Published December 17. 2024 03:11PM
Bethlehem’s annual Christmas tree lighting was a wonderland of holiday magic held in Payrow Plaza Nov. 29.
The Citizens Christmas Tree Committee with the Bethlehem Chamber of Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce put on a spectacular event to kick off the season. Thirty thousand twinkling lights filled the air when Mayor J. Williams Reynolds led the charge and flipped the switch with six local elementary students.
With the recent induction of Moravian Church Settlements placing Bethlehem on the UNESCO World Heritage List, there was even more to celebrate. The festivities included musical acts with festive music, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, several food, wine and brew vendors, a photo booth, strolling actors and enough good cheer to keep spirits bright.
This year’s centerpiece tree on the Plaza was donated by the Weidner-Hontz family, the Crisafi family donated the tree on the Hill-to-Hill Bridge and the Neeme family donated the Mayor’s tree. Learn more about the historic heritage of the UNESCO induction at moravianchurchsettlements.org.
On the night of holiday wonder, The Swing Time Dolls performed a cluster of holiday tunes while wearing Mrs. Claus style capes.
The countdown to the lighting of not only the traditional Christmas tree, but the entire display of holiday lights in the City of Bethlehem is performed by Mayor J. Williams Reynolds and his assisting elementary students who were announced earlier in the week. They are Brian Falsone and Maxwell Martinez of Calypso ES. From Clearview ES are Aariah Gardo, Krystal Page, Abryeal Slippe and Ella Tilton.
Singing a beautiful rendition of the hymn “Noel” is the Holmes Family Singers bringing a peaceful moment to the evening at the historic holiday celebration in our own Christmas City.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LORI PATRICKThe colorful lights of the Mayor’s Tree donated by the Neeme family is adorned by ornaments made by students of Calypso and Clearview elementary schools. Many children stopped by to take a moment and admire the sight at the city tree lighting ceremoney Nov. 29. The Mayor’s Tree can be found on Payrow Plaza behind the traditional tree. Our city tree coverage continues on pages A2 and A3. The Mayor’s Tree story appears on pages A4 and A5.
Tammy Wending, senior vice president Bethlehem Initiatives Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce kicks off the annual Christmas Tree Lighting that is a night to dazzle with holiday magic. With temperatures in the 30s, it didn’t stop thousands of spectators from coming out to enjoy the night.
What a beautiful sight to see the over 30,000 lights twinkle into the evening sky. Donated by the Weidner-Hontz family, the 25-year-old Norway spruce was originally planted by a retired Bethlehem Steel worker. It was standing room only as family and friends took part as a beginning to their Christmas spirit of the season.
What’s a Christmas celebration without Santa Claus? Families lined up to have a visit and share their wishes including the Watson family of Robesonia.
Staring up at the centerpiece Christmas tree on Payrow Plaza on the Nativity side are best friends Victoria on left and Meleana on right. The girls are both 12 years old and reside in Bethlehem Township.
A spirited bunch of character, Touchstone Theater actors strolled the venue welcoming guests and staying true to the Moravian period in their speaking and actions. The players brought a touch of comedy as well bringing fun to the atmosphere, for example … when seeing my cellphone they were curious what it was.
