With more private igloos and an enhanced vendor market, Christkindlmarkt hopes to build on 34 years of holiday cheer this season in Bethlehem.
The holiday market will run Nov. 13 through Dec. 20 at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, an ArtsQuest news release announced.
“More than 200 artisans, crafters and retailers from 18 states and Scotland will offer unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and 7 food vendors will be serving seasonal favorites and a wide variety of options,” the news release said.
There will be several changes this year to improve the visitor experience including doubling the number of private, heated igloos available to reserve from four to eight; a new bag check service inside the Bethlehem Visitor Center; and expanding the pop-up artist market that debuted last year to the ArtsQuest Creative Factory at 25 W. Third St. That market will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at the Creative Factory and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at Winder Wonderland.
“Christkindlmarkt has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most anticipated and magical holiday events, and the remarkable response to last year’s Winter Wonderland showed us just how much our community values opportunities to come together and celebrate the season,” ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel said in the release. “This year, we’re building on that success by expanding some of our most popular attractions and introducing new conveniences to make the experience even more enjoyable. From additional igloos to an expanded Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market at our new Creative Factory, we’re excited to offer even more ways for guests to shop, gather and celebrate while supporting the talented artists who make our community so special.”
Other attractions this season include beer tasting 4 p.m. Nov. 21 at Volks Haus in Winter Wonderland; cocktail tasting at Volks Haus; breakfast events with St. Nick and Bluey and Bingo; creating hot glass; and a speed dating experience 6 p.m. Nov. 13.
Admission to Christkindlmarkt will be free 5-8 p.m. on Fridays.