Christmas in Bethel

We hope you’ll plan to join us on Sunday, December 3rd, for the annual Christmas in Bethel celebration. Free admission.

FOOD
• Fest Hall Restaurant – Serving Christmas smorgasbord of turkey and dressing, smoked sausage, etc. 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 – Candied Pecans, Hot Cocoa and Cider, Coffee, and other Christmas Goodies from 11am to 4pm.

VENDORS IN THE COLONY BARN
We’ll be heating the Barn, so it should be comfortable no matter what the weather!
• Santa arrives at Noon to greet the children and hand out treats.
• Candy Cane Hunt for Kids
• 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

COLONY HOME TOUR
• The Colony Museum is open for free.
• Purchase $10 tickets at the Gift Shop beginning at 11:00am for a guided tour of several historic Colony homes at 1:30pm—Elim, Bair Haus, and Miller Haus.

VESPER SERVICE & CANDLELIGHT WALK
• Vespers – 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
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
During the communal years, 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. 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 there will be activities for children and adults alike. Come join us and kick off the Christmas season in small-town America style.