Plan Your Visit
To experience the local landmarks included in our World Heritage designation, join a guided World Heritage walking tour offered jointly by Central and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites every Thursday-Monday from 2-3:30 p.m. Your tour will include the chance to visit inside the Central Moravian Church’s historic 1751 Old Chapel and 1803-1806 Sanctuary. Bethlehem does not stand alone. Our local landmarks are part of the transnational Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site, shared with historic settlements in Germany, Northern Ireland, and Denmark.
To learn more about our international connections, visit moravianchurchsettlements.org and explore the specific locations that make up our Bethlehem World Heritage Site.
The 1751 Old Chapel
Open for visitors: Saturdays from 2-4 p.m.
From its earliest days, the Old Chapel has been a sanctuary for community and connection. Originally welcoming both German settlers and local Native Americans, this historic building later drew visitors as notable as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Nearly three centuries later, the Chapel remains a living piece of history—still actively used today for Sunday worship, weddings, and memorial services.
The 1803-1806 Sanctuary
Open for visitors: Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. and after the 11 a.m. worship service on Sundays
Constructed between 1803 and 1806, the Sanctuary hosts our 11 a.m. regular-season worship and 10 a.m. summer worship. With seating for more than 1,000 people, the Sanctuary also serves as a venue for numerous community and Moravian partner events, including programs with Moravian Academy, Moravian University, ArtsQuest, and the Bach Choir. The Church Choir, the Brass Ensemble, the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir, and various instrumentalists and soloists provide special music throughout the year. The Sanctuary is also available for weddings, memorial services, and other church events, and features a newly installed, green-energy heating, cooling, and ventilation system.
Group & Custom Tours
Can’t make it on a Saturday? Guided tours of the Sanctuary and Old Chapel can also be arranged by appointment, subject to the availability of our church calendar and volunteer guides.
Suggested Donation: $5 per person
To Schedule: Contact the Central Moravian Church Office at 610-866-5661 or email [email protected]
Christmas at Central
Central Moravian Church, a cornerstone of faith and tradition in Bethlehem since 1742, invites all to experience the magic of the season through special holiday events in the “Christmas City” throughout December. From the beloved Christmas Putz to candlelit worship services, the historic congregation offers families and visitors meaningful ways to slow down and savor the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Eve Services
1 p.m. – Children’s Lovefeast and Vigil
5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. – Candlelight Vigils
Visit & Tour Opportunities
Sunday Worship
9 a.m. – Old Chapel | 11 a.m. – Sanctuary
Historic Building Tours
Every Saturday, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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