event organizer Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
The exhibition will be on display in Bethlehem through Sunday, Jan. 11.
It’s the event’s “most spectacular lineup yet” in two decades of celebrating, HBMS said in a release.
“The 2025 trees honor the originals, but we also encouraged the volunteer decorators to incorporate new elements and their own artistic flair into each one.”Sharon Donchez, co-chair of the Bethlehem Garden Club’s Tree Decorating Committee
“Every year’s Trees exhibition is unique in its own way due to the theme," said Sharon Donchez, who co-chairs the Bethlehem Garden Club’s Tree Decorating Committee.
"But this year is really special because we’re highlighting some of the most spectacular trees from the past two decades.
“The 2025 trees honor the originals, but we also encouraged the volunteer decorators to incorporate new elements and their own artistic flair into each one.”
It’s a family-friendly event featuring all sorts of themes — as diverse as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Dolce & Gabbana to Bee Tree.
“Moravians used [bees’] byproduct honey as a sweetener and made candles from the beeswax,” Bethlehem Christmas Shoppe owner Joanne Smida said.
“Our theme of ‘Bees’ gives thanks for the integral part they have and still contribute to the world's ecosystems, agriculture and the essential natural byproducts produced.”
A stroll in Historic Bethlehem
The 21 trees are spread across three historic sites, all within a short distance of each other in Historic Bethlehem.
They are The Single Sisters’ House at 50 W. Church St., the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem in the 1741 Gemeinhaus at 66 W. Church St. and the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts just around the corner at 427 N. New St.
Organizers said to allow at least an hour for the self-guided tour across the three historic sites.
Each person will get a guide booklet with tree descriptions and trivia, along with photos.
Get tickets to "Trees of Historic Bethlehem" and cast a vote for your favorite tree at historicbethlehem.org/Christmas.
Admission cost is $25 for adults and $23 for teachers and active military members/veterans.
Admission for children ages 4 and older is $14. Ages 3 and younger are admitted free.
Get your tickets and cast a vote for your favorite tree at historicbethlehem.org/Christmas.
The exhibition comes through support from The Bealer-Greene Christmas Endowment and local businesses, HBMS said.
HBMS, a local nonprofit, oversees 20 of the city’s prized landmarks — with some of those holding international acclaim as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
