The only one of its kind in the country! Visitors to Historic Downtown Bethlehem will enjoy the 5^thAnnual one-of-a-kind tradition in 2012!  Beginning on December 1st at 5:30 p.m., the “Live Advent Calendar” will open at the 1810 Goundie House at 505 Main Street.

The merchants of the Downtown Bethlehem Association (DBA), a council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Historic Bethlehem Partnership (HBP) will provide a special treat to the visitors every day at 5:30 p.m.! Crowds of up to 300 gather for the 10 minute program, so get there early! The program will run through December 24, 2012.

The presentation scenario will take place as follows:

• Visitors gather outside the door of the Goundie House
• At the time of the presentation, a selected visitor will be asked to walk up to the door and open it
• When the door is opened, a special guest from a local business or organization will appear and distribute treats among the crowd

The idea of the “Live Advent Calendar” is from the tradition of Advent Calendars or Christmas Countdown Calendars for children and families.  With a traditional calendar, there is a set number of “doors” to open each day as Christmas draws near.  Traditional calendars provide a treat or verbiage each day.

The Historic DBA Advent Calendar will be life-sized with a special person to hand out the treat at 5 pm sharp daily!  Each day will be different and very special surprises will happen throughout the time counting down to Christmas Day!

The traditional colonial design of the décor on the door to the Goundie House is due to the creative talent and generosity of Mary Cabbott Butler, owner of Ostara at 521 Main Street.  Charlene Donchez Mowers, Historic Bethlehem’s executive director is generously allowing the DBA to use the door to Bethlehem’s first brick house as the site of the Live Advent Calendar.

Come each day for a surprise performance & receive a free gift from the host business!

Schedule of Merchants to come out of the Door: