Published December 09. 2025 05:44PM
Despite a winter chill made harsher by windy gusts, Payrow Plaza filled with hundreds of Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley area residents Nov. 28 to formally celebrate the advent of Christmas in the Christmas City with the lighting of the community Christmas tree and holiday lights throughout the city. This year’s tree was provided by the Simoes family of Bethlehem.
Chamber of Commerce official Tammy Wendling and Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds welcomed the throng and praised both the business partnerships and community spirit that support holiday events and are prevalent throughout the holiday season.
Children were central to the proceedings, as BASD elementary students from Miller Heights and Freemansburg elementary schools helped to count down the tree lighting. Later, many visited with Santa Claus, who arrived courtesy of the Bethlehem Fire Department.
Holiday music was provided by the Liberty HS Grenadier Band before the ceremony began and during it. Other performers included the SwingTime Dolls, The Holmes Family Singers, John Kimock & Friends and Jake Kaligis.
Costumed characters from Touchstone Theater and A Story Time meandered throughout the crowd, bringing smiles and happiness to both children and adults.
Refreshments provided included chocolate chip cookies from Wegmans, and hot chocolate by Civic Property Management.
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Tammy Wendling thanks the city’s electrical bureau for installing over 30,000 holiday lights.
“There’s no better place to be than in Bethlehem tonight,” says Mayor J. William Reynolds.
The Swingtime Dolls perform a medley of Christmas songs.
A young boy sits on Santa’s lap to let him know he’s been nice.
These costumed Touchstone Theatre characters spread joy and mirth among lighting ceremony attendees.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBThis year’s community Christmas tree beams brightly on Payrow Plaza next to the holiday colors lit public library facade. More photos on page A2.
Allen Frank directs Liberty Grenadier Band members through a number of holiday songs.
“I like it,” says Sophia about the tree lighting, who attended with her brother Luke (5 years old) and Mom Danielle from Macungie.
Chad and Jen Licsko bundle up against the chilly temperatures and blustery winds.
Bethlehem Area School District elementary students help to count down to the official tree lighting.
The Kondianis family of Bethlehem makes a tree lighting memory with this photo.
