Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Sparking white lights adorn trees and 18th century buildings among the Historic Moravian District of the small town named Bethlehem in 1741 on Christmas Eve. Now known as Christmas City, this enchanting place offers its own unique, holiday events that evoke the Christmas Spirit, so join us as we adventure into the glitter of the holiday season. There will be two holiday markets, each with their own surprises, interesting history, local traditions, a dazzling array of decorated trees, and a spectacular mansion that you can call home for a night. All you need is an overnight bag to experience the magic that lingers in the air of the charming town of Bethlehem!
Day One: Historic Trees of Bethlehem
Whether its your first time or have visited year after year, there’s always something new to see in Christmas City. We’ll follow in the footsteps of the Moravian settlers straight to the historic district where we can explore a winter wonderland of Christmas trees decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club with an annual theme.
This time-honored tradition includes over 26 trees on display across five historic sites starting at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, housed in three interconnected mid-1800s homes.
Day One: Historic Trees Path
We’ll follow the path of the trees, each inspired by a classic holiday movie to Bethlehem’s oldest building the 1741 Gemeinhaus, home of the Moravian Museum to the Single Sisters’ House, onto the 1869 Luckenbach Mill ending at the first brick residence in Bethlehem, the 1810 Goundie House.
Take your time exploring each historic space and experiencing the twinkling trees (you can vote for your favorite!) with time for lunch on your own downtown.
Day One: Holiday Putz Trail
Two historic sites contain displays from the Holiday Putz Trail, traditional Moravian decorations used during Christmastime. Keep an eye out for these miniature replicas that depict various settings of the Nativity story using ornate, hand-crafted figurines.
Day One: Christmas City Village
We’ll be right near this year’s Christmas City Village, a traditional German Weihnachsmarkt style of outdoor market complete with holiday themed wooden huts lining the streets at different locations, so don’t miss out!
Day One: Bethlehem Traditions
As you wander along Main St. and Broad St., you may notice some extravagantly decorated windows, another annual Bethlehem tradition. Found a favorite? Feel free to vote for the winner.
More festive fun hangs around the Christmas huts; artistically decorated 2-foot Gingerbread Friends. Vote for your favorite!
Day One: Sayre Mansion
After, we step out of the ordinary and into the magnificent Sayre Mansion filled with historic charm and delightful holiday spirit. Built in 1858 and now an Historic Hotel of America, the Sayre mansion anchored a wealthy enclave of Bethlehem, the Fountain Hill neighborhood, that was home to area’s industrialists and railroad pioneers.
After an included dinner, relax in the luxury of our overnight delight!
Day Two: Moravian Historical Society
This morning wake up in the historic atmosphere of the beautiful Sayre Mansion and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the elegant dining room.
After we travel to the nearby town of Nazareth where we’ll visit the Moravian Historical Society, home to the 1740 Whitefield House Museum. Here we will learn about the significant contributions Moravians made to music, art, education and culture in early America on our guided tour.
Day Two: Christkindlmarkt
This afternoon is for a holiday shop til you drop at the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt. Even if you’re not a shopper, it’s an entertaining day just to browse the thousands of unique handmade gifts among the 60 artisans and craftspeople along with the infamous German ornament manufacturer, Kathe Wohlfahrt’s collection.
The atmosphere is made even more festive with a full schedule of performers and the chance to meet St. Nicholas himself! A diverse variety of delicacies will be available for a delectable lunch on your own.
After we’re all worn out, it’s time to head back home bringing with us all the holiday cheer from Christmas City.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool at the corner of Linwood Ave & Northern Parkway at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:30 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 5:45 PM.
Departs South Plainfield High School at 9:00 AM and returns at approx. 5:00 PM. As you enter from Lane Avenue, park on the left side along the fence between the two schools.
Price per person is $ Twin & $ Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due October 27, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before October 27, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after October 27, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
