A beloved Bethlehem holiday tradition is welcoming a special new addition this year! The Citizens’ Christmas City Committee is excited to announce that The Bach Choir of Bethlehem will join the annual Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 27 at Payrow Plaza.

Each year, thousands of residents and visitors gather in the heart of Bethlehem to welcome the holiday season with festive music, live entertainment, and the magical moment when the City of Bethlehem’s Christmas tree illuminates Payrow Plaza.

The addition of The Bach Choir brings together two cherished Bethlehem traditions, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage and the holiday spirit that has made Bethlehem known around the world as Christmas City, USA.

“Bethlehem has such an incredible history of music, tradition, and community, and welcoming The Bach Choir of Bethlehem to our Tree Lighting Ceremony this year makes our celebration even more special,” said Tammy Wendling, Senior Vice President of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “There’s something magical about seeing thousands of people of all generations come together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. It’s one of those moments that reminds us why Bethlehem is, and always will be, Christmas City, USA.”

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Bethlehem’s tree lighting and share the spirit of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem with our neighbors. We’ve called Bethlehem home for 128 years, and while people may know us for our world-class performances, many don’t realize our singers are volunteers who live and work right here in our community. It’s especially meaningful to share their extraordinary talent with our hometown crowd and ring in the holiday season together,” said Leela Breithaupt, Executive Director of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem.

FEATURED

ENTERTAINMENT

• The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, making its debut at the Tree Lighting Ceremony with a special holiday performance

• Touchstone Theatre, bringing theatrical storytelling, holiday humor, and a little Christmas magic to the stage

• The SwingTime Dolls, entertaining the crowd with their signature harmonies and festive favorites

• The Holmes Family Singers, sharing the joy of the season through inspirational music and beautiful voices

• Freedom High School Marching Band, continuing the tradition of welcoming guests with a spirited musical prelude

No Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony would be complete without the evening’s most anticipated guest, Santa Claus! Escorted by Bethlehem’s Fire and Police Departments, Santa will make his grand entrance to help usher in the holiday season and celebrate the lighting of Bethlehem’s Christmas tree.

EVENT DETAILS

• Event: 2026 Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Date: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026

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