ArtsQuest’s 33rd annual Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial, saw 145,552 holiday shoppers (an increase of nearly 14% compared with 2024) walk through the entrance doors during the six-weekend long holiday market, held from Nov. 14 to Dec. 21.

This year marked a milestone season with the debut of the all-new Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, which expanded the beloved market into an even more immersive holiday village filled with festive décor, added experiences and a second guest entrance.

Crowds packed the campus to find the perfect gifts from nearly 170 vendors, crafters and artisans representing 14 states and one country, Scotland. Free Fridays, which remained from 5-8 p.m., saw a total of 21,199 visitors.

Artisans and crafters offered many different gift-giving options, including everything from holiday-themed and handmade ornaments to clothing and outerwear, beautiful jewelry, candles, unique artwork, woodwork, pet products, fine foods and more. Christkindlmarkt welcomed 42 new vendors this year and 12 food vendors offered food options from traditional German fare to soups, burgers, sandwiches and more. Several food trucks remained outside the tents to help alleviate longer food lines and give additional menu options.

This year also introduced new location names across the entire Christkindlmarkt campus, enhancing the traditional German market atmosphere and offering guests a more immersive experience.

Christkindlmarkt and Winter Wonderland locations included Wilkommen Haus, Handwerk Haus, Fest Haus, Hutte Markt at PNC Plaza, Essen Haus, Warmen Haus, a reimagined St. Nickolaus Haus, the new Glas Haus — home to the ArtsQuest Glass Studio and Hot Glass Experiences — and the hospitality hub, Volks Haus presented by Omnivent Event Services.

The debut of Winter Wonderland added a 33% larger and immersive new dimension to the Christkindlmarkt experience. A second entrance, expanded pathways, a performance stage and new gathering spaces created a magical holiday environment and provided a new home for several guest-favorite experiences — including Hot Glass Experience, Visits with St. Nick presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, and Breakfast with St. Nick.

One of the biggest successes of the season was the introduction of four rentable heated igloos, which became an instant hit with visitors. New igloo rentals sold out quickly during the majority of Christkindlmarkt weekends, with 192 families and groups enjoying the cozy, private two-hour experience complete with comfortable seating, a warm Amish fireplace, a Bethlehem-branded blanket and a gallon of hot chocolate.

Many guests also added curated food-and-beverage packages, making the igloos one of the most talked-about new additions of 2025.