Christmas Putz

Since 1937, Central Moravian has been offering a Community Putz for the City of Bethlehem. Like a crèche, a putz tells the story of Jesus’ birth with carved figures.  A cherished tradition, 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, it was the custom in Bethlehem for Moravians to “go putzing” during the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s, enjoying others’ putzes.

The Putz opens to the public Thanksgiving Friday, November 25 and will be open Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 25 – Dec. 23.  Hours are Thursday & Fridays 1-7 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 8 pm, and Sundays 1 – 5 pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. After Christmas, the Putz is open daily from 1 – 5 pm through Dec 31st.

Go to Sign-Up Genius to sign up as a Putz Volunteer, https://bit.ly/2022CMCPutz

You can sign up to volunteer by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator through the Church Office, 610-866-5661.

You can view Central’s Virtual Putz from 2020 by going to the Central Moravian Church YouTube page or by following this link: https://youtu.be/7OlzOPEQbLI