BETHLEHEM, Pa. — On the last day of Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt on the SteelStacks campus Sunday, despite the rain, people flooded the indoor/outdoor space, huddling inside tents and sheds when the drizzle picked up periodically.
Both vendors and shoppers said it seemed Sunday was a mad dash to finish last-minute shopping.
"So we're working on the gifts.”Christkindlmarkt attendee Karen Hranek
“Well, it's the last day and we need to get some presents for people — although we did just buy this for ourselves," said attendee Karen Hranek, as she and her companion, Jeremy Teichmann, bought a lightning-pattern-etched piece of wood from Five Dogs Art.
"So we're working on the gifts.”
Masked to stay safe as they shopped, both expressed excitement to do more shopping, though Teichmann had one suggestion for organizers: “We recommend that there's more vegan food options in the future, but shout out to Flying V, [their] vegan poutine is really good.”
Christkindlmarkt concluded Sunday after what its organizers, ArtsQuest, had earlier said was a record pace for the German-themed, holiday market.
ArtsQuest previously said its opening weekend starting Nov. 17 saw 13,000 people — a 34% increase from 2022. The first Friday was 3,900 shoppers, a record for any opening day of Christkindlmarkt in 31 years.
Attendance totals for the entire market were not immediately available Sunday. ArtsQuest said the market had a record attendance of 107,272 last year.
An additional draw this year and last was the Ice Rink at SteelStacks, which this year is 30 feet longer than last year’s. It will stay open daily through Jan. 15.
'It's been a very nice season'
Selene Presley was another attendee Sunday. Presley bought hickory syrup and a leather dice tray.
“We like to come here every year," Presley said. "We're happy to see the last day of the year and everyone's out for display.”
Rex Brodback, Presley’s companion, also bought hickory syrup, which he declared was, “so good, oh my gosh,” as well as a secret gift for Presley.
Presley said Christkindlmarkt isn’t the only holiday activity to which they look forward to in Bethlehem.
“We like to walk around downtown to see all the Christmas ornaments and just, you know, feel the festive cheer,” Presley said.
Christkindlmarkt typically attracts more than 150 food and craft vendors.
Karen Renfroe, a sales clerk at Keystone Farms, a cheese shop, said this year's sales also were good.
“I've been with them for over 10 years and this has been one of the busiest holiday seasons," Renfroe said Sunday.
"This past weekend, starting with Thursday, we were busy every day, and it's been a very nice season. People love their cheese.”
“I think people are finally realizing it's about to be Christmas."Holly Wellington, owner of Wellington Metal and Gem, an artisanal jeweler, at Christkindlmarkt
Holly Wellington, owner of Wellington Metal and Gem, an artisanal jeweler, concurred.
“Christkindlmarkt is always fun,” Wellington said. “It's a great crowd. The vendors are also really great. I've been doing this, this is my fourth or fifth year. It's just a really great, supportive arts community that shows up to participate in the event.
“The crowds are always looking forward to Christmas. It's a great event to kind of get in the mood and get the spirit.
“I think people are finally realizing it's about to be Christmas.”
