Story by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food of Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here .

BETHLEHEM — Christmas and industrial history aren’t all this Lehigh Valley city have to offer.

For J. William Reynolds, a lifelong resident of the city of 75,000 and its mayor since 2022, Bethlehem stands out — and thrives — because of its togetherness.

Yes, the holidays are a big thing here — it’s had the self-adopted name of Christmas City for some time, and been the setting for a Hallmark movie titled (of course) Miracle in Bethlehem, PA . And the world-famous Bethlehem Steel Corporation called the city home for nearly a cent

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