Bethlehem’s annual Christmas tree lighting returns to Payrow Plaza on Friday, Nov. 27, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and a musical prelude starting at 4:30 p.m., and this year’s event carries a notable first: the Bach Choir of Bethlehem is set to make its tree-lighting ceremony debut with a special holiday performance.
The Citizens’ Christmas City Committee, which organizes the ceremony, announced that the choir will join the celebration, according to Lehigh Valley Press. The tree itself will be lit at the city’s annual ceremony Friday, Nov. 27, at Payrow Plaza, as confirmed by lehighdaily.com, which reported the gate and prelude times as well.
This year’s tree has its own backstory. A spruce from the grounds of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church at 715 Chestnut Lane in Palmer Township was identified as Bethlehem’s city Christmas tree for 2026.
A 128-Year Tradition Meets the Tree Lighting for the First Time
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s participation brings together two cherished Bethlehem traditions, according to Lehigh Valley Press. The choir has called the city home for 128 years, and its singers are volunteers who live and work in the community. The choir’s own history notes it was founded in 1898 and now counts 90 volunteer singers, according to bach.org…