BETHLEHEM, PA (November, 17, 2025) – Christmas City is ready to shine brighter than ever as Payrow Plaza transforms into a dazzling holiday spectacular for the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by the Citizens’ Christmas City Committee. This treasured tradition returns with magic, music, and Bethlehem community spirit—officially kicking off the holiday season in Christmas City, USA.
- Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
- Time: Plaza opens at 4:30 PM • Prelude at 4:40 PM • Ceremony at 5:00 PM
- Location: Payrow Plaza, 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
This year’s tree, glowing with more than 30,000 shimmering lights, will illuminate Payrow Plaza as guests enjoy festive performances from The SwingTime Dolls, The Holmes Family Singers, John Kimock & Friends, Jake Kaligis, the Liberty High School Grenadier Band, and special guests from Touchstone Theatre and A Storybook Party. As always, Santa Claus is expected to make a joyful appearance during the program.
Guests can enjoy free cookies courtesy of Wegmans and complimentary hot chocolate provided by Civic Property Management while supplies last. Seasonal spirits will be available for purchase for guests 21+ from Country Club Brewing, Franklin Hill Vineyards, and Social Still.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY AND TRADITION
Local families have once again generously donated the Christmas trees displayed throughout the city, each adding their own story to Bethlehem’s holiday legacy.
Jessica, Dave, and their son Anthony Simoes lovingly cared for their 21-year-old spruce since moving into their Bethlehem home 13 years ago and chose to donate their tree so it could shine brightly for the entire community this holiday season.
The Hill-to-Hill Bridge Tree was donated by Glenn and Connie Hesse of Hellertown. Their heartfelt gift honors their Christmas Eve 1982 wedding ceremony at Payrow Plaza and is dedicated to the memory of their “Uncle Bill,” William Reed Jr., who served as City Electrician from 1974 to 1983 and took great pride in lighting Bethlehem for the holidays.
The Mayor’s Tree, decorated with more than 100 handmade ornaments by Freemansburg and Miller Heights Elementary School students through the Cops ’n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program, will remain on display all season. Sourced from Bethlehem’s own watershed, this year’s Mayor’s Tree offers a uniquely homegrown and meaningful addition to the celebration.
TRELLIS DEDICATION TO VICTORY HOUSE
The Citizens’ Christmas City Committee will dedicate this year’s Trellis Ornament, “Legacy of Love,” to Victory House of Lehigh Valley in honor of its 40 years of life-changing service to men and veterans, and its expansion with the opening of its first licensed recovery house for women. All proceeds from the annual ornament sale will benefit Victory House.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
STAR OF BETHLEHEM SPONSOR
The Bethlehem Parking Authority
SILVER BELL SPONSOR
Lehigh Valley Health Network Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health
SANTA’S ELVES SPONSORS
Servpro – Team Davis
Xfinity
CHRISTMAS CITY SPONSORS
Northampton Community College
Unity Bank
HOLIDAY HELPER SPONSORS
Civic Property Management
Wegmans
A/V & SOUND SPONSORS:
City Entertainment Systems
Lehigh Valley with Love
STAGE DÉCOR SPONSOR
American Hairlines
Join us for an unforgettable evening of lights, music, and community pride as we welcome the holiday season in true Christmas City style.
About the Citizens’ Christmas City Committee: In the 1960s, the Citizens’ Christmas City Committee was established with the goal of enhancing the Christmas experience in Bethlehem while sharing some of the associated costs. The Committee continues to fundraise annually to support initiatives that highlight Bethlehem as “Christmas City USA.”
About The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce: The mission of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce is to advocate, preserve and advance business and community interests to further economic growth in the city of Bethlehem.
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
