by Hannah, age 8 from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, asks Santa about Christmas villages in Pennsylvania, Bethlehem’s founding history, and its Christmas City nickname.
Dear Santa, my name is Hannah, and I am eight years old. I live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where my grandma says a giant lit-up star sits on top of our mountain and glows every single night in December.
Dear Hannah, that star on the mountain is one of my favorite landmarks on my whole American route, easily visible from a truly impressive altitude.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Christmas village in Pennsylvania? My grandma says there is a whole one nearby with lights everywhere.
There certainly is, Hannah, Pennsylvania is home to more than one wonderful Christmas village, twinkling lights and festive displays included. Your grandma clearly knows all the best local spots.
My teacher says our town was actually founded by settlers a really long time ago and named after the town where Jesus was born. Is that true?
It is true, Hannah, Bethlehem was founded by Moravian settlers back in 1741, who named it after the biblical town in honor of its meaning. It is a lovely bit of history behind such a fitting Christmas hometown.
My grandma says our city is nicknamed Christmas City USA because of the star and all our decorations. Is that true?
It is true, Hannah, Bethlehem has proudly carried that nickname for many years, thanks to that glowing star and a whole city’s worth of festive spirit every December. A town that takes its Christmas seriously always earns a very special stop on my route.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Hannah Wagner
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
P.S. Can you land right next to the star this year so I can wave?
I will circle it slowly just for you, Hannah, that star makes for an excellent landmark.
