Christkindlmarkt 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.

For 2020, the event has undergone a major transformation. Gone are the four large tents on SteelStacks’ PNC Plaza and in 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.

The market, presented by Univest Financial®, will be open Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 8-Nov. 29 (closed Thanksgiving). Tickets for the first two weekends were available Sept. 23, to ArtsQuest Members and Sept. 25 to the public. Additional on-sale dates will be announced soon.

Tickets are being 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.

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.

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 their 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.

Attractions and vendors

From stunning 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.

Germany’s Käthe Wohlfahrt, one of Christkindlmarkt’s main attractions, will be on hand for all eight weeks, marking its 21st straight year at the event. Renowned for its exquisite, handmade nutcrackers, incense smokers, pyramids, schwibbogens and wood, glass and pewter ornaments, the company offers more than 2,000 products, making it a popular destination for patrons.

Also 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. The full list of vendors will be announced soon.

“Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem was founded in 1993 to support tourism, crafters and the many small businesses based here in Bethlehem,” says ArtsQuest President and 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.”