Christmas in Bethlehem
Bethlehem is known as Christmas City USA, and for good reason! On Christmas Eve 1741, Moravian leaders named the town after lyrics in the hymn “Jesus Call Thou Me.” Each year, Central welcomes thousands of visitors for worship, concerts, and our traditional Christmas Putz.
Christmas Eve & Holiday Worship
Recognized as one of the best Christmas Eve worship experiences in America, these services are a treasured gift to our community.
Children’s Lovefeast
- December 24 at 1 p.m.
- A joyful, energetic tradition featuring the Moravian Lovefeast and beeswax candles. Loved by all ages, this service is tailored especially for children.
Christmas Eve Vigils
- December 24 at 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Sacred services featuring classic and Moravian carols, a youth solo of “Morning Star,” and the breathtaking moment when thousands of lit beeswax candles fill the darkened Sanctuary.
Watchnight Service
- December 31 at 11:30 p.m.
- No tickets required
- Welcome the new year with a beloved Moravian tradition featuring the Moravian Trombone Choir.
Join Us On Christmas Eve!
Due to high attendance, free tickets are required
Christmas Putz and Star & Candle Shop
Open November 27 – December 31
• Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• Located at lower level of Christian Education Building, 40 W. Church Street
• Follow the Christmas lights up the Church Green
The Christmas Putz
Along with seasonal worship and concerts, Central Moravian Church hosts our annual Christmas Putz, a beloved Moravian tradition since 1937. Free to the community, this 30-minute experience uses carved figures, narration, and lights to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. The term “putz” comes from the German word “putzen,” meaning to decorate.
Star & Candle Shop
Located alongside the Putz, the Star & Candle Shop features a wide selection of Moravian gifts, including authentic Herrnhuter Moravian stars, handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, glassware, and local artisan gifts. The Star & Candle Shop is managed by and benefits the Moravian Church Archives.
Advent Activities
29
November
Advent Workshop
All ages are welcome to join this tradition of preparing for Christmas with crafts, music, food and fun.
Christian Education Building, 40 W. Church St. • 9 – 10:45 a.m.
29
November
Advent Lovefeast
Celebrate community with this cherished Moravian tradition, sharing a simple meal accompanied by song and special music. (Note: There is no 9 a.m. service on Nov. 29.)
Sanctuary • 11 a.m.
5-6
December
Busy Workers Craft and Wreath Sale
Shop a festive selection of handcrafted Christmas wreaths, baked goods, and unique gifts for loved ones at this annual first weekend of December tradition.
Christian Education Building (Upper Level), 40 W Church St. • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
5
December
Advent and Christmas Concert
Experience holiday classics and Moravian sacred music performed by the Central Moravian Chruch Choir and Main Street Brass. Free and open to the public.
Sanctuary • 1:30 p.m.
21
December
Longest Night: A Service for the Weary
Held on the winter solstice, this quiet, contemplative service offers candle lighting, hope, and comfort for anyone experiencing grief fatigue, or hardship this season.
Old Chapel • 7 p.m.
Holiday Candle Making & Trimming
Our Christmas worship services feature thousands of handmade beeswax candles, and volunteers are always welcome to help them prepare.
Candle Making
Tuesdays in September from 9 a.m.-noon in the Church Office Basement
Preparing for Christmas means making 12,000 to 16,000 beeswax candles for Christmas services in many churches and educational institutions. Join our candlemakers every Tuesday in Sept. from 9 a.m. to noon in the basement of the Church Office building. Parking is available in the parking lot behind the Church Office building, and doughnuts are served at 10:30 a.m. Experienced candle-makers will welcome and train newcomers in this fun and joyful work.
Candle Trimming
Mondays in October at 6 p.m. in Sanctuary
Our candle trimmers wrap decorative red ruffs around the beeswax candles to be used for Christmas worship services at Central. They begin at 6 p.m. every Monday in October. Enter the southeast or northeast Sanctuary doors and go up the stairs to the Kleiner Saal. While working with their hands, they have time to talk and share around the tables and enjoy the traditional refreshment of apple cider and crisp ginger snap cookies.
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