When walking down the cobblestone streets of Bethlehem, one has a sense of stepping back to an earlier age — a time when the gentle clopping of horse hooves created the soundtrack to a simple life, when Bach was considered a pop star, and when the locals couldn’t conceive of the sweeping advances their tiny hamlet would one day experience. Bethlehem was formed on Christmas Eve in 1741 when the Moravian community founded the quaint spot with dreams of establishing a thriving city of industry. Bethlehem has embraced its destiny as the Christmas City, and the magic of the season is celebrated with countless festivals and events each year.
Perhaps no other city in the nation can claim Bethlehem’s extraordinary blend of industrial history and stylish revitalization, never mind the impressive list of awards and Best Of titles. Stories from the past come alive in this historic town, from the old-world charm of the original architecture lining Main Street to the oldest bookshop in the country. Bethlehem schools are legendary, and some even predate the city itself. Bethlehem real estate embodies the town’s seamless blend of past and present, with a stunning collection of properties ranging from impeccably preserved historic homes to lavish new construction builds that continue to usher in a sense of modernity.
Infused with a sense of holiday magic that weaves throughout the year, Bethlehem treats its residents to a well-rounded lifestyle with more than a touch of whimsy. This is a community of tastemakers and sophisticates who can often be found basking in the dulcet tones of Bach, strolling the charming Main Street, or indulging in the posh holiday scene.
First-rate schools and a commitment to cultural education make Bethlehem an idyllic place for families to set down roots, while the fascinating history and commitment to art and music mean locals of all ages have a multitude of activities to fill their dance cards.
While the entire city can be considered historical, the primary historic district of Bethlehem runs along Main Street, which has been named one of the top 10 main streets in the country. Shopping in this delightful part of town draws much attention, not only for the bevy of sophisticated boutiques but also for notable landmarks like the Moravian Book Shop, which carries the distinction of being North America’s oldest purveyor of books. Named the best historic hotel in the nation, Hotel Bethlehem is a bastion of lavish amenities, old-world elegance, and sublime service. This ancestral estate dates back to 1741 and has since been impeccably restored. Today the hotel features exquisite cuisine, lovely city views, and renowned holiday celebrations.
Farm-to-table fare shines at Bolete, a charming New American bistro. The rustic-chic decor is a perfect mix of quaint and elegant, and the menu is the stuff of dreams. Every dish dazzles the palate, from the Maine lobster roll with avocado mousse to the classic steak tartare and Ninigret Bay oysters. Pizza is a work of art at the legendary Hellertown Crossroads Hotel, where guests can indulge in classic flavors and innovative combinations, Sicilian-style crust, and antipasto.Bethlehem wholeheartedly embraces the Christmas spirit, and no other event exemplifies this commitment like Christkindlemart. Held at the iconic SteelStacks cultural center, this delightful family event has been recognized as one of the nation’s best holiday markets and features a whimsical Christmas setting, handcrafted ornaments, and authentic artisan Christmas crafts imported from Germany. SteelStacks also plays host to Bethlehem’s beloved Musikfest, a summer celebration of food and music spanning ten days and inviting the biggest names in entertainment.
Lively nights are found at Wind Creek Bethlehem, a dynamic hotel and resort. Complete with a casino, fine dining, upscale shopping, and premier spa services, this center of entertainment is a Bethlehem hotspot.
Kids become the star of the show at the Star of Bethlehem Festival, a vibrant children’s event dedicated to educating young learners in artistic endeavors, the performing arts, and science. The Bach Choir of Bethlehem has not only the honor of being the country’s longest-running choir but also boasts incredible talent and a sterling reputation. Held on the stunning grounds of Lehigh University, this festival celebrates the storied work of Joann Sebastian Bach.Bethlehem residents have access to several excellent schools through the Bethlehem Area School District, as well as prestigious private academies and colleges, including:
75,599 people live in Bethlehem, where the median age is 36.4 and the average individual income is $35,588. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Bethlehem has 29,874 households, with an average household size of 2.33. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Bethlehem do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 75,599 people call Bethlehem home. The population density is 3,954.89 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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