The holiday shopping season is upon us, and the Moravian History Store has something for everyone on your list! This year, the History Store is once again partnering with Central Moravian Church to manage the Star and Candle Shoppe. Browse a dazzling array of holiday treasures, including, authentic Herrnhuter Moravian Stars, handcrafted ornaments and holiday décor, beautiful Moravian star jewelry, and themed glassware, tumblers, and more.
Since 1937, Central Moravian has been offering a Community Putz for the City of Bethlehem. Like a crèche, a putz tells the story of Jesus’ birth with carved figures. A cherished tradition, the Putz (from the German word putzen, meaning “to decorate”) retells the wonderful story of Christ’s birth through narration and music, while tiny lights illuminate each miniature scene. The figures, many of them antiques of German origin, are nestled amidst live moss, driftwood and rocks. The practice of putz building is uniquely Moravian. Bethlehem’s first settlers brought their putz figures with them in the 18th century. In Victorian days, it was the custom in Bethlehem for Moravians to “go putzing” during the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s, enjoying others’ putzes.
Putz & Star & Candle Shoppe Hours: Thursdays and Fridays: 1 – 7 p.m., Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sundays: 1 – 5 p.m.,
After Christmas, open daily 1 – 5 p.m.
