BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Christmas City once again is getting the Hallmark treatment, letting people from across the globe get a glimpse at Bethlehem's holiday festivities.
An addition first made last year to the Christmas City will return, with a camera set up on Main Street to share "Yuletide Joy" from a "Real Life Hallmark Christmas Channel Christmas Town" as part of its Countdown to Christmas programming, Hallmark said in a news release.
“Everyone who lives here, works here, or who has ever visited during the holidays knows why we’re called ‘The Christmas City.'"Tammy Wendling, senior vice president for Bethlehem Initiatives at Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
The camera now is live and will livestream Main Street to Hallmark's Christmas website from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until Dec. 30, highlighting the city's shopping, horse and carriage rides and the live advent calendar.
The livestream joins other Hallmark-designated "Christmas Towns" of Harbor Springs, Michigan; Corning, New York; Frisco, Texas; Mystic, Connecticut; and Asheville, North Carolina.
“Everyone who lives here, works here, or who has ever visited during the holidays knows why we’re called ‘The Christmas City,’" said Tammy Wendling, senior vice president for Bethlehem Initiatives at Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"It goes beyond the decorations, shopping and hustle and bustle. It’s something about the warm and loving spirit of our community that really brings that Christmas magic and we are thrilled that Hallmark has recognized that.”
‘Countdown to Christmas'
Hallmark originally approached Bethlehem officials in October 2022, after which the city joined in the programming for the first time.
“Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas is bringing the Christmas lights to you to help celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in true Hallmark holiday style," the Hallmark Channel company stated in a release.
"To spread Christmas cheer and delight, the network is teaming up with towns across the country that evoke the real-life essence of the festive communities featured in Hallmark holiday movies to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to Hallmark Channel’s website for people everywhere looking to relax, indulge, and be inspired to get into the holiday spirit.”
On its website, Hallmark hails the Lehigh Valley's Christmas City, listing the arts and festivities that make the holiday season special.
The Hallmark Channel will put a big spotlight on the Lehigh Valley's Little Town of Bethlehem in another way this season.
A movie called “Miracle in Bethlehem, Pa” will air at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21.
But the film was produced and filmed in Canada and includes no scenes of the Lehigh Valley, Hallmark has said.
The film is among 42 premiering across Hallmark’s two networks, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. The streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now, also will have special holiday offerings.
