BETHLEHEM, Pa. — You could’ve probably pointed out the city from space on Friday night.
Facing bordering-on-freezing temperatures and a sometimes-frigid wind chill to boot, thousands of onlookers trooped into Payrow Plaza at City Hall for one of Bethlehem’s prized traditions.
And some say it’s more than just flipping the switch on a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree, igniting its 30,000 lights and kicking off the holidays here locally — it’s one of a number of moments each year for the city’s people and visitors to just enjoy a little time together.
“What better representation of who we are — our community — than who we are right here,” said Mayor J. William Reynolds.
Bethlehem flips the switch on its beloved Christmas tree at Payrow Plaza. Quite a crowd braved the cold to witness it. @LVNewsdotcom pic.twitter.com/x1StEPLrPh
— LVN Will Oliver (@LVN_WillOliver) November 29, 2024
'Good'
City residents Chris Bermudez and Lori Gregalis were there with their boy, Wyatt, 8. Though the family has been living in Bethlehem for 15 years, they’ve yet to check out one of the tree-lighting ceremonies.
Wyatt didn't have much to say about the occasion. But seeing the tree all decorated and festivities in person brought one word to mind for him: “good.”
Most would probably agree with Wyatt on that.
“What better representation of who we are — our community — than who we are right here."Mayor J. William Reynolds, voicing support for those who made the tree-lighting happen as well as those who came out to witness it
And even though they missed the tree-lighting itself, there were plenty more festivities to go around afterward — Santa Claus in the flesh, a polar bear mascot making its rounds for photos with families, music and even refreshments.
You could say the free hot cocoa and cookies were hot commodities among the waves of people in attendance; the supply on hand was dished out fast.
“Oh, there was no hot chocolate!” Wyatt said.
Somewhat of a tough night for the boy. But more importantly, it also could be an evening shared with his folks he may not soon forget.
Visitors taking part
Jake and Nath Kreider, of the Hershey area, were in town with their sons — Saitama, 5, and Kaito, 2 — visiting family.
The husband and wife agreed the tree and respective partying were larger than they had envisioned.
Nestled in Jake’s arms, Little Kaito was cold and visibly tired from all the evening’s splendor — but he eventually described it as “good.”
Maybe he and Wyatt will end up being good friends.
