Image of Christkindlmarkt by Lisa Boehm (provided courtesy of ArtsQuest)
Following record-breaking attendance in 2025, the beloved holiday tradition returns with expanded shopping, festive experiences and new ways to celebrate the season.
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, October 19, 2026– The magic of the holidays is returning to the Christmas City! ArtsQuest is excited to announce the 34th annual Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial, along with the return of the popular Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, bringing even more opportunities to shop, celebrate and make holiday memories.
For 34 years, Christkindlmarkt has brought the charm of a traditional German Christmas market to Bethlehem, earning national recognition as one of the country’s premier holiday shopping destinations while helping establish the Christmas City as a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
Following a record-breaking 2025 season that welcomed 145,552 visitors, an increase of nearly 14% over the previous year, Christkindlmarkt will build on that momentum by doubling its popular private igloos, offering an enhanced Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market extending into the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a new bag check service, new beer tasting and additional opportunities for holiday parties and gatherings across the SteelStacks campus from November 13 through December 20.
Guests can also look forward to the return of fan favorites, including Breakfast with St. Nick, Breakfast with Bluey and Bingo, Old Fashioned Christmas tastings, Sip ‘n’ Shop, Hot Glass Experiences, live holiday entertainment and a festive marketplace filled with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and holiday cheer. More than 200 artisans, crafters and retailers from 18 states and Scotland will offer unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and 7 food vendors will be serving seasonal favorites and a wide variety of options.
“Christkindlmarkt has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most anticipated and magical holiday events, and the remarkable response to last year’s Winter Wonderland showed us just how much our community values opportunities to come together and celebrate the season,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer of ArtsQuest. “This year, we’re building on that success by expanding some of our most popular attractions and introducing new conveniences to make the experience even more enjoyable. From additional igloos to an expanded Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market at our new Creative Factory, we’re excited to offer even more ways for guests to shop, gather and celebrate while supporting the talented artists who make our community so special. And as one of ArtsQuest’s signature fundraising events, Christkindlmarkt’s continued success helps us bring arts, cultural and educational programming to our community throughout the year.”
What’s New and Expanded for 2026
More Igloos, More Holiday Magic!
One of the biggest hits of last year’s Winter Wonderland was the introduction of private, heated igloos, which quickly sold out during the majority of Christkindlmarkt weekends. In 2025, 192 families and groups enjoyed the cozy experience!
This year, ArtsQuest is expanding the number of igloos available to reserve throughout the festival from 4 to 8, giving even more guests the opportunity to enjoy a festive gathering with friends and family in their own private winter retreat.
Each rental includes two-hour access for up to six guests with comfortable 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. For more information or to book your igloo, click HERE.
Shop Hands-Free with New Bag Check Service
New this year, Christkindlmarkt visitors can take advantage of a convenient bag check service located inside the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks. For a nominal fee, guests can check their bags and enjoy shopping, dining and exploring the holiday marketplace without having to carry their belongings throughout their visit. Whether browsing for the perfect gift or enjoying the festivities at Winter Wonderland, the new service offers an added convenience to make the Christkindlmarkt experience even more enjoyable.
Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market Expands to the Creative Factory
Holiday shopping is getting even more creative this season! Building on the success of last year’s Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market, which featured 15 emerging regional artists, ArtsQuest is expanding the experience at SteelStacks to include artwork at the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL as well as at SteelStacks.
The expanded market will provide additional opportunities for guests to discover and purchase unique, locally created artwork while supporting emerging artists and exploring ArtsQuest’s newest destination for visual arts and education.
From handmade creations to one-of-a-kind works of art, the Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market offers shoppers a special way to give gifts that celebrate creativity and support the region’s artistic community. The market will be open December 5 and 6, 10:00-4:00 PM at the Creative Factory and December 20, 10:00-6:00 P.M. at Winter Wonderland. Access at Winter Wonderland is included in the price of admission to Christkindlmarkt.
Holiday Beer Tasting sponsored by Banko
Saturday, November 21 at 4 p.m. at Volks Haus. Additional details to be shared at a later date,
Celebrate the Holidays at ArtsQuest
From intimate gatherings to large corporate celebrations, ArtsQuest offers distinctive venues for holiday parties across its SteelStacks campus and the new Creative Factory powered by PPL.
Volks Haus, presented by Omnivent
Located in the heart of Winter Wonderland, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, Volks Haus accommodates semi-private celebrations of up to 50 guests or full rentals for groups of up to 125, with holiday-inspired menu options.
Private and semi-private events can be booked at Volks Haus any day of the week during Christkindlmarkt, providing flexibility for corporate gatherings, family celebrations and seasonal get-togethers.
Canvas at the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL
Celebrate the season with a view! Located on the fifth floor of the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, Canvas offers a contemporary event space with stunning views of the SouthSide Arts District and the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces.
Accommodating up to 200 guests, Canvas provides a unique setting for everything from company holiday parties and team celebrations to larger corporate events.
As one of ArtsQuest’s newest event spaces, Canvas offers guests an opportunity to experience the Creative Factory in a festive and memorable setting.
ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
The ArtsQuest Center offers a variety of event spaces under one roof, accommodating gatherings of up to 500 guests.
Whether planning an intimate holiday gathering, cocktail reception, company-wide celebration or larger seasonal event, ArtsQuest’s hospitality team can help create an experience tailored to each group’s needs.
For more information or to book an event, please contact Patrick Brogan at pbrogan@artsquest.org.
Returning Holiday Favorites
Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health
After a successful debut in 2025, Winter Wonderland returns with its festive holiday village atmosphere, twinkling lights, seasonal décor and family-friendly experiences.
Last year’s expansion increased the Christkindlmarkt footprint by 33%, creating more space for guests to shop, explore and enjoy the festivities. Winter Wonderland also introduced a second guest entrance, expanded walkways and new gathering areas.
Some of Christkindlmarkt’s most popular holiday experiences return this season, offering guests of all ages a variety of ways to celebrate. The line-up includes:
- Visits with St. Nick, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health–
Located in St. Nickolaus Haus in Winter Wonderland, an area redesigned with Bavarian-inspired décor and a whimsical twist, featuring enhanced seating and photo opportunities with St. Nick. Hours of operation are Thursdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; and Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.
- Breakfast with St. Nick – November 28; December 5, 12 and 19 at 9 a.m.
Families can start their day with Father Christmas himself at this beloved holiday tradition at Volks Haus in Winter Wonderland! Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast featuring eggs, pancakes, sausage, potatoes, yogurt, granola, seasonal fruit and more.
Children ages 12 and under will receive a complimentary 5-by-7 photo with St. Nick and a gift bag, along with the opportunity to participate in holiday crafts at St. Nicholas Haus, presented by Just Born. All tickets include breakfast and admission to Christkindlmarkt, which opens at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
- Breakfast with Bluey and Bingo – Sunday, November 22 at 9 a.m.
Back by popular demand after selling out last year, Breakfast with Bluey and Bingo returns to the Musikfest Café! Families can enjoy a breakfast buffet prepared by Levy Restaurants, fun activities and photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite blue heeler sisters.
Doors and the buffet open at 9 a.m., with the event concluding at 10 a.m. Tickets include breakfast, tax, gratuity and all-day admission to Christkindlmarkt following the event, and can be purchased HERE.
- Hot Glass Experiences at Glas Haus
Returning to Glas Haus in 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.
- First Impressions: A Holiday Speed-Dating Experience– November 13 at 6 p.m.
Looking to make new connections this holiday season? First Impressions returns with a fun, inclusive twist on traditional speed dating, welcoming guests interested in friendship, romance or simply meeting new people. This 21+ event at Volks Haus in Winter Wonderland features icebreaker games, two rounds of quick conversations and opportunities to mingle before exploring the first day of Christkindlmarkt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and tickets include one complimentary drink, access to the bar, and admission to the holiday marketplace. Participants are randomly paired, regardless of gender, orientation or age. Tickets will be available soon HERE.
- An Old Fashioned Christmas presented by EDRINGTON – Sunday, November 29; December 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Raise a glass to the holidays with the return of this popular cocktail tasting experience at Volks Haus! ArtsQuest, EDRINGTON and Levy Restaurants are teaming up once again for an afternoon of festive flavors featuring four handcrafted cocktails made with Brugal 1888, No. 3 Gin, Brugal Añejo and The Macallan Double Cask 12.
Guests will enjoy delicious pairings prepared by Levy Executive Chef Julie Marble, including Maple BLT Bites, Cranberry Turkey Sliders and Spiced Holiday Cake.
Tickets include the cocktail and food pairings, admission to Christkindlmarkt on the day of the event and a voucher for a full cocktail at a designated Christkindlmarkt bar. This event is 21+.Tickets can be purchased HERE.
- Sip ‘n’ Shop – Saturday, December 19
Sip, shop and celebrate the season! Guests can enjoy six holiday-inspired cocktail samples while browsing Christkindlmarkt’s festive marketplace for unique gifts and handcrafted treasures. This event is 21+.
Check-in begins at 4 p.m., with cocktail sampling starting at 5 p.m. Tickets include the tasting experience and admission to Christkindlmarkt. Space is limited, and specific cocktail offerings will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Give Back with a $1 Snowflake
The spirit of giving will shine brightly at Christkindlmarkt with the return of ArtsQuest’s Donate a “$1” Snowflake fundraising campaign.
Guests will have the opportunity to make a $1 donation in support of ArtsQuest’s arts and education programs, helping provide access to creative experiences for individuals and families throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Every snowflake represents a small act of generosity that, together with the support of the community, can make a significant difference in bringing the arts to more people.
Live Holiday Entertainment at the Levitt Performance Area
The sounds of the season return to the Levitt Performance Area with live entertainment throughout Christkindlmarkt, featuring regional musicians, carolers, instrumental ensembles and choirs from 10 local middle and high schools.
This year’s entertainment lineup features a festive mix of local and regional musicians, instrumental ensembles, carolers and school choirs from 10 local high school and middle schools, offering something for visitors of all ages.
Returning favorites include Galena Brass, Olde Towne Carolers, Yuletide Slides and Fritz of Fritz’s Polka Band, along with performances by singer-songwriters Stacy Gabel, Steve Walker, Joe Lazorik and Ella Bruch, Pennsylvania Youth Theater, Dan Wilkins Duo, Samantha Cummings, The New Rockwells and the Lehigh Valley Chorus: Sweet Adelines.
Performances are scheduled throughout the festival, beginning Friday, November 13, and continuing through Sunday, December 20. See the live entertainment schedule HERE.
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 13 – Sunday, Nov 15
- Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 22
- Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29
- Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, December 6
- Thursday, December 10 – Sunday, December 13
- Thursday, December 17 – Sunday, December 20
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.
Information provided to TVL by:
Tehani Boyer
