BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As the holidays approach, it’s no secret that Bethlehem gets busy.

“This past weekend, the historic district was packed,” said Tammy Wendling, senior vice president of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone say it with me, packed!”

“This weekend, it was hoppin’ downtown,” City of Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds added.

With Christkindlmarkt opening this past Friday, Christmas City Village kicking off over the weekend, and much more on its way, city officials on Monday proudly unveiled what’s been on drivers’ wish lists: more parking spots.

Come Thursday, the Walnut Street Parking Garage is back in business, after its former version was knocked down nearly two years ago — two long years, according to businesses.

“Two years has been a long time,” said Neville Gardner, owner of McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar on Main Street.’

The garage has had some issues, like a beam falling on a building during the garage’s demolition two Februarys ago. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Still, the mayor maintains the $27 million modernized facility is ready, on time and under budget.

“But more than that,” he said, “it’s a celebration of who we’re bringing downtown.”

The unveiling of the new parking garage kicks off Walnut Week, which the mayor says is about supporting small business, sustainability and smart growth.

As part of Walnut Week, the nonprofit, Coalition for Appropriate Transportation continues its holiday bike giveaway Tuesday.

And Wednesday, a Walnut Street garage rooftop gathering for an afternoon of community wellness.

“We have a few more Walnut Week surprises to pull out,” said Steven Fernstrom with the Bethlehem Parking Authority.

On Thursday, a ribbon-cutting will officially open up the new parking garage.

Parkers’ first four hours that day will be free.

For more Walnut Week events, head here: https://www.bethlehempa.org/walnut-week/