Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. October 23, 2025 – ArtsQuest is excited to share additional details about the 33rd Annual Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial, returning November 14–December 21. Guests can explore everything the region’s most beloved holiday tradition has to offer by visiting ChristmasCity.org and the brand-new ArtsQuest.org website, your one trusted source for all things ArtsQuest. Now more visual, more interactive and easier to navigate, the new site brings together everything from festival information and event registration to dining and where to stay in the Lehigh Valley, ticketing and year-round programming, all in one place.
As previously announced, the all-new Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, will debut this season, transforming Christkindlmarkt into an expanded holiday village filled with new experiences, festive décor, a second entrance to Christkindlmarkt and more opportunities for guests to celebrate the magic of the season.
New and Returning Experiences
- New Tent Names – We are excited to unveil the new names for Christkindlmarkt’s festive tents, each reflecting the charm and spirit of the holiday season while embracing the rich traditions of German holiday markets. Guests are welcomed at Wilkommen Haus, setting the festive tone from the moment they arrive. The market’s culinary and artisan offerings are highlighted in Essen Haus and Hütte Markt at PNC Plaza, a welcoming area that evokes the cozy alpine huts of Germany. Craftsmanship and holiday cheer come alive in Handwerk Haus, Fest Haus and Glas Haus, while St. Nicholas greets visitors at St. Nickolaus Haus. The beverage stand, Wärmen Haus, and hospitality hub, Volks Haus, carry on the communal, welcoming spirit of a traditional German market. Even the iconic Smart Tree is given a festive German twist as O Tannenbaum, tying the entire market together with authentic holiday charm.
- Rent an Igloo… and more! – Enhance your Christkindlmarkt experience with one of four cozy, private igloos available to reserve in Winter Wonderland! Each rental includes two-hour access for up to six guests with comfy seating and a warm Amish fireplace, admission for two (additional tickets available for larger parties), a Bethlehem-branded blanket and a gallon of hot chocolate to enjoy the holiday magic. Guests can also add one of our Igloo Food & Beverage Packages – including Flatbread Flight, Sweet Ending Dessert Box or Bubbles + Dessert Box. Book your igloo today, HERE.
- Hot Glass Experiences – Now located at Glas Haus in the new Winter Wonderland, you can work one-on-one with an ArtsQuest hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art – the bubble bowl or the traditional glass ornament – from molten glass. Ages 6 and up and no experience necessary. Registration is required and will be available online soon at artsquest.org. Groups of 6 or more can contact dgardner@artsquest.org for specialized scheduling.
- Visits with St. Nick, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital part of Jefferson Health – Now located in the St. Nickolaus Haus in the new Winter Wonderland, an area redesigned with Bavarian-inspired décor and a whimsical twist, featuring enhanced seating and photo opportunities with St. Nick. Find more information HERE, tickets will be available for purchase soon.
- Breakfast with St. Nick – Families are invited to celebrate the holidays with the festive tradition of Breakfast with St. Nicholas, now located in the all-new Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health. These breakfasts are being held on November 29 and December 6 and 13 at 8:15 a.m. Guests can enjoy a delicious hot breakfast with St. Nick, a complimentary 5×7 photo and craft making in the new St. Nickolaus Haus in Winter Wonderland. After breakfast, attendees receive free admission to Christkindlmarkt. All ticket prices include breakfast, admission, tax and gratuity. Find more information and get your tickets HERE.
- An “Old Fashioned” Christmas, presented by EDRINGTON- ArtsQuest is teaming up again with EDRINGTON and Levy Restaurants for the annual holiday cocktail tasting experience centered around the Old Fashioned!
Four festive cocktails will be crafted for you to sample featuring EDRINGTON’s Brugal 1888, Wyoming Whiskey, Highland Park and No 3 Gin!
Your ticket gets you admission into Christkindlmarkt; the Old Fashioned Christmas tasting session presented by Ryan Umholtz, Area Manager at EDRINGTON; a delicious meal provided by Levy Restaurant Executive Chef Julie Marble; and a voucher for a full Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini cocktail from Christkindlmarkt’s Essen Haus bar. There will be four sessions in total, with three confirmed so far: Saturday, December 13 at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 14 at 1:30 p.m. The final session time will be announced shortly. The sessions sell out each year, so be sure to get your tickets early! Tickets will be available for purchase soon HERE.
- Sip-n-Shop – Sip, shop and celebrate the season, now with double the fun! Back by popular demand, Christkindlmarkt’s Sip-n-Shop returns with two dates: Saturday, November 22, and Saturday, December 20. Check-in and registration begin at 4 p.m., with sipping starting at 5 p.m. Purchase your Sip-n-Shop Passport and enjoy six festive cocktails – Winter Berry Lemonade, Spiked Hot Apple Toddy featuring Brugal 1888, Coquito, Spiced Paloma Punch, Frosted Citrus Gimlet and Holiday Mojito Punch – as you explore the unique artisan offerings at Christkindlmarkt. (Ticket price includes admission to Christkindlmarkt.) Passports will be available for purchase soon HERE.
- Holiday Martini Tasting with Mishka Premium Vodka – Take a break from shopping lists and seasonal headaches with a delicious tasting trio of holiday-themed martinis at this 21+ event with Mishka Premium Vodka on November 28. Enjoy an elevated ambiance in Volks Haus with three tasting size martinis in fun holiday flavors, paired with a mouthwatering savory snack. Guests will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the spirits they’re drinking during a live, in-person Q&A with Mishka CEO and Master Distiller Russell Fletcher. Tickets include entrance into Christkindlmarkt after the tasting is concluded. Get your tickets HERE.
- First Impressions: A Holiday Speed Dating Experience – Join us on November 28 for a new Speed Dating Experience inside Christkindlmarkt on November 22 at the new Volks Haus at Winter Wonderland! Your ticket includes admission to the event, light bites, a cash bar and free access to explore Christkindlmarkt afterward. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with fun icebreakers and calling card crafts, followed by two lively rounds of speed dating starting at 5:30 p.m. Afterward, enjoy open mingling before strolling the aisles of handmade holiday creations and live music. This 21+ event is perfect for finding love, friendship or just festive fun! Get your tickets HERE!
- Art Making – Make festive arts and crafts this holiday season at the St. Nickolaus Haus! The Makerspace at the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL is excited to present its first woodworking experience available every Sunday of Christkindlmarkt with 30-minute time slots from 12 to 4 p.m. Patrons ages 8 and up can craft a three-dimensional wooden reindeer using a scroll saw. Once complete, decorate your reindeer with paint markers.
Guests of all ages can also create DIY ornaments! Choose three to personalize with paint markers and other craft supplies. Ornament options include wood slices and papier-mâché in classic holiday shapes. Ornament-making sessions are offered on November 21 and December 12 with 45-minute time slots from 5 to 8 p.m. and December 6 and 13 with 45-minute time slots from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Each craft ticket includes admission for one person to Christkindlmarkt, so you can enjoy your creations and the festive market all in one visit! Registration for these festive crafts will be available soon at artsquest.org.
- Pop-Up Artist Market – Support emerging artists! Discover and purchase unique creations from talented up-and-coming artists at Christkindlmarkt. Artwork will be available at both the ArtsQuest retail booth and Hot Glass Tent on Saturday, December 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Partnership Experiences
- Illumination with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Get into the holiday spirit with the Merry & Bright Package, which includes one ticket to Illumination at Coca-Cola Park, presented by Service Electric Network, and one ticket to Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest Financial. Visit the Illumination link for more details on what’s included in your package and to purchase tickets.
- Wind Creek’s Miracle on 34th Street and Christkindlmarkt Package – Purchase a combination ticket to see Meredith Wilson’s Miracle on 34th Street The Musical and visit Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest for $81.55 per person. Click HERE for more information. (Excludes all Wednesday performances of Miracle on 34th Street).
Holiday parties in Volks Haus, Winter Wonderland
- Celebrate the holidays in our new private, heated hospitality tent, seating up to 155 guests. It’s ideal for corporate gatherings, family celebrations or festive get-togethers. Additionally, for groups of six or more, book your Holiday Lunch Buffet that includes a full lunch buffet, signature drink bar, keepsake and more. Visit LINK for more information on how to book your holiday gathering and contact the ArtsQuest Hospitality team at hospitality@artsquest.org.
- Looking for a group bus tour? There are packages available for a variety of community groups. Contact hospitality@artsquest.org for more information.
The Traditions of the Season
Christkindlmarkt 2025 will bring together an incredible lineup of holiday shopping offering unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts that you won’t find anywhere else with over 170 artisans and crafters from 14 states and the country of Scotland. Over a dozen food vendors will be serving seasonal favorites and a wide variety of food options.
This year, a new permanent stage at the Levitt Pavilion will host upwards of 75 live holiday performances from local and regional musicians, adding even more festive energy to the experience. Performers include Olde Towne Carolers; brass quartet Galena Brass; trombone quartet Yuletide Slides; Fritz of Fritz’s Polka Band; 10 local middle and high schools; local singer-songwriters including Stefanie Johnson, Stacy Gabel, Melody Cruz, Erin Kelly and many more! See the full live entertainment schedule HERE. Plus, visitors can enjoy holiday movies playing each weekend.
Christkindlmarkt Dates and Hours of Operation:
*FREE Friday admission from 5 to 8 p.m.
*Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, November 14 – Sunday, Nov 16
- Friday, November 21 – Sunday, November 23
- Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30
- Thursday, December 4 – Sunday, December 7
- Thursday, December 11 – Sunday, December 14
- Thursday, December 18 – Sunday, December 21
With these exciting changes, Christkindlmarkt 2025 promises to be the most immersive and memorable holiday market yet, fitting for a city proudly known as the Christmas City.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.