Bethlehem PA

Bethlehem – Known as the Christmas City, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania blends small-town charm with deep historical roots and a vibrant cultural scene. From strolling its festive downtown during the holidays to discovering its steel-making past, Bethlehem is a city full of warmth and character. Whether you're tasting local craft beer, exploring colonial landmarks, or enjoying music festivals, there's always something to experience in this Lehigh Valley gem.

• Population: ~75,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold winters (20-40°F), warm summers (70-85°F), colorful fall, and blooming spring.
• Places To Visit: SteelStacks, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Sands Bethlehem Casino, Christkindlmarkt, Banana Factory Arts Center.
• Top Activities: Walking the Hoover-Mason Trestle, attending Musikfest, shopping on Main Street, touring Moravian buildings, enjoying riverside trails.
• Famous Food: Soft pretzels, Pennsylvania Dutch dishes, locally brewed beer, pierogies, and fresh baked goods from Karl Ehmer’s and local bakeries.

Bethlehem, PA is a vibrant city in the Lehigh Valley known for its rich industrial past and growing sectors in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. The local economy offers a range of promising careers suited for various skill levels and interests.

Top 5 Jobs in Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, PA offers a variety of spots for students to relax, catch some downtime, and enjoy themselves. Nestled in the Lehigh Valley, this city boasts a mix of historic charm, scenic beauty, and youthful energy, making it a perfect retreat for students.

Sand Island Park – With its scenic trails, picnic areas, and proximity to the canal, Sand Island Park is a splendid spot for students to unwind and spend time in nature, whether they’re biking, jogging, or just hanging out with friends.

Main Street Bethlehem – Known for its quaint brick sidewalks and unique shops, Main Street is the heart of downtown. Students can explore local boutiques, grab a coffee at their favorite café, or enjoy some local treats.

SteelStacks – A hub for arts and entertainment, SteelStacks offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and fun events year-round. The venue, situated in the historic Bethlehem Steel complex, provides students with a chance to enjoy live music and cultural activities.

Lehigh University Campus – The picturesque campus is not only a place to study but also to relax. With its rolling hills and beautiful architecture, students can find a quiet spot to read or have a picnic while soaking up the collegiate atmosphere.

Moravian Book Shop – As the oldest bookstore in the country, this charming shop is perfect for book lovers. Take a leisurely browse through the diverse selection of books, games, and gifts, or enjoy a cup of coffee at the in-house café.

Illick's Mill Park – Located along Monocacy Creek, this serene park offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day. Whether you're planning a study session on the grass, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful environment, it’s an ideal student getaway.

Secret Art Space – For those into alternative art scenes, the Secret Art Space offers gallery shows, creative workshops, and music events. It’s a great place to get inspired and meet like-minded artistic peers.

Bethlehem, PA, with its inviting combination of nature, culture, and history, offers students plenty of opportunities to take a break, connect with friends, and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a city enriched with educational excellence, offering students a variety of opportunities through top-tier public and private colleges and universities. Known for its historical charm and vibrant cultural scene, the city fosters academic growth in fields like engineering, the arts, business, and health sciences.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Bethlehem

Northampton Community College (NCC) – Located in Bethlehem, NCC is one of Pennsylvania’s top community colleges. It offers associate degrees in nursing, business, communications, and technical fields. Known for affordability and strong transfer agreements with four-year institutions, NCC provides quality education to a diverse student body.

Lehigh Carbon Community College – Donley Center – Although headquartered in Schnecksville, the Donley Center campus in nearby Allentown serves many students from Bethlehem. The campus offers general education, workforce training, and programs in healthcare and the arts.

East Stroudsburg University (Extended Programs in Bethlehem) – While the main campus is in East Stroudsburg, this Pennsylvania State System university occasionally offers extended studies and dual enrollment programs in Bethlehem, especially in education and health sciences.

Community College of Philadelphia – Online/Hybrid Learning – Though not based in Bethlehem itself, residents frequently take online and hybrid courses from this accredited public college. Programs include liberal arts, education, and allied health.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College – Online Option – Serving students across the state with flexible learning formats, Penn Highlands offers associate degrees and certificates that serve as a foundation for students considering transfer or entering technical careers.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Bethlehem

Lehigh University – A prestigious private research university located right in Bethlehem, Lehigh is renowned nationally for its engineering, business, and science programs. It offers a vibrant campus life, competitive Division I athletics, and innovative research opportunities.

Moravian University – Founded in 1742, Moravian is one of the oldest colleges in the country. This liberal arts university offers strong programs in nursing, education, music, and the humanities. Located in downtown Bethlehem, its historical charm enhances the student experience.

DeSales University (near Bethlehem) – Located in Center Valley, just minutes from Bethlehem, DeSales is a Catholic university known for its programs in theater, healthcare, business, and criminal justice. It offers personalized instruction and a values-based education.

Cedar Crest College (near Bethlehem) – Situated in nearby Allentown, Cedar Crest is a private liberal arts college primarily for women, with strong programs in healthcare, science, and education. Many Bethlehem residents attend this close-knit, supportive academic community.

Kutztown University (Select Graduate Programs in Bethlehem Area) – While mainly a public university in Kutztown, some graduate and continuing education programs are offered in the Bethlehem area through partnerships and satellite classes, particularly in education and counseling.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania offers several top-rated high schools that provide excellent academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. These schools prepare students for college, careers, and community leadership while fostering intellectual and personal growth.

Top Public High Schools in Bethlehem, PA

• Liberty High School – Part of the Bethlehem Area School District, Liberty High School is known for its strong academics, speech and debate teams, and distinguished music program.
• Freedom High School – Also within the Bethlehem Area School District, Freedom has a reputation for great athletic programs and a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School – This public school option offers outstanding career and technical education programs that prepare students for specialized jobs and post-secondary education.
• Nitschmann Middle transitioning into High School Programs – Though currently a middle school, affiliated programs connected to Bethlehem high schools provide students with strong early prep in STEM and the arts.
• – A tuition-free public charter high school focusing on visual and performing arts, offering top-tier academic and arts education to talented students from around the region.

Top Private High Schools in Bethlehem, PA

• Moravian Academy – A prestigious private school offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum from a values-based perspective. Known for small class sizes and an emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
• Bethlehem Catholic High School – A faith-based school with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, known for its strong moral foundation and excellent sports and arts programs.
• Notre Dame High School (Easton, serving Bethlehem) – Though located nearby in Easton, many Bethlehem families choose this school for strong academics and community atmosphere rooted in Catholic values.
• The Swain School (now part of Moravian Academy) – Serves younger grades but as part of the Moravian system, it seamlessly prepares students for high school success in a nurturing and academically rich environment.
• – A classical Christian school offering a well-rounded humanities education that emphasizes logic, rhetoric, and character development.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, located in the Lehigh Valley region, does not have any major league professional sports teams of its own. However, the city and its surrounding area are deeply ingrained in the sports culture, with ties to minor league teams, training camps, and a strong local fan base that passionately supports major teams in nearby cities like Philadelphia and New York.

🏈 Football – Lehigh Valley IronPigs & Philadelphia Eagles Connection

• Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp – From 1996 to 2012, the Philadelphia Eagles held their training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. These summer camps brought thousands of fans to the city and offered an up-close look at NFL stars and coaching staffs. The community remains proud of this legacy.

⚾ Baseball – Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A Affiliate)

• Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Based in nearby Allentown, just minutes from Bethlehem, the IronPigs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. They play at Coca-Cola Park and have become one of the most popular minor league teams in the country, known for their fun promotions and devoted fan following.

🏀 Basketball – No Pro Team, but Strong Local Support

• While Bethlehem does not host a professional basketball team, residents are loyal supporters of NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. The city also has a thriving high school and college basketball scene, especially at Lehigh University, known for its NCAA appearances and producing NBA player C.J. McCollum.

⚽ Soccer – Bethlehem Steel FC Legacy

• Bethlehem Steel FC – In the early 20th century, Bethlehem was home to one of the most legendary teams in U.S. soccer history. The Bethlehem Steel Football Club won five U.S. Open Cups and helped lay the foundation for professional soccer in America. Though the modern version of the team relocated, its legacy lives on.

🏒 Hockey – Fans Support Nearby NHL Teams

• While there is no professional hockey team in Bethlehem, residents are big fans of teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils. Minor league hockey also draws interest in nearby cities, offering exciting games and local entertainment.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a charming city with a rich industrial past, vibrant culture, and small-town charm. Nestled in the Lehigh Valley, it offers fascinating stories and special places that make it unforgettable. Here are ten fun facts about Bethlehem, PA:

1. Christmas City, USA – Bethlehem earned its nickname in 1937 and proudly lights a giant star on South Mountain every holiday season.
2. Founded on Christmas Eve – The city was founded by a group of Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve in 1741, which is how it got its festive name.
3. Bethlehem Steel Was Huge – Once home to Bethlehem Steel, the company played a big role in building landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and warships for WWII.
4. SteelStacks Is the New Heart – The old steel plant has been turned into SteelStacks, an arts and entertainment venue with concerts, festivals, and films all year round.
5. Home of Musikfest – Bethlehem is host to Musikfest, one of the largest free music festivals in the country, attracting nearly a million visitors each August.
6. Colonial Hidden Gem – The Colonial Industrial Quarter is America's first industrial park, where you can still see 18th-century waterworks and blacksmith shops.
7. Lehigh University Lives Here – Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is one of the top research universities in the U.S., right in Bethlehem’s South Side.
8. Holiday Market Magic – The city hosts Christkindlmarkt, an award-winning traditional German-style holiday market packed with crafts, treats, and gifts.
9. Moravian Legacy – Bethlehem was designed by the Moravians, a Christian group known for education, music, and craftsmanship, and many of their original buildings still stand today.
10. Two Cities in One – Bethlehem was once two separate boroughs—North Bethlehem and South Bethlehem—until they officially merged into one city in 1917.