BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem is glowing with twinkling lights and holiday magic as Christkindlmarkt officially opened Friday.

69 News reporter Sydney Kay took a look at what visitors can expect for its 33rd year.

It’s decking the halls to a whole other level in the Christmas City.

“I just love it, lit up at night, yeah it’s going to get people thinking about the holiday,” said Leo Osanitsch, the owner of Karl Ehmer Quality Meats.

Opening day at Christkindlmarkt is where those traditions, old-world and new, come to life.

“My friends and I, it’s an annual tradition to start our Christmas shopping together, we always find unique items here,” Maureen Leonard said.

Now running for the next six weeks, the German-style event is one of the largest Christmas markets in the nation.

Last year, it welcomed around 130,000 people.

“The Lehigh Valley experiences about a six and a half million-dollar bump in economic impact which is just fantastic, you know that’s one of the things for the whole valley to get shot in the arm towards the end of the year,” said Curt Mosel, the Chief Operating Officer of ArtsQuest.

Showing its growth, the “Winter Wonderland” expansion has made its debut. It’s where visitors can follow the dazzling lights to meet the main man of the season.

“This is the most wonderful time of the year and this is the best way to get all of the holiday spirit and get into the full aspect of the season,” said St. Nick at Christkindlmarkt.

Another addition this year includes more food and drinks.

“The new stand behind us, “Warmen Haus.” It’s part of this year’s expansion, it’s hot drinks and German treats,” explained Emily Kocis, the IT Director and Juried Exhibitors & Beverage Operations at ArtsQuest.

German treats that Karl Ehmer owner Leo Osanitsch knows a thing or two about, providing a to-go charcuterie of all the fixins.

He says this season is extra special as he’s retiring his shop this month and traditions like Christkindlmarkt is what makes them priceless.

“As you get older, you realize just getting together with family is most important,” said Osantisch.

Officials with ArtQuest tell 69 News that they make the event accommodating for all families by opening up the market for free every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The last weekend open for the Christkindlmarkt is December 18th to the 21st.

Below is when the market will be open:

• November 14-16, 2025

• November 21-23, 2025

• November 28-30, 2025

• December 4-7, 2025

• December 11-14, 2025

• December 18-21, 2025

Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.