Putz & Star & Candle Shoppe

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 28.  Hours are Thursdays & Fridays from 1 – 7 pm, Saturdays from 10 am – 8 pm, and Sundays from 1 – 5 pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. After Christmas, the Putz is open daily from 1 – 5 pm through Dec 31st. No tickets needed for the Putz, free-will offering.   

The Moravian History Store of the Moravian Archives partners with Central Moravian Church’s Star and Candle Shoppe. Archives staff members, Kelly Givens and Emma Horning will provide History Store items for sale and manage the shop for four weekends, beginning on the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, and continuing each weekend through the week after Christmas. This year the shoppe will be stocked with Moravian History Store merchandise including Herrnhuter Moravian stars, a variety of ornaments, Moravian star-themed glassware and ceramics, delicate jewelry, and more! In addition, visitors to this year’s shoppe will be able to peruse gifts and items from vendors including Central Moravian Church, artist Linda Wickman, and crafters Carol Reifinger and Karen Reifinger.