Bethlehem Steels to Bethlehem City Becoming Christmas City Debate
In Bethlehem PA a divided town blends aging mills with a festive scene on both riverbanks. The Star of Bethlehem lights up the hill as Moravian roots and tourism push a shift toward Christmas City branding while locals fear losing a sense of place beyond commerce and a year round symbol.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ing
Lehigh River
Ethlehem
Bethlehem Steel
Laemon W
Bethlehem
New World
Catherine Ziel
Greater Bethlehem Area
Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf
Europe
von Zinzendorf
Christ
Jerusalem
Bethlehem Strives to Blend Faith and Commerce in Christkindlmarkt
Bethlehem tourism leaders promote a religiously rooted Christkindlmarkt begun in 1993 featuring a 40 ton Nativity sand sculpture. Officials say the city avoids selling Santa, aiming for a genuinely religious, not manufactured, Christmas experience. Clergy members note restrained marketing amid a growing business religious divide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christkindlmarkt
Santa Claus
Jeffrey Parks
Bethlehem Musiks Association
Bethlehem
Allen Juda
Pennsylvania
Jesus
Juda
Brith Sholom
Christ Child
James McKee
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Second Baptist Church
Edward Thompson
Bethlehem Faces Christmas Boom Yet Keeps Tradition Alive
In Bethlehem city leaders push longer holiday displays while locals debate commercialization. Moravian Academy sixth graders wonder what God would think, with residents noting Advent Lovefeasts and simple tellings of the Christmas story still draw visitors. Despite steel job losses since the 1960s, the town retains a shared holiday spirit across communities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Anne Horwath
Christ Child
Margaret Barangay
St. Anne’s Catholic Church
Congregation Brith Sholom
Hanukkah
Bethlehem
Gareth Icenogle
First Presbyterian Church
Tion
Lee
Moravian Academy
Adam Mattina
Josh Roberts
Also Mentioned on This Page
Iacocca
Lehigh University
Advent Community
St. Nick
Chamber of Commerce
Council of Churches
Citizens’ Christmas
Main
Susan E. F. Henderson
North Street
P.O. Box
Bluefield
West Virginia
Fox
Virginia
Westwood Medical Park
Jeffrey A. Williams
D.C
Susan Bristol
Coach
Dooney & Rourke
Easy Spirit
Tommy Hilfiger
Hanes
Enesco
Mercer Mall
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