Even though Thanksgiving is two weeks away, a longtime Lehigh Valley holiday tradition is getting ready to kick off.
ArtsQuest is once again transforming its SteelStacks campus into a holiday extravaganza with plenty of shopping, Santa and again this year, skating on an outdoor ice rink, a bigger, improved outdoor ice rink.
Christkindlmarkt, a German-style holiday market, opens Friday, Nov. 17, at SteelStacks in Bethlehem and will be open through Sunday, Dec. 17.
“The city of Bethlehem comes to life during this festive holiday season. Families from across the region, and beyond, come to the Christmas City to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season,” said Kassie Hilgert, president and CEO of ArtsQuest. “At Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest Financial, we are fortunate to have so many talented artisans and crafters (many are shoppers’ favorites that return year after year), and they truly offer a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping (and eating) experience.
“And, just next door, the Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, returns for its second season, with a larger footprint, longer season and skating times and added food and beverage options. Together, our annual holiday market and skating rink transforms the SteelStacks campus into a winter wonderland experience. You don’t want to miss it.”
Twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Christkindlmarkt offers over a dozen crafters, artisans and retailers — such as crowd favorite, Käthe Wohlfahrt, who offers handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles straight from Germany.
Christkindlmarkt will open Fridays through Sundays for its first two weeks (Nov. 17-26) and then expand to Thursdays through Sundays (Nov. 30-Dec. 17). Hours of operation are 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays..
The ice rink will open on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and is open until Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 15).
Artisans and craftspeople
From fine art photos of the Christmas City to handmade Moravian glass stars, Christkindlmarkt offers a shopping experience that focuses on handmade gifts crafted by local and regional artisans, as well as holiday décor and collectibles by some of the region’s top Christmas vendors. Local favorites like Christmas Shoppe by Domaci, Donegal Square & McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, Stroopies, and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery will be selling their wares.
Performers and experiences
There’s a full schedule of performers every day. Kids can visit with St. Nicholas and then make some holiday crafts at the Crayola Creativity Station. Watch as an ice block is sculpted into a work of art. Create your own glass artwork with the ArtsQuest Hot Glass Experience.
Ice skating at the Ice Rink at SteelStacks
The Ice Rink at SteelStacks, bigger than last year, features fresh ice maintained throughout the day, music-based theme nights and mascot skating. This year, the schedule of operations will be extended, and will be even larger than last year. There will also be a food and beverage area attached to the rink for easier access to concessions.
Individual passes are available for $9, with skate rentals $6; children 13 and younger are $7 for admission, $6 for rental. ArtsQuest members tickets are $6 admission and $6 skate rental.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
Germany’s Käthe Wohlfahrt will be on hand for all eight weeks, marking its 21st straight year at the event. Renowned for its handmade nutcrackers, incense smokers, pyramids, schwibbogens and wood, glass and pewter ornaments, the company offers more than 2,000 products, making it a popular destination for patrons.
The food
Christkindlmarkt will feature a variety of delicacies, including holiday fare like strudel, German bratwurst and Christmas cookies. Guests will find a variety of food options, including a diverse array of beers, hot toddies, and other beverages.
Parking
Christkindlmarkt takes place at PNC Plaza SteelStacks at 645 E. First St., Bethlehem. Park for free in the adjacent lots on First Street.
Dates and tickets
Thursday–Saturdays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free from 5-8 p.m. each Friday. at https://www.christmascity.org.
