I went searching for a Hallmark holiday in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This is what I found.

I have FOMO (the fear of missing out) about Christmas — not as a religious celebration but as a cultural one with all the cheerful traditions and seasonal spirit.

Maybe it’s years of binging holiday movies. Maybe it’s the fact that Christmas has become such a secular and commercial phenomenon. Maybe it’s because I celebrate Hanukkah, which is often weeks ahead (though this year it’s right on time).

The celebrations just look like so much fun. The lights, the sparkle, the festivity. I have always wanted to be a part of it. And I’m not alone. In fact, a PEW Research Center Survey found that 81% of non-Christians in the U.S. celebrate Christmas.

I’ve yearned to dress in silly matching pajamas with my family and sip hot cocoa under a glittery tree, or go on a sleigh ride snuggled under a cozy blanket as snowflakes fall and stroll through a festive holiday village — just like in the sappy holiday flicks.

Last year I decided it was time to live out this item on my bucket list. So, I headed to — where else — Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, officially known as the “Christmas City,” to experience my own magical Hallmark holiday. This winter wonderland, less than 100 miles from my home in New York City, is a unique destination that fully embraces its nickname, especially from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

Fleece Navidad

While there, I felt like I had either been transported back in time or stepped into the filming of a seasonal series. Holidays tunes played as I walked along the historic brick-paved streets. Lights twinkled on anything that stood still. Pop-up stalls offered ornaments, handmade stocking stuffers and spiked cider for sale. Visitors may bump into someone in period costume, adding to the vibe. There’s even a mailbox to send Santa a wish list.

Many homes in the historic district put candles in their windows, and when it snows, it’s like being inside a real-life snow globe.

When I checked into the historic Beaux Arts Hotel Bethlehem, I found Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting guests at their famous Sunday brunch. I explored the 100-year-old hotel to find cozy fireplaces and decorated trees in every public room. Visitors can request their own tree if they stay in a suite.

There’s also a lounge playing a loop of classic holiday films like “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Reportedly, one group of women visit every year and sit there with popcorn and watch for hours.

Our 9th floor room had a great view of the iconic 91-foot-tall Bethlehem star that glitters over the town 365 days a year (ask for a “Starlight View”). Its lights can be seen for 20 miles.

I listened for ghosts outside room 932, which is supposed to be haunted, though I didn’t see or hear any.

I made my husband join me in themed pajamas with cute little lambs wishing a corny “Fleece Navidad.” We sat under the huge lobby tree amid brightly wrapped faux presents for a perfect photo opp. (It was late at night to save him from embarrassment.)

Small town charm 

Although Bethlehem is the seventh largest city in Pennsylvania, the location still manages to embody small town, old-world charm. It has a collection of museums, galleries and a Moravian church, highlighting the region’s rich history.

I went on the “Christmas Stroll” led by a costumed guide to learn more. The town was founded by Moravians, members of a European religious sect that still exists there today. In 1741, on Christmas Eve, a group of them christened the town “Bethlehem,” in honor of the birthplace of Jesus Christ, forever etching the holiday spirit into its identity.

I also learned how the town reportedly put up the first documented decorated Christmas tree in the U.S. in 1747 and was crowned the “Christmas City” in 1937.

I traipsed around to see dozens of trees decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club. This year’s theme: U.S. cities, with ornaments highlighting World Heritage Sites (like Bethlehem) and National Historic Landmarks.

My husband and I took at a horse-drawn carriage ride through town, but sadly there was no cozy blanket or snow to dust us with. Snow didn’t fall until the day we left.

At the Nightly Living Advent Calendar that runs all December, I sang carols with friendly locals and shared in their chocolate offerings. There are many other holiday happenings, including tree lightings, nighttime tours and visits with Santa in front of a 19th century sleigh.

We visited the huge tented Christkindlmarkt holiday village that will be featured in a new Hallmark Network holiday series with host Wes Brown. There are lots of beautiful things to eat, drink and buy, including fancy dog treats, hand-knit ornaments, nutcrackers and mead (an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey). There are igloos to sit in and an ice sculptor demonstrating his handiwork.

We rode the Edwardian-era train out of nearby Colebrookdale with Santa for their ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas excursion and bundled up against the cold to enjoy the millions of dazzling lights at the fairyland of Koziar’s Christmas Village.

Good food, fun, friends and family

My husband began introducing me as Bethany “Candle,” pronouncing my last name like the wax object, instead of how I usually pronounce it (Kan-Dell). He said it sounded more “Christmassy.”

As much fun as I had, I felt like I was in the tourist version of a Christmas movie. Maybe what I yearned for was an unrealistic fantasy hatched in Hollywood.

So, this year I’ll look for that magic in my own neighborhood where they sell Christmas trees on every corner, and the excitement of the season is palpable. Friends have invited me to decorate their tree, and enjoy some eggnog (though minus the PJs and wood-burning fireplace). I may also help serve meals at a local church.

I came to the realization that the holidays are truly happy when you surround yourself with good food, fun, friends and family. The season’s messages of joy and kindness, camaraderie and connection are there for everyone, whatever your faith. And in this crazy world, isn’t that what a perfect movie ending is anyway?