Christmas in Bethel

During the communal years, Bethel colonists observed many “fete” days such as Easter, Christmas, New Years, harvest feasts, Independence Day and others with music, singing, dancing and visiting. On these occasions tables were loaded with all the good things the German kitchen and cellar could offer. Everyone was welcome and many came. At Christmas time there were two large decorated trees in the church and the celebration began at four o’clock in the morning at the church with singing and band music and then a sermon, after which all the children were given candy, apples, cakes and cookies. The two trees were left until New Year’s when the gifts were given to everyone.

These days the festivities don’t start at 4am, but Christmas in Bethel is still about gathering around food and music with friends to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. We hope you’ll join us!

FOOD
• Fest Hall Restaurant – Serving Christmas smorgasbord from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy cookies and drinking custard with your meal, or purchase separately. Also serving soup and sandwiches throughout the day.
• Food Stand – Chili, Candied Pecans, Hot Cocoa and Cider, Coffee, and other Christmas Goodies from 11am to 4pm.
• Bethel Bakery and Bethel Candy Kitchen

ACTIVITIES
• Santa arrives at noon to greet the children and hand out treats.
• Music by local youth choir and band
• Come see some of the historic homes and learn the history of Bethel, founded in 1844. Tickets available at the Gift Shop, $10 for adults, accompanied children free.
• The Museum / Gift Shop will be open 11am-4pm; free admission.
• Shopping: Vendors in the Colony Barn, plus other shops in town including Decades Olde, Bethel Bakery, Bethel Candy Kitchen, and Schnickschnack, 11am to 4:30pm
• Kids Candy Cane Hunt at 1:30pm
• Bonfires
• Vesper Service – 5pm at the United Methodist Church, followed by a candlelight walk to the Historic Bandstand for the official lighting of Bethel.
• Soup & Sandwiches at the Fest Hall ($5) following the lighting