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Walk through history as we guide you to things to learn, places to discover, and events that help connect us to our rich heritage.
Christmas City Stroll
Tour begins at 1810 Goundie Welcome Center on Main Street
Designed especially for the holidays, the Christmas City Stroll is a casual, comfortable walk (evening tours are led by lantern) through Bethlehem’s Historic District that explores the city’s 280-plus years of history starting with its founding in 1741.
You’ll be led by a guide dressed in 18th-century Colonial attire as you pass by historic landmarks such as the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the oldest building in Bethlehem; beautiful Central Moravian Church; built in the early 1800s; and the Colonial Industrial Quarter, widely recognized as the nation’s first industrial center, a thriving community of approximately 50 crafts, trades and industries during its heyday in the mid-1700s.
Did you Know?
During the Bethlehem Moravians’ Christmas Eve Service in 1741, Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf led the congregation into the stable of the Moravian First House where they sang the hymn, “Jesus, Call Thou Me.” Following the singing of the second stanza, “Not Jerusalem, lowly Bethlehem, ‘Twas that gave us Christ to save us, not Jerusalem,” the Count named the settlement “Bethlehem.” Today the hymn is still sung on Christmas Eve in Moravian Churches.
During the Stroll, you’ll learn about cherished Moravian and Christmas City traditions including the meaning of a candle in every window, beeswax candles, Central Moravian Church’s Community Putz, the iconic Star of Bethlehem atop South Mountain and the Moravian Star, an enduring symbol of the Moravian faith traditionally hung during the holiday season. Add in the exquisite Victorian and colonial architecture and two National Historic Landmarks — the Gemeinhaus and the 1762 Waterworks — and you have a holiday tour unlike any other!
New Audio System Enhances Your Experience
We’re raising the bar for guided tours at HBMS with the addition of the Vox Group Tour Guide System. This easy-to-use wireless tech delivers crystal-clear audio, so guests catch every word – no matter the crowd or setting. Each visitor gets a lightweight receiver and comfortable headset, making every tour more immersive, informative, and enjoyable.
Please Note: This tour takes place outdoors. Participants should come prepared for walking outdoors, including navigating slight inclines and occasionally uneven pavements.
Walking Tour Accessibility
Historic Bethlehem’s guided walking tours take you through the heart of Bethlehem’s National Historic Landmark District – the same grounds where history actually happened. Tours typically runs about 90 minutes at a comfortable walking pace, moving along brick and paved sidewalks, a few gentle hills, and some sloped or possibly grassy stretches between stops. It’s part of what makes the experience feel real rather than staged.
If you have questions about a specific tour, or want help planning your visit, call the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Concierge Service at 1-800-360-TOUR (8687). We’re happy to walk through the details with you and find the right fit.
What is the typical pace of the tours?
Tours are typically around 90 minutes. This is around 90 minutes of walking and standing, with stops along the way to take in the sights and stories. Seating is available at only a few points along the route.
What is the terrain?
The terrain is a mix of brick and paved sidewalks, with some uneven, sloped, or grassy sections. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
Are there inclines or slopes on these tours?
Most routes are gently sloped. The Bethlehem and the Revolution, Birthplace of Industry, and Mystery & History Tours include a steeper paved incline between the Historic District and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. It’s a great chance to see the landscape that shaped the city’s industry.
Are there stairs on the tours?
The Grist Miller’s House, 1741 Gemeinhaus, and the Single Sisters’ House are original 18th-century buildings without elevators, so there is a flight or two of steeper historic stairs. Guests on the Branching Out Tour, which includes the Gemeinhaus and the Single Sisters’ House, and the Birthplace of Industry Tour, which includes the Grist Miller’s House, are welcome to remain on the main floor. Our guides are happy to describe what is on the other floors, and Branching Out Tour attendees can watch a video at the Gemeinhaus showing what they would see on the second floor of the building.
Are the tours wheelchair and mobility device friendly?
Many outdoor sections of our tour routes are navigable with a manual or power wheelchair. Some brick and sloped areas may be more challenging for certain devices, and we’re glad to help you find the route that works best.
