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. |
