All is merry and bright, as Christmas Huts on Main once again take center stage in historic downtown Bethlehem, this time with something new under the sun – this year features three huts at a new venue, The Sun Inn Courtyard, though they were not yet open Nov. 18.

The Downtown Bethlehem Association presents the festive event, which for the first time will remain open for the full week leading up to Christmas Eve, adding Dec. 18, 19 and 20 as shopping days.

Mirroring a Hallmark Christmas movie, the charming, holiday-themed wooden huts chock full of unique gift ideas are at the heart of Christmas City Village, transforming the historic downtown into an authentic German Weihnachtsmarkt, or open-air Christmas market. All the huts are adorned with Moravian stars.

“I love being down here,” Terri Podlasinski, proprietor of Peace, Love and Pottery Ceramic Studio, said of her hut at The Smithy.

Podlasinski, who said she is the longest vendor at the event, as she began setting up shop there around 2018, has lived in the area a long time.

“The Downtown Bethlehem Association does a wonderful job of having different events every weekend, especially during Christmas,” Podlasinski said, noting the Holiday Cocktail Trail was also on tap that day.

“I love it here,” Abbi Kissee of Melmo’s Dog Treats said. “Everyone is so nice – the Christmas spirit is alive and well.”

Kissee is in her first year as an assistant to Melissa Morales, owner/operator of Melmo’s, which offers all handmade dog treats and items for dogs and cats, including clothing and toys. A Bethlehem native, Morales is now based in South Philadelphia. Morales was not on hand Nov. 18 as she was staffing Melmo’s hut at Easton Winter Village.

Kissee said she enjoys the shoppers and the huts, talking with people and seeing “some nice dogs and repeat customers.

Loving Imprints has been in business for three years, but this year marked its first appearance at Christmas City Village.

“It’s been great so far – the weather is nice and we’ve had lots of foot traffic,” Jen Pratzner of Mertztown, who owns Loving Imprints with husband Steve, said.

They sell merchandise including jewelry, crystals, bracelets, key chains and hand-stamped items by traveling to festivals and expos.

In addition to the three additional days of Monday through Wednesday during Christmas week, the merry event runs Thursdays through Sundays Nov. 9 through Dec. 24 and closing at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Dec. 24. Visitors are welcome Thursdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The huts are located at The Smithy within the Colonial Industrial Quarter, outside Central Moravian Church, in front of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and the Sun Inn Courtyard.