Bethlehem’s 20th Christmas Festival Promises Holiday Magic

BETHLEHEM — The lighting of the majestic 90-foot tall Bethlehem Christmas Tree promises to cast a special glow this year over the annual Christmas Town Festival, which promises all of the fun and joy of the holiday season.

The tree, which stands on the town green, will be completely decorated for the holidays. The Christmas Town Festival will be held Friday, December 1, from 5 to 10 pm, and Saturday, December 2, from 10 am to 5 pm.

All are invited to the lighting of the tree, Friday at 5:30 pm, which will also feature the arrival of Santa Claus. There will also be a special Advent Vespers Service at First Church of Bethlehem and musical performances by area students that evening.

Saturday’s festivities feature a special event this year with the appearance of the Czech-born actress and teacher Lenka Pichikova. She will perform A Visit from Mrs Claus using songs, stories and puppetry at 1:30 in the Leever Room of the library.

Santa will be on hand Friday and Saturday.

First Church of Bethlehem Bell Choirs will perform at 11 am on Saturday, and The Catch & Madrigal Singers will perform Renaissance carols later that afternoon. Music will also be performed during the festival by Nonnewaug High School Band, NHS Choral Ensemble, and Woodbury Middle School Band.

Thousands of visitors flock each year to the world-famous Bethlehem Post Office to make certain their cards bear a Bethlehem postmark, and also to decorate their cards with a special Christmas cachet. To meet these needs, the post office will be extending its hours during the festival.

The festival also offers an ideal opportunity to buy handcrafted Christmas gifts, with over 75 exhibitors selling all kinds of gift items. The town’s 19th annual ornament will also be available for purchase. Hayrides, roasted chestnuts and a variety of other holiday foods are also to be featured.

Admission to the festival events is free. Access to the festival will be provided by free shuttle buses, which will travel from the parking area at Bethlehem Fairgrounds on Route 61. Parking will not be available in the center of town.

Located in picturesque Litchfield County, Bethlehem is known as Connecticut’s Christmas Town. The Christmas Town Festival is held in the center of town, at the junction of Routes 61 and 132. For more information, call 203/266-5557.