Bethlehem, PA in December? Christmas City???

[twinsgg]

Has anyone been to Bethlehem, PA in December for the Christmas market, lights, etc? Would you recommend it? We'll be two families with a 5 year old, 4 yr. old twins and an 19 month old plus a set of grandparents. Where's the best place to spot Santa? Is there a breakfast/lunch with Santa at one of the local restaurants? Any lodging recommendations? A place with an indoor pool would be ideal.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[starann]

Has anyone been to Bethlehem, PA in December for the Christmas market, lights, etc? Would you recommend it? We'll be two families with a 5 year old, 4 yr. old twins and an 19 month old plus a set of grandparents. Where's the best place to spot Santa? Is there a breakfast/lunch with Santa at one of the local restaurants? Any lodging recommendations? A place with an indoor pool would be ideal.

Thanks for your feedback!

Bethlehem is pretty at Xmas tim, the downtown, historic area is lit up and the "Star of Bethlehem" on the mountain is lit as well. The marketplace I think you are talking of is Kris Kindlemart and truth be told I haven't been there in YEARS so I can't tell you if Santa is even there. I think (and it's a big think!) the Holiday Inn Express has an indoor pool. It's located right off of I-78 on the border of Hellertown/Bethlehem, which is about a 10 to 15 min drive (depending of traffic) to the downtown area.

I grew up in B'hem and have never taken my kids to do any of the Xmas tours, but I think for the ages you listed, it would be boring for them.

Depneding on where you are coming from I think the Christmas Village would be more 'fun' for the kids, and Santa is there as well.

http://www.koziarschristmasvillage.com

Good Luck!

 

[princess isabella]

I live in PA about 10 min from Bethlehem. I agree that it is pretty and the Kris Kindle Mart is nice (overpirced though) but I don't know that your young kids would like it. My daughter who is 4 finds none of it interesting. Just my thoughts.

We usually go to Hershey, PA the zoo is open and most of the animals are out, they also have it all decorated for Christmas. The have the Sweet lights, which is a big drive throw light exhibit. My daughter loved it!

Hope you have a great time what ever you decide!!!

 

[Soarin_04]

...and I ditto what the others said. We had this great vision of taking our sons, who were 3 and 5 at the time, to Christkindlmarkt.

Two words: Total bust.

It was crowded, overpriced, and not very little-kid-friendly. I know Santa used to be at the Christkindlmarkt tent area, but I don't know if you can find him anywhere for breakfast.

Depending on your budget, the Hotel Bethlehem is gorgeous, but a budget buster. There's no pool, so the Holiday Inn might be a better bet with the kids.

I love the town -- I worked at one of the shops when I was in my 20s -- and it's fantastic during the holidays, but more for adults, or older kids, than younger ones, IMHO.

 

[NiftyJ88]

I used to work in Historic Bethlehem during Christmas. Honestly,with younger kids, I wouldn't do it. There will not be enough to keep them interested. I agree that Hershey is a good place to go. They don't have all the rides operating, but admission is under $20 for adults I believe, and the kids are even less. There are outlet shops next door (with a Disney Store), the Sweet lights which are pretty neat, a Santa to see, and the free Chocolate tour, plus there are rides operating.
We've also done Boyd's Bears in Gettysburg. It's a neat historic town to walk through, and the bear factory is neat for kids. Lots to do there.

 

[GraysMom]

I agree with the PPs. Skip Bethlehem and go to Christmas Candylane at Hershey Park. There really isn't much to do in Bethlehem, especially for the kids, unless you were planning a trip to the Crayola Factory in Easton while you were visiting.

There are plenty of hotels around Hershey, and you have the outlets right down the road from the park. We've taken DS(almost)6 the last 3 years and had a great time, and we plan to go again this year. Besides having Santa (and his live reindeer!!!) they also have several of the Hershey characters out (we've seen the chocolate moose, Hershey Kiss, etc). If you decided to go to Hershey, check the Advent calendar (I think it starts Dec 1?) on their website http://www.christmasinhershey.com/advent_calendar/index.php . I've found coupons for BOGO hot chocolate, discounts on merchandise, etc.

 

[twinsgg]

Thanks so much to everyone for their quick replies! After reading all the feedback and doing a bit more research, I've ruled out Bethlehem, PA and am now looking into Hershey, PA instead. Sounds like that's going to be a lot more fun for the kids! Thanks again for the guidance. This message board is wonderful!

 

[DisneyToddlers]

Thanks so much to everyone for their quick replies! After reading all the feedback and doing a bit more research, I've ruled out Bethlehem, PA and am now looking into Hershey, PA instead. Sounds like that's going to be a lot more fun for the kids! Thanks again for the guidance. This message board is wonderful!

Great idea-we did it last year with our 3 and 5 year olds and it was fantastic (although freezing!!!!!) You can find spots to go into to warm up, though. Comfort Inn (about a mile down the road) was nice and clean and had an indoor pool. We got a great Candylane deal through the hotel, which included tickets, Dinner vouchers, trolley tickets (fun!), and lodging. Can't remember the exact price, but it was a great savings. We did the breakfast with santa at the Restaurant right outside the gates and it was great fun. You need advance reservations for those meals. Let me know if you have any questions!!!!!

 

[java]

We actually like the Christkindlemarkt. It's a little craft fair with some food and music and entertainment. My kids actually sat for at least an hour watching the Ice Carver. I hope he's there again this year. It's a tradition in our family to buy an ornament from Käthe Wohlfart. They are just magical imho. We also have had brunch at the Hotel Bethlehem.

We are close by though so it's a day trip for us.

You'll love Hershey. I second maybe heading down to Boyd's Bears- it was so cute. My kids all loved it.