To understand what Christkindlmarkt is, you need to understand what it is not. It is not a shopping frenzy, but rather shopping via selection. It is not a big box store with hundreds of imported toys du jour, but rather individually crafted keepsakes. People do not grab or snarl at each other, but rather smile and honor each other’s space. It is not a place you rush in “grab-pay-wrap-deliver”, but rather thoughtfully linger and select. It is not cheap reproductions or one-time use products, but a place to buy handcrafted American made unique individual pieces of art. Products are not mass-produced to meet demand, but rather are lovingly created, some as collectibles and ultimately family heirlooms.

Christkindlmarkt comprises 150 individual artisans, food vendors, craftsmen and merchants who gather now at SteelStacks for five weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas since 1992. The holiday lights and the festive music create a magical holiday diversion from the seasonal stress, world conflicts, and COVID surrounding us. Even Scrooge would feel festive upon stepping into any of the four tents and courtyard filled with yummy food choices, beverages and a seemingly endless variety of merchants.

Vendors travel from all over the country to participate in this nationally acclaimed event. Wallets and handbags from Salem, Wis., Wool sweaters from Trenton, Ga., Bows by Lisa from Mt. Juliet, Tenn., House of Morgon Pewter from Kinston, N.C., and the list goes on. Jon and Terri Dearborn, owners of Nectar of the Vine, from Burton, Ohio, have been at this event for six years and report, “We’d never miss it; this year is awesome.” They offer customers a choice of 23 different flavored mixes to make wine frappes and gourmet wine slushies at home.

For the wine consumer, local wineries, Franklin Hill in Bangor and Vynecrest in Breiningsville provided gift ideas. And let’s not forget the baked goods – pumpkin bread, cranberry bread, cookies, rum cake, fruit cakes, sticky buns and more. A crowd favorite is the unique spreadable bacon sold by TBJ Gourmet Bacon Jam. Sales person Ben VanAulen proudly explains the concept of spreadable bacon as he gives samples to eager bystanders. This isn’t your grandma’s jam – true to their brochure, it is both spreadable and tastes just like bacon! This is their fifth year at this event and Ben said, “We look forward to being here every year; the people are friendly and happy to try our products.”

Some merchants have been at Christkindlemarkt for so many years they couldn’t say exactly how many. Nancy Mitchell, representing La Cigale, from Mt. Gretna, Pa., said “people are happy to be out and about after 2020 and COVID; sales are great and I’m happy to be here.”

One of the largest displays was that of KatheWolfahrt, from Germany. Her collection of handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectible figurines enchanted visitors. Purveyors of jewelry hail from JH Crystal Creations, Allentown, Icis jewelry from Upper Black Eddy, Wild Honey and Gold from Center Valley, Celtic Vibe, from Bushkill JAAZ accessories from Allentown, and many others.

So if scented soaps, small batch peanut butter, herbs and oils, sauces and salsa, homemade dog treats, woven wool sweaters, lawn ornaments and seasonal décor interest you, or if are looking for a unique one of a kind gift – this is the place for you.