DV Journal

All aboard! If you’re heading for New Hope–named one of the country’s best towns for Christmas–you’re in for a treat.

According to MyDatingAdviser.com, New Hope ranks as the fifth-best out of 152 Christmas towns in the nation. The ranking was measured based upon dining, festive activities, hotels, transport, weather, among other indicators of an enjoyable holiday experience.

One of the most famous attractions that bring many locals and visitors to Bucks County is the Santa’s Steam Train Ride on the New Hope Railroad. The hour-long round-trip from New Hope to Lahaska welcomes people of all ages to experience the scenic countryside of Bucks County.

Christmas in New Hope
by Anthony Sinagoga Courtesy of Visit Bucks County

Once passengers are comfortably settled in the railcars,  roaming musicians play Christmas carols while hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies are served. Children and adults are welcome to wear pajamas on the train setting up a familiar atmosphere toward the famous Christmas film The Polar Express. The attraction will begin running on Friday, Nov. 26.

Visitors can also stroll through the decorated railroad station and visit the 1891 Freight House Gift Shop and Christmas Gift Shop located within the historic Victorian-style passenger station.

With the pandemic waning, Paul Bencivengo, president of Visit Bucks County, is optimistic for the 2021 holiday season.

“Visit Bucks County heavily promotes region with the ‘Holidays in Bucks County’ marketing campaign with outdoor billboards, a television commercial, digital advertising, and more,” Bencivengo said. “The holidays are a very festive season in Bucks County, and it’s a great time to visit.”

Peddler’s Village
Kevin Crawford Imagery

“We encourage locals and visitors to purchase gift cards to attractions, museums, restaurants, hotels, and bed and breakfasts — a getaway experience is a perfect gift! These purchases support the local economy and help spread joy throughout the holiday season,” he said.

Bucks County officials hope to match the economic boom they saw in 2019, where the tourist industry generated a billion dollars in financial impact and supported a total hospitality workforce of 30,000.

Another popular attraction set to open for the holiday season in New Hope is Peddler’s Village. A holiday tradition since 1984, where the Gingerbread Competition and Display is one of the site’s top attractions and included its free admission.

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If you’re looking for the iconic Pennsylvania Christmas town, Bethlehem is your destination. With that famous name and Pennsylvania German heritage, Bethlehem attracts visitors to the region from near and far.

One favorite attraction is the Holiday Putz Trail, a collection of displays at two historic sites open for Christmastime. As it pertains to the name of the trail, “Putz” is a traditional Moravian decoration used around the holiday season; the word comes from the German term “to decorate.” The small replicas depict various Nativity settings using embellished, hand-crafted figurines. Each set may include animals, buildings, and other detail-oriented features to recreate the scenes of the holiday

A main location on the Putz Trail is the Moravian Museum Gemeinhaus which introduces guests to the earliest history of the Bethlehem community. Guests discover the stories behind Bethlehem’s founders, including early Moravian, communal living, medical practices, missionary work, and a growing educational system.

The Moravain Museum of Bethlehem complex includes some of the most unique and oldest buildings in the Lehigh Valley. Due to its rich history and architecture, the Gemeinhaus has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is part of Historic Moravian Bethlehem’s National Historic Landmark.

Another significant site of the Putz Trail is the Single Sisters’ House which was constructed in 1744 parallel to the Gemeinhaus and was originally built for the Single Brethren’s Choir which was given to the Single Sisters’ Choir in 1748.

Visitors also experience other Moravian traditions and partake in new additions, including the Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour, the Christmas Stroll Walking Tour, and the Live Advent Calendar. In addition, horsedrawn trolley rides will debut as a new feature this year. The Christmas in the Quarter will also be returning for two weekends after being added last year.

“To have festivities in Bethlehem is always great for the town especially during this time of the year,” Carlos Orellana, 23, of Bethlehem. “It’s neat to see the entire city get decorated and have Main Street attract many carolers.”

Wassail Party at the Kemerer

That Wassail Party at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts is one of the first events to kick of the Christmas season in Bethlehem. It provides festive Christmas music to get visitors in the holiday spirit including light refreshments offered at the family-friendly event. For safety purposes, visitors are asked to register ahead of time.

Visitors can also see the lighting of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem, a tradition featuring more than 26 trees on display across five historic sites. The decorated trees show ornaments carefully displayed by the Bethlehem Garden Club to exemplify this year’s chosen theme, “A Cinematic Christmas.”

The trees are located at the 1810 Goundie House, Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Luckenbach Mill, Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, and the Single Sisters’ House. A multi-site pass can be purchased for $25, while a single-site pass costs $12, and $9 for children.

The holiday season hours of operation run till the beginning of January. For any questions about the Holiday Putz Trail or hours of operation, contact the Visitor Center at 1-800-360-TOUR or Historic Bethlehem.

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