The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Bethlehem Christmas Festival returns Dec. 67
BETHLEHEM — Bethlehem’s 39th annual Christmas Town Festival will be held from 510 p.m. on Dec. 6, and from 9:30 a.m.4 p.m. on Dec. 7.
Highlights of the festival include a Roaming Railroad choochoo train ride, a hay ride, many vendors selling handcrafted items just in time for holiday shopping, and a 5K Road Race on Saturday morning sponsored by the First Mile Race Management Company, plus a multitude of delicious food choices to make everyone’s visit complete.
The festival surrounds Bethlehem’s town green, at the junction of Route 61 and Route 132. All the buildings and churches participating in the festival will be brimming with activities and Christmas spirit. Those who arrive at the Town Green on Friday night by 6 p.m. will be in time for the opening ceremony, where WFSB Channel 3 TV news personality Irene O’Connor will help Santa light the town’s beautiful 85 foot Christmas tree. Santa, together with Mrs. Claus, will stay for the balance of the festival, giving families the opportunity to take their own memorable photos.
Admission to the festival is free. Parking at Bethlehem Fairgrounds, just north of town on Route 61, is also free. Shuttle buses between the fairgrounds and the festival are provided to festival attendees at no charge.
Once at the festival, families will find free face painting, and a free crafts workshop for children and their parents. The “Chime In” Bell Choir as well as several entertainers will provide holiday music performances throughout the festival.
Parking in town during the festival is by permit only, and is limited to the handicapped and vendors participating in the festival.
Thousands of visitors travel each year to the now famous Bethlehem Post office to make certain their Christmas cards are postmarked “Bethlehem” and to hand stamp the envelopes with special holiday greetings from Bethlehem. The United States Post Office will have extended hours during the days of the festival. To truly make this year’s Christmas special, the 2019 limited edition pewter ornament will be available for purchase in the Town Hall. Over the years these ornaments have become very collectible.
Further information and details are available at www.christamst ownfestival.com or by calling the Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival at 2032667510, ext. 400