Celebrate in SouthSide Bethlehem

Merry, bright & hilarious

When December arrives, Bethlehem transforms into a winter wonderland. Inside Touchstone Theatre, the city’s favorite season takes a delightfully irreverent detour with the Christmas City Follies. Now in its 26th year, this annual variety show blends comedy, classic tales, and music into sketches that celebrate and satirize the quirks and chaos of the holidays. Audiences of all ages come ready to laugh amid the seasonal bustle.

The theatre’s intimate 77-seat space creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere that fosters an immediate connection between audience and ensemble. Showgoers can expect playful nods to Bethlehem’s history, original musical numbers that invite sing-alongs, and sketches that spin holiday craziness into heartwarming, belly-laugh-worthy moments. Tickets sell quickly, so early reservations are essential.

Directed by JP Jordan and sponsored by People’s Security Bank & Trust, the Christmas City Follies can also be experienced at Bethlehem’s two Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies and as part of the city’s Live Advent Calendar attraction.

Find Touchstone Theatre’s complete season of programming by visiting www.touchstone.org.

Share the love, and the cookies

The aroma of caramelized brown sugar fills the air at La Madame Biscuit, the coziest bakery in Bethlehem. At the front, Owner Despina Giampilis stands confidently with an iPhone camera in hand. Her husband, Michael, puts on a stoic expression for the camera, while her friend Michelle tries not to laugh as she passes him a cookie and a cup of coffee. They’re helping Despina film the shop’s latest social media skit, but moments later, someone breaks character in a raucous burst of laughter. This is the spirit of La Madame Biscuit.

Their mantra is “Share the love, not the cookies.” Despina’s team bakes small batches of fresh cookies, with a variety of seasonal flavors always on rotation, such as Santa’s Hot Cocoa, Nutella Stuffed Ferrero Rocher, chocolate peppermint, and the viral Dubai chocolate. Some cookies are available year-round, like Despina’s signature chocolate chip cookie, made with a uniquely decadent dough that was created with the help of her three-year-old son.

As a passionate foodie and mom of three, Despina began baking in 2020 for her family, friends, and neighbors. But as word spread about her irresistible treats, her hobby exploded into a full-fledged business. With a little encouragement, Despina leapt from fulfilling part-time online orders to shipping nationwide. Eventually, she and Michael opened La Madame Biscuit’s first brick-and-mortar location in SouthSide Bethlehem. There’s a cookie to satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth, alongside a menu of velvety-rich espresso and coffee drinks, and a generous sprinkle of good-natured fun.

Raising the bar (and spirits)

It can be sweet, tart, or even zesty. “It’s also gluten-free—pretty versatile,” said Mike Manning, chief meadmaker and co-founder of The Colony Meadery, as he poured a dark coffee mead.

Founded in 2013, The Colony Meadery evolved from Allentown roots to open its South Bethlehem tasting room, and later its primary production facility in Easton. Along the way, it helped shape Pennsylvania’s craft beverage scene, becoming one of the first meaderies in the state to can its products for distribution.

The Bethlehem tasting room is uber colorful. Murals, high-tops, and retro gaming consoles invite guests to settle in with local takeout and a flight of mead. Fridays buzz with the Lehigh Valley Trivia League, while Saturdays transform the tasting room into a karaoke lounge or variety show venue. 

So, what is mead? It’s the world’s oldest alcohol, fermented from honey with a surprising depth of flavors. Colony’s lineup ranges from crisp and citrusy to intensely spiced, with seasonal standouts that include Black, a blackberry-currant mead released each Black Friday, and Moravian Spice Cake, a holiday nod to Bethlehem’s heritage.

First-time drinkers can explore a flight of five meads, while the Connoisseur Club delivers quarterly, founder-curated releases for the true enthusiasts. For those craving variety, the bar also features Colony ciders, Weyerbacher beers, and occasional Pennsylvania-distilled spirits.

With old-world origins and new-world flavor, The Colony Meadery keeps the buzz alive in the Lehigh Valley.

Want to discover more local? Follow Fig on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for inspiration.