Published November 04. 2025 12:14PM
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Walk, presented by Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, returns for its 23rd year Nov. 29, at 9 a.m. The race, which starts at the historic 1869 Luckenbach Mill, attracted more than 1,000 participants last year to the city’s Historic District, supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement during the all-important holiday season.
During the Turkey Trot, runners, joggers and walkers enjoy a scenic course route that passes through the Colonial Industrial Quarter and Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem, the nation’s newest World Heritage Site.
New for 2025, the popular costume contest, previously reserved only for pets, has been expanded to include race participants as well, with runners and walkers encouraged to dress up in their favorite holiday or race-themed attire. Prizes will be awarded for the most spirited individual and group costumes.
In addition, the race’s youth division has been expanded to include more categories (ages up to 8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15), with awards presented to the top two male and female finishers in each division.
Turkey Trot registration is $40 through 5 p.m. Nov. 28 and then $45 through race day. Everyone who enters receives a Turkey Trot T-shirt, healthy race-day refreshments, admission to HBMS’s Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition and museums all weekend, and more.
Awards will be given to top male and female finishers, as well as the top two male and female finishers in each age group for the run and the top male and female finisher in the competitive walk. The pet and human costume contests will take place 8:15 a.m. before the race start.
The Turkey Trot is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors, including presenting sponsor Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, as well as Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits; ULINE; and Tiller Private Wealth. All proceeds from the race support Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites – a partner in the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site – and its historic preservation work, community outreach efforts and educational programming for the region. To register or learn more, visit HistoricBethlehem.org.
Contributed article
press photo courtesy HBMSTurkey Trot 2024. Prizes are awarded for the most spirited individual and group costumes.