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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.
Spirits of Christmas Pub Walking Tour
Tour begins at 1810 Goundie Welcome Center on Main Street (For ages 21 and Older)
Discover Bethlehem’s rich traditions and holiday heritage in a totally different way as you visit the taverns and historic locations of Main Street.
On the Spirits of Christmas walking tour, a certified tour guide dressed in 18th-century attire will lead you as you stop at destinations such as McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub or Lost Tavern in the Moravian Bookstore, the oldest continually operating bookstore in the nation; and the Historic Sun Inn, which at one time hosted a who’s who of distinguished guests of the time including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin, John Adams and many others.
You’ll learn about 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.
Please note: This tour is focused on Bethlehem’s holiday traditions and history. While there are opportunities to purchase beverages on this tour, it is not a pub crawl. Please allow for up to 2 hours for this tour.
It all culminates as you step inside Historic Hotel Bethlehem beautifully decorated for the holidays and enjoy a glass of Moravian Gluhwein. Unless you’re staying at the hotel, it’s the only way to get inside this iconic establishment, named the Best Historic Hotel & Resort in the nation by USA Today five years in a row.
Please Note: This tour takes place both outside and indoors. Participants should come prepared for walking outdoors, including navigating slight inclines and occasionally uneven pavements.
Participants must be at least 21 years of age and show valid ID.
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.
