Bethlehem is stepping into Christmas with a festive new Christmas City Village shopping set-up. “We were as excited as kids on Christmas morning when our 15 brand new holiday huts arrived. There are more huts than ever before, covering more of the downtown than ever before,” said Kelly Smith, the Downtown Bethlehem Association Manager.

The new huts allow shoppers to walk in and explore. Past huts featured vendor windows and sidewalk tables. “With this new set up, vendors won’t have to take up and put down daily sidewalk displays. They’ll be able to create more intricate, beautiful holiday displays that last throughout the season,” noted Smith.

Village Features Expanded Area and New Vendors

Shoppers will enjoy 15 different vendors this year, that’s four more than last year. The DBA is adding a hut in front of Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s Executive Conference Center, one on Broad Street in front of Clementine’s Salon, and one in front of The Sun Inn. “With all of the energy we’ve seen on Broad Street, it’s like Bethlehem has two Main streets,” said Tammy Wendling, the Senior VP of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Smith added, “There’s so much to love on Broad Street, like Apollo Grill, Twisted Olive, Edge, Yaralav Gallery and Joe’s Tavern. Between Broad and Main, you could easily spend an entire day downtown.”

Melissa Morales is a participating vendor. She owns Melmo’s Dog Treats and is looking forward to the new set-up. She said, “I am so excited for the new huts. They look bright and appealing. I think they are going to be amazing. With the dutch doors, you can give a little teaser while you’re opening in the morning. I’m just so jazzed for them.”

This is the fourth year Morales has participated in the village which she says gets better every year. This season, she’ll be adding cat treats and cat houses to her product line up. She’s offering $1 off on Thursdays for Bethlehem locals who she says shouldn’t miss out on an amazing experience in their hometown. “It’s a Hallmark town, literally like stepping into a movie. It’s definitely a must-see for Christmas. There’s just something about Bethlehem for Christmas.”

Christmas City Village Shopping Dates

The Christmas City Village will be open Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 10-Dec. 24.

Contributed article