BETHLEHEM, PA — A record number of 107,272 visitors attended the Christmas City's premier holiday market this year.
In a news release Friday morning, ArtsQuest announced Christkindlmarkt had bested its previous record set in 2019 by more than 12,000 guests.
- A record 107,272 visitors attended the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt in 2022, ArtsQuest announced Friday
- The event featured 215 vendors and, for the first time, an outdoor ice rink
- Food and drink sales also spiked as guests gobbled up strudel, German bratwurst and other items
“This year’s Christkindlmarkt attracted so many people eager to support and shop from some of the nation’s finest artisans and small businesses,” said ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert in a statement. “We thank all our partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the magic and merriment here in Christmas City."
“We thank all our partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the magic and merriment here in Christmas City."<br/>Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest chief executive officer
Christkindlmarkt has become a local tradition since its debut in 1993 and has been recognized by national publications, including USA Today. This year's festival featured 215 vendors and artisans selling hand-crafted Christmas decorations, jewelry, clothing, toys and other items in heated tents. For the first time, ArtsQuest set up an outdoor ice rink for attendees.
ArtsQuest reported that food and beverage sales also spiked this year as guests enjoyed baklava, strudel and German bratwurst, among other items.
It wasn't all roses at Christkindlmarkt this year, however. The final hours of holiday shopping on Dec. 18 were marred by antisemitic hate speech from a small group of guests. The group members wore t-shirts espousing conspiracy theories and told patrons that Jews were responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
ArtsQuest condemned the speech in a statement but it was not clear if it removed the group from the market. A statement from the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley said ArtsQuest told the organization it would review policies to prepare for similar events in the future.
