The gleaming red neon “Hotel Bethlehem” sign atop Historic Hotel Bethlehem shines like Rudolph’s nose throughout the year. However, on Christmas Eve, this Rudolph red icon takes a little break. The hotel staff turns off the word “Hotel” so that only “Bethlehem” shines.

“This transforms the sign from an advertisement to a reminder of our community to focus on one another and the true spirit of the season,” said Historic Hotel Bethlehem managing partner Bruce Haines.

The tradition goes back decades, possibly as early as 1960. Former employees believe hotel management stopped it in the late ’70s, long before Haines and his partners took ownership and restored the local landmark. In 2018, a community resident, Debbie Helms, told Haines about the old tradition and he brought it back. “I just thought it was a great way to honor Bethlehem’s heritage and celebrate our history,” he said.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located on the site of Bethlehem’s first house. It’s where, on Christmas Eve in 1741, Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf and other Moravian settlers named Bethlehem in honor of the place where Jesus was born.

“By illuminating only the word ‘Bethlehem,’ we’re truly focusing on the reason for the season,” Haines said. The word “Hotel” remained dark through Christmas night.