BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Christkindlmarkt, the German-themed holiday market that ArtsQuest has brought to South Bethlehem for 30 years, will have a new attraction when it opens for a 31st year on Nov. 17:
Free admission every Friday evening.
The festival, which normally costs $11 advance or $12 day-of on Fridays, will be free from 5 to 8 p.m. "each and every Friday," ArtsQuest announced.
"It’s part of our mission to be able to provide access to the arts (in all its forms) for all — in our local community and beyond. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of holiday giving. Our patrons appreciate it as do our vendors."ArtsQuest Communications Director Jennifer LoConte
Christkindlmarkt will run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, on dates Nov. 17-19, Nov. 24-26, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10 and Dec. 14-17.
Tickets for other days, at $11 in advance and $12 day-of on Thursdays and Fridays and $14 in advance and $15 day-of for Saturdays and Sundays, are available here.
It's free for ages 5 and younger, and $10 per person for groups of 20 or more on Thursdays and Fridays and $11 on Saturdays and Sundays.
ArtsQuest said Christkindlmarkt last year had a record attendance of 107,272 as shoppers returned after the coronavirus pandemic. In previous years, the market had a typical attendance of 60,000, according to ArtsQuest.
ArtsQuest Communications Director Jennifer LoConte said ArtsQuest doesn't have additional sponsorship or funding for this year's market.
"It’s part of our mission to be able to provide access to the arts (in all its forms) for all — in our local community and beyond," LoConte said in an email.
"It’s a great way to get into the spirit of holiday giving. Our patrons appreciate it as do our vendors."
Heated tents, and an ice rink too
Christkindlmarkt is held in heated tents on the SteelStacks campus.
Last year, it included 215 vendors and artisans selling hand-crafted Christmas decorations, jewelry, clothing, toys and other items by fine artisans; Käthe Wohlfahrt handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany; food and entertainment.
For the second year, Christkindlmarkt will operate while ArtsQuest's Ice Rink at SteelStacks is open.ArtsQuest news release
For the second year, Christkindlmarkt will operate while ArtsQuest's Ice Rink at SteelStacks is open.
The expanded ice rink, which will be 50-by-120 feet — 1,500 square feet bigger than last year — will officially open on Nov. 21, and run through Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 15.
This year, ArtsQuest will offer a new food and beverage tent adjacent to the rink that will include a full bar, hot chocolate, coffee, snacks and more, in a partnership with Levy Restaurants.
Skating sessions will last 75 minutes (with a 30-minute break in between) and there will be multiple sessions each day.
To view session times, go to christmascity.org/icerink/.
