We hope you’ll plan to join us on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, for the annual Christmas in Bethel celebration. Free admission.
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During the communal years, colonists observed many “fete” days such as Easter, Christmas, New Years, harvest feasts, Independence Day and others with music, singing, dancing and visiting. On these occasions tables were loaded with all the good things the German kitchen and cellar could offer. Everyone was welcome and many came. At Christmas time there were two large decorated trees in the church. The celebration began at four o’clock in the morning at the church with singing and band music and then a sermon, after which all the children were given candy, apples, cakes and cookies. The two trees were left until New Year’s when the gifts were given to everyone. These days the festivities don’t start at 4am, but there will be activities for children and adults alike. Be sure to follow this page for details as they are posted.
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FOOD
- Fest Hall Restaurant – Serving Christmas smorgasbord from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy cookies and drinking custard with your meal, or purchase separately. Also serving soup and sandwiches throughout the day.
- Food Stand – Chili, Candied Pecans, Hot Cocoa and Cider, Coffee, and other Christmas Goodies from 11am to 4pm.
- Bethel Bakery and Bethel Candy Kitchen
ACTIVITIES
- Santa arrives at noon. Along with traditional “Black Santa” they will greet the children and hand out treats.
- Music by local youth choir and band
- Come see some of the historic homes and learn the history of Bethel, founded in 1844. Tickets available at the Gift Shop, $10 for adults, accompanied children free.
- The Museum / Gift Shop will be open 11am-4pm; free admission.
- Shopping: Vendors in the Colony Barn, plus other shops in town including Decades Olde, Bethel Bakery, Bethel Candy Kitchen, and Schnickschnack, 11am to 4:30pm
- Kids Candy Cane Hunt at 1:30pm
- Bonfires
- Vesper Service – 5pm at the United Methodist Church, followed by a candlelight walk to the Historic Bandstand for the official lighting of Bethel.
- Soup & Sandwiches at the Fest Hall ($5) following the lighting
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VENDORS in the Colony Barn this year include:
- White’s Wicks
- Sudzy Mamma tallow
- Simple Creations
- Crawford Country Crafts
- Treasures of the Sea
- Tina’s Custom Creations
- Dawn’s Doggie Delights
- Bev Maddox
- Nancy Gander
- Paula’s Nail Junkies
- Sparkly Scribbles
- Let Your Worth Shine
- Scentsy
- NorWex
- Simply Creative
- Sourdough by Julia
- Freta Beall
- Onie’s Handcrafted Jewelry
- Papparazzi Jewelry
- The Jagged Armadillo
- Applewood Handwovens
- Craft Chicks
- Heartland Recovery
- North River Ranch Glamping & Honey
