Along the village streets and country lanes, candlelit luminaries flicker in the crisp evening air. Residents in period costume, guide visitors among the sturdy limestone Moravian buildings, their glowing lanterns casting a warm light against the winter night. Festive holiday decorations adorn street corners and homes, the town crier’s bell tolls – these are just some of the sights and sounds of the Hope Moravian Christmas and Lantern Tours, returning to Hope, NJ, December 13th & 14th, 2025. See below for specific event dates and times. Now in its ninth year, this very special event continues to brighten the holiday season with candle illuminated streets, Christmas exhibits, and demonstrations of Moravian Christmas traditions.
One of America’s first planned communities, the quaint town of Hope sits at the crossroads Routes 519 and 521, in scenic Warren County, NJ. Founded in 1769 by members of the Moravian Church, this simple religious settlement thrived here—living, working, and worshipping until 1808, when the community returned to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Today, the Moravian spirit continues to thrive in the small community; many of the town’s original structures have been lovingly and painstakingly restored to their original condition, and others repurposed by local businesses.
The candlelight tour winds its way through luminary-lit streets, offering visitors both historical and visual insight into many of the Moravian buildings that once comprised the original town. Highlights of the tour include the Inn at Millrace Pond (the original grist mill), First Hope Bank (the original Moravian meeting house), the Moravian Distillery, the Hope Museum, and several private homes and historic structures. Furthermore, this year’s festivities will also include a live Nativity, local businesses will be open for holiday shopping, and food will be served during our Festival of Trees in our Community Center. The beloved Festival of Trees custom includes ten Christmas trees decorated by ten different volunteer groups in town, all with distinct themes.
Another feature of the 2025 tour is the Moravian Nativity, called “the Putz,” from the German phrase meaning, “to decorate,” and refers to the traditional Moravian landscaped Nativity scene. In Moravian heritage, the putz was assembled by older family members and kept from the children until Christmas Eve Day. In the weeks before Christmas, children took part via collecting moss, stones, tree stumps, greens, and other natural elements to be used in the landscape. The Putz depicts a rolling countryside, hillside town, and a lonely stable. It consisted of wooden, clay, or tin figures arranged to depict the nativity. Other groupings were displayed in the hills, such as the Annunciation, the three kings, the shepherds, and the trip to Egypt.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit our website to purchase tickets through Eventbrite OR contact Ann Rhinesmith hopemoravianchristmas@gmail.com or 908-459-4918
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