The Christmas Putz at Central Moravian Church

A cherished tradition for young and old, the Putz (from the German word putzen, meaning, "to decorate") retells the wonderful story of Christ's birth through narration and music, while tiny lights illuminate each miniature scene. The figures, many of them antiques of German origin, are nestled amidst live moss, driftwood and rocks.

The practice of putz building is uniquely Moravian. Bethlehem's first settlers brought their putz figures with them in the 18th century.

In Victorian days a century ago, it was the custom in Bethlehem for Moravians to "go putzing" during the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's. Families would visit each others' homes, view their respective putzes and enjoy refreshments.

Opening on Christmas in 1937, Central's putz is nearing its 72nd season in 2009

Each year, the putz has its beginning on a moss-gathering Sunday in early November. Members of the congregation travel to the Pocono Mountains to gather the moss which forms the base of the putz. Construction, later in November, takes about one week. Entire families participate, and while the age-old story remains the same, the placement of the scenes varies from year to year.

Common materials are used to create the background for the hand-carved Nativity figurines moss and bark, paper and stumps of trees. Lastly, the cherished miniature figures are carefully set in place. The general landscape consists of rolling hills, deserts, streams, live trees, farm and home scenes, all which enhance, the main purpose of the putz -- to tell the Nativity story.

2009 Putz Public Hours

The Putz will open on Friday, Nov. 27th (the day after Thanksgiving) this year.

Before Christmas
Thursday - Saturday: 10: 00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)

After Christmas
Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

New Year's Eve
1:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
11:30 p.m. New Year's Eve Vigil, Central Moravian Church

Showings every half hour.

School tours or school-age group (Cub Scouts, etc.) may come Thursday - Saturday, 10 a.m. -8 p.m., or Sunday 1- 8 p.m . Please contact the church office at 610-866-5661 to arrange for a tour - special arrangements can be made if your group cannot fit into the above hours.

Other groups should come during regular putz hours, and let the church office know about the day and time of their visit. The put z is located at the Christian Education Building, 40 W. Church Street. Our driveway precedes the historic Sister's House, and leads up to the group tour entrance. The door is located on the west side of the
building, facing Main Street.

WINTER WEATHER POLICY

We follow Bethlehem Area School District closings and morning delays. We are closed when a WINTER STORM WARNING has been issued for Northampton County, Pennsylvania by the National Weather Service

PUTZ VOLUNTEERS

If you are volunteering for the putz and need to check your time and date, a calendar is posted at the link above. Please contact John Lantz or Pastor Janel (janel_rice@yahoo.com) for information on how to volunteer.