Unique Traditions in the Christmas City | Bethlehem, PA | Moravian Star, Putz, Christmas Tree Trail

We traveled back to Pennsylvania's Christmas City - Bethlehem, PA. This time, we wanted to check out all of the unique Christmas traditions that make Bethlehem special. Bethlehem has a rich Moravian history that has influenced much of its present day traditions including its historic 82-years old hand carved Putz, a Christmas tree trail, and the Moravian star.

We start our journey exploring several of the museums throughout the historic district in downtown Bethlehem on their Trees of Historic Bethlehem tour. For a small fee/donation, you can visit the museums and explore this year's theme of play and games. With almost 30 trees across 4 historic sites, we checked out the trees and voted for our favorites. This time-honored tradition is sponsored by the Bethlehem Garden Club and competition is fierce for the coveted prize of "top tree".

From there, we explore the history of Bethlehem's Putz. A Putz is a traditional Moravian decoration used during the holidays. Similar to Nativity scenes, it was a way to share the story of Christmas without words and books. Bethlehem's Putz is 82 years old and almost all of the figures are hand carved by local Moravian church members and individuals from Germany. The Holiday Putz Trail embodies the spirit of the church's Putz with fun exhibits of Putztown featuring its own Putzkindlemarkt, downtown streets, and other scenes reminiscent from Bethlehem. Its a must do if you visit Bethlehem.

Finally, no visit to Bethlehem isn't complete without a trip to the Moravian Bookstore (the oldest in the country) to see their selection of Moravian stars. Originating in Germany, the stars have become a symbol for Bethlehem both during the holidays and year-round.

What we see:
▫️ Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
▫️ Single Sisters' House
▫️ Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
▫️ Hotel Bethlehem
▫️ Moravian Bookstore
▫️ Historic Moravian Putz
▫️ Sun Inn

Looking for more information on Bethlehem’s Chriskindlemarkt, a German-inspired Christmas market? Check out our video:

▫️Exploring Pennsylvania's Christmas City Christkindlmarkt 🎄| German Christmas Market in Bethlehem
   • Exploring Pennsylvania's Christmas City Ch...  
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⏱️Timestamps
0:00 What's to expect
1:05 Getting Around | Horse Drawn Carriages
1:38 Trees of Historic Bethlehem | Moravian Museum + Sisters' House
4:34 Trees of Historic Bethlehem | Kemerer Museum
7:23 Historic Putz
7:46 Putztown
8:55 Hotel Bethlehem
9:47 Moravian Bookstore + Moravian Star
10:56 Final Thoughts + Ending
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🎵Music
▫️ Oh Christmas Tree - DJ Williams
▫️ Christmas Chores - RKVC
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⛰️ #52HikeChallenge Goal: 36/52
Playlist:    • Hiking  
1. Harper's Ferry
2. Patapsco Valley State Park
3. Cromwell Valley Park
4. D&L Trail, Weissport
5. Valley Forge National Historical Park
6. Sawmill Trail
7. Switchback Trail
8. Catoctin Mountain Park
9. Cunningham Falls State Park
10. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
11. D&L Trail, Jim Thorpe
12. North River, NY
13. Prospect Mountain, Lake George
14. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge
15. Trillium Lake, Mount Hood
16. Alta Vista Trail, Mt. Rainer
17. Glacier View + Skyline Trails, Mt. Rainer
18. Glacier Basin Trail, Mt. Rainer
19. D&L Trail
20. New River Gorge Bridge Walk
21. Kaymoor Trail
22. Long Point Trail
23. Thurmont
24. Rend Trail
25. Duke Farms
26. Carrol Creek Linear Park
27. Riverside Park
28. Switchback Trail
29. Boston Freedom Trail
30. Salem Heritage Trail
31. Nahant-Swampscott Waterfront Promenade
32. Switchback Trail, Jim Thorpe
33. Blue Blazes Trail, Catoctin Mountain Park
34. Oregon Ridge Park
35. Lime Kiln Trail, Cromwell Bridge Park
36. Oregon Ridge Park
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Hello, fellow #travelers and #adventure seekers. I'm Jon and welcome to my #travel channel. Join me on my #adventures as I experience different foods, drinks, and interesting places around the world. Thanks for checking out my channel and look forward to #exploring the world with you!