Every holiday season, the same question resurfaces in Pennsylvania history circles, Easton and Bethlehem tourism meetings, social media posts, and probably a few living rooms: where was the first Christmas tree displayed in America?
And if you are not asking yourself that question, why not?
ArtsQuest is bringing back the SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival for its 13th year, turning Bethlehem’s SteelStacks campus into two packed days of fast, unscripted comedy. The festival runs Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, 2026, featuring improvisational teams from across the region and around the country.
ArtsQuest and Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA have opened a call for artists to create the signature artwork for the 2026 free concert season. The selected piece will become the visual identity for one of the Lehigh Valley’s largest community music series.
Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is welcoming residents and visitors to a month of Christmas traditions, music, worship, and historic experiences. As one of the city’s oldest congregations, the church continues to shape celebrations in The Christmas City with events that offer both reflection and joy.
Banko Beverage Company is marking Walnut Week (November 17 – 21) in downtown Bethlehem with a special giveaway tied to the city’s new Walnut Street Garage.
Throughout Walnut Week and the month of November, or while supplies last, visitors who show a receipt from the Walnut Street Garage at participating restaurants and bars will receive a free prize.
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites kicks off the 2025 holiday season today, Friday, Nov. 14, with the return of its beloved “Trees of Historic Bethlehem” exhibition and the debut of “Baked into Bethlehem.” One ticket covers both exhibits: $25 for adults, $23 for teachers and military, and $14 for ages 4+. Children 3 and under are free. Tickets are available at historicbethlehem.org.
It is the question everyone asks this time of year. Is Bethlehem really like a Hallmark movie?
Come find out. The holidays are here and there is so much to see and do in the Christmas City. From tree lightings to shopping, dining, trails, and shows, Bethlehem shines bright all season long.
When it comes to helping people say goodbye, Justin Keiper might just be the best in the business. The American Funeral Director magazine has named him the 2025 Runner-Up for Funeral Director of the Year.
ArtsQuest, in partnership with Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries, will host its annual Veterans Day Q&A Panel on Monday, November 10, at 9:30 a.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
IceHouse Punk & DIY will close out 2025 with a community-focused show on Thursday, November 6, combining live music and a food drive to support Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, PA recognized Just Born, Inc. with the Dedication to Youth Award for their decades of commitment to local children and families.
Ed Broczkowski, Chief Strategy Officer at Just Born, and Meg Dowd, Corporate Affairs Manager, reflect on the company’s deep roots in the Bethlehem community, their support of youth programs, and the shared values that have guided this partnership for generations.
💙 Together, Just Born and the Boys & Girls Club continue to build stronger communities and inspire great futures.
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The holiday season kicks off with one of Bethlehem’s favorite traditions: the 23rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Walk, returning Saturday, Nov. 29, at 9 a.m. Presented by Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, the event draws hundreds of runners, joggers, walkers, and families to the city’s Historic District in support of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
Bethlehem is ushering in the holiday season with Walnut Week, a community-wide celebration marking the grand opening of the new Walnut Street Garage in downtown Bethlehem. From November 17–21, the city will host a series of events highlighting accessibility, connection, and the festive spirit that defines the Christmas City.
Spend this weekend with the arts at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center, where two powerful performances promise to fill Baker Hall with music and emotion. On Friday, October 24, Lehigh University Choral Arts presents Into the Darkness, a moving exploration of mystery and reflection through choral music.
Then, on Sunday, October 26, the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra, led by Marin Alsop, takes the stage for an afternoon of orchestral brilliance.
