Top 10 things to know about Bethlehem’s World Heritage Community Celebration
Free September 6 block party will celebrate historic designation with music, food, and community activities
BETHLEHEM, PA, August 26, 2025 — Get ready for the celebration of a lifetime!
Downtown Bethlehem is throwing the ultimate block party to honor its incredible new UNESCO World Heritage Site designation — a recognition that puts our beloved Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem on the same prestigious list as the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canyon, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
This isn’t just any community event — it’s a celebration that connects The Christmas City to historic Moravian settlements across three other European countries, creating a truly international bond.
Bring your appetite for history, music, and maybe some sugar cake, because September 6 is going to be truly unforgettable.
Here are the Top 10 Things to Know about our World Heritage Community Celebration:
1. The event is FREE and family-friendly
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6, 2025, from noon to 7 p.m.
This celebration around Central Moravian Church, City Hall, Church Street, and Main Street won’t cost you a penny. Bring the whole family for an afternoon and evening of community fun that celebrates Bethlehem’s place on the world stage.
While the Community Celebration is FREE, food trucks will be on-site serving up local favorites available for purchase.
2. We’re making World Heritage history
The opening ceremony will feature the presentation of the official World Heritage recognition plaque along Main Street — just in front of the Central Moravian Church Sanctuary. You’ll be witnessing history in the making. Bethlehem has joined an exclusive club as part of the Moravian Church Settlements, alongside Christiansfeld (Denmark), Herrnhut (Germany), and Gracehill (Northern Ireland).
Talk about international connections!
3. The Moravian Sugar Cake Baking Contest is happening
Celebrate Bethlehem’s sweet new tradition. Join us for the first-ever Moravian Sugar Cake Competition during the World Heritage Community Celebration. Whether you’re a home baker sharing a family recipe or a professional bakery showcasing your craft, this fun and friendly contest is your chance to shine — and to claim a spot in Bethlehem’s baking history.
Contest Details:
• Location: Old Chapel Basement, 44 W Church St
• Drop off entries: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Private judging: 2 p.m.
• Winners announced: 5:30 p.m. following the Community Lovefeast at the Church Green Stage
• Enter today on the Facebook event page: facebook.com/share/1CZBZTZYGo/
4. Multiple music stages all day long
Live music will fill the air with performances by local groups, the Johnston Music Festival, the legendary Moravian Trombone Choir, Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Central Moravian Church Choir, and many more talented performers. With multiple stages, there’s guaranteed to be something for every musical taste.
5. Tour 9 historic World Heritage locations
This is your chance to explore the sites that earned Bethlehem its World Heritage status. Walk through history and join a tour to discover the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the 1748 Single Sisters’ House, the historic and elegant Moravian Church Sanctuary, and more architectural treasures that showcase exceptional Moravian urban planning.
Reserve a tour at: historicbethlehem.org/visit-us/experience/world-heritage-day/
6. Community Lovefeast brings everyone together
At 5 p.m., join the traditional Community Lovefeast hosted by the six Bethlehem Area Moravian Churches on the lower Church Green. This beautiful service welcomes everyone to share a simple treat together with music, conversation, and authentic community connection – followed by a free ice cream social.
7. Step back in time with historic demonstrations
Watch traditional Moravian crafts and industries come to life through interactive demonstrations. See Blacksmiths work with fire and force in the Smithy, Colonial Brewers mixing and mashing near the Single Brethren’s House, and Tinsmith and Pottery demos. Participate in heritage talks and hands-on workshops that will transport you back to Bethlehem’s founding days and help you understand what makes this community so special.
8. Witness the unveiling of our commemorative mural
Be part of history as the community unveils a special World Heritage commemorative mural at the walkway tunnel near Main and Church Streets. Plus, participate in a time capsule ceremony that will preserve memories of this incredible milestone for future generations to discover.
9. Food trucks, local vendors, and downtown specials
Beyond the sugar cake competition, food trucks will serve up local favorites while Lehigh Valley vendors create a festive marketplace atmosphere. Downtown Bethlehem merchants are also getting in on the action with special food, drink, and celebration-themed offers throughout the day.
10. It’s a true community partnership
This celebration represents the best of Bethlehem – a partnership between the City, local faith communities, cultural organizations, and community partners all working together to honor our unique place in world history.
Want to be part of making it happen? Sign up today to volunteer.
Ready to celebrate? Visit moravianchurchsettlements.org for more information about our World Heritage site and get ready for a day that honors our past while building memories for the future. See you on September 6 for Bethlehem’s biggest party of 2025.
About the Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site
Moravian Church Settlements was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2024, and represents a remarkable example of urban planning guided by religious principles. The transnational property includes Bethlehem; Christiansfeld, Denmark; Herrnhut, Germany; and Gracehill, Northern Ireland, UK.
These communities feature distinctive architectural styles, communal buildings, and urban layouts that reflect the Moravian Church’s vision of creating communities dedicated to faith, education, and craftsmanship.
This site showcases exceptionally well-preserved examples of Moravian architecture and urban planning, including the 1741 Gemeinhaus (community house), the 1748 Single Sisters’ House, the 1762 Waterworks — America’s first municipal pumped water system, and the Second Single Brethren’s House.
WORLD HERITAGE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
• When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, from noon to 7 p.m.
• Where: Central Moravian Church (Church Green), Bethlehem City Hall (Payrow Plaza), and Church and Main streets area
• How much: Free to attend and open to the public
• Volunteer opportunities: Sign up today to volunteer
• More information: moravianchurchsettlements.org
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Stephanie Smith Augello
Chief of Staff, City of Bethlehem and World Heritage Coordinator
saugello@bethlehem-pa.gov
610-865-7000
Craig Larimer
Director of Communications and Marketing of Seminary and World Heritage at Moravian University
larimerc@moravian.edu
610-360-0419