hristkindlmarkt Bethlehem, the popular holiday market that takes place in the Christmas City each autumn, returns for its 28th year with an all-new outdoor format featuring 60 artisans and vendors per weekend, as well as food and dining options, St. Nicholas and the return of popular German ornament manufacturer Käthe Wohlfahrt.

The market, presented by Univest Financial, will be open Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 8-Nov. 29.

Tickets for the first two weekends will be available at www.christmascity.org; additional on-sale dates will be announced soon.

Named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice competition, Christkindlmarkt is known for its unique holiday shopping experience featuring dozens of artisans offering thousands of unique, handmade gifts and holiday items.

A new look to the market

For 2020, the event has undergone a major transformation.

Gone are the four large tents on SteelStacks’ PNC Plaza and in its place is a spacious, new layout highlighted by artisans and artists’ huts spread across the SteelStacks campus, coupled with the unique holiday décor and lighting of Rileighs Outdoor Décor.

When the market opens in autumn, it will offer a fall festival flair, while November’s arrival will usher in a variety of holiday programming as it takes on the feel of an outdoor German market.

Attractions and Vendors

From fine art photos of the Christmas City to handmade Moravian glass stars, Christkindlmarkt 2020 will offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that focuses on handmade gifts crafted by local and regional artisans, as well as holiday décor and collectibles offered by some of the region’s top Christmas vendors.

Artisans appearing at the market in October will feature autumn-themed gifts and home décor, while merchants taking part in November will offer a variety of fine art, gifts and collectibles perfect for the holidays.

Joining Christkindlmarkt 2020 are local favorites such as Domaci, Donegal Square & McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery.

While many artisans and vendors will be in attendance all eight weeks, participating vendors will change regularly, offering patrons a different experience every weekend.

“Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem was founded in 1993 to support tourism, crafters and the many small businesses based here in Bethlehem,” says ArtsQuest President & CEO Kassie Hilgert. “Over the years, the event has certainly grown, but one thing has remained the same - people look forward to visiting the market and Bethlehem every fall, especially as Christmas approaches, because of the Christmas City’s authentic celebration of the holidays.

“This year, more than ever, it’s important to support these crafters and businesses, the majority of whom have been hit hard by pandemic-related restrictions and closures, so we are excited that we have been able to transform Christkindlmarkt into an authentic outdoor market and provide an opportunity for local artisans and vendors to support their livelihood.

“The City of Bethlehem has worked closely with us to implement CDC and Department of Health safety guidelines in a way that will still deliver a wonderful experience for patrons and a respite from the challenges of this year by celebrating the holidays with family and friends.”

Beginning in November, Christkindlmarkt will take on a distinct holiday feel as the event celebrates St. Nicholas’ arrival on Nov. 7. The jolly old man will be on hand for special story times and socially distanced photos on Saturdays, while Sundays will feature new virtual “Cooking with St. Nicholas” events for families via Zoom.

The Food and Music

As with past years, Christkindlmarkt will feature a variety of food, including holiday fare like strudel, German bratwurst and Christmas cookies.

As they arrive, guests will find offerings from area food trucks at the event’s entrance, while inside patrons can visit the Christkindlmarkt Food Court featuring a special holiday themed menu created by the Levy Culinary Team at SteelStacks.

People who purchase food will also be able to eat in the event’s Biergarten, offering a diverse array of beers including Yuengling Hershey Chocolate Porter, as well as hot toddies and other beverages.

Tickets & Admission

For the safety of all patrons, staff and volunteers, Christkindlmarkt will not sell “any-day” general admission tickets for 2020. Instead, patrons must purchase admission tickets in advance for the date and time they wish to attend the market.

Tickets will be sold for designated admission times starting every half-hour to reduce lines and wait times, as well as help ArtsQuest staff and volunteers ensure safe, smooth flow into and through the event.

ArtsQuest staff and volunteers will be stationed at the entrance to each Christkindlmarkt section to ensure the maximum capacity for each area is not exceeded.

Patrons are expected to wear personal protection masks and face coverings unless they are eating and drinking; all city and state social distancing and COVID-19 safety regulations will be in effect.

Individuals who walk up to Christkindlmarkt without an admission ticket will only be permitted to buy tickets to a session that has not reached its capacity limit.

All vendors are also required to adhere to all safety guidelines put in place for the event.

For tickets and more information, visit www.christmascity.org.