Bethlehem – The Christmas City – kicks the holiday spirit up a notch again this year as the Downtown Bethlehem Association presents Christmas Huts on Main and Christmas City Village, transforming the historic downtown area into an authentic German Weihnachtsmarkt, or open-air Christmas market.
The holiday-themed wooden huts, all adorned with Moravian stars, are at the hub of the festive atmosphere, creating a scene that mirrors a Hallmark Christmas movie.
This year’s vendors are Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering and The Freezer Ministry, Curated Aegean, Gypsy Bazaar, DMM presents “Hipklips,” Lindsey Sell Creations, Loving Imprints, Matt-Hat Jerky, Melmo’s Dog Treats, Panchitas Kitchen, Resurrected Relics by Kim Salem, Rosetta Soaps, Ruby Hottie Hot Sauce and Scentsy.
The merry event runs Nov. 15 through Dec. 22, Fridays and Saturdays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition to finding Christmas treasures at unique vendors, visitors can stroll the downtown draped in its Christmas finery, and visit charming retail shops, gourmet restaurants and historic Moravian museums.
Top: Decisions, decisions. Ryder Olm-Wentz checks out the beef jerky choices at Matt-Hat Jerky with stepmother Rachel Olm Nov. 23 at Christmas Huts on Main and Christmas City Village, nestled in the Moravian Historic District.
PRESS PHOTOS BY TAMI QUIGLEYThe Christmas Huts on Main are open and ready for shoppers seeking treasurers to place under the Christmas tree. The merry event runs through Dec. 22, Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bob Wingrove, executive director of The Freezer Ministry, left, joins Sue and John Burcaw at the hut shared with Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering, which includes the Garden Gatherers Program. The organizations teamed up to host the hut to support the fight against homelessness and hunger. The trio of volunteers dole out hot apple cider, cookies and information, and accept donations. “There are 60 people sheltering tonight, and our maximum is 70 men and women,” Wingrove said of the BES shelter at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 75 E. Market St. The Freezer Ministry is an ecumenical/community program that began in 2010 and has blossomed, and will exceed providing 20,000 cooked meals this year. For more information on BES visit bethlehememergencysheltering.org/ and contact robert.wingrove@rcn.com for information on The Freezer Ministry.
Lauren DelVecchio of New Jersey, proprietor of Gypsy Bazaar, showcases a peace sign made of recycled magazines. Gypsy Bazaar’s merchandise includes ornaments, jewelry – including sterling silver, 14 K gold and gemstones – beaded handbags and paper lanterns, all handmade and supporting fair trade practices. This year marked DelVecchio’s second at Christmas Huts on Main, and she was happy to see many repeat customers. “I love having my own hut,” DelVecchio, a full-time vendor, said, explaining she has to set up and break down her shop at other venues. “It’s like a Hallmark town,” DelVecchio said of Bethlehem. “Everyone is nice and it’s safe,” she said of Christmas Huts on Main. For more information visit gypsy-bazaar.net/.
Middle: Andrea Beauregard decides on her beef jerky of choice with grandson Ryder Olm-Wentz and his mother Sandy Olm as Dan Van Brackle describes the selections at Matt-Hat Jerky.
Bottom: Ann Durand, a friend of Melissa Morales, owner/operator of Melmo’s Dog Treats, points out the different varieties of treats available at Melmo’s hut. Melmo’s offers all handmade dog treats and items for dogs and cats, including clothing and toys, and CBD treats for older dogs with joint pain. There are even horse treats. Melmo’s also offers socks, ornaments and candles for people. “There’s a little bit of something for everyone,” Durand said. A Bethlehem native, Morales is now based in South Philadelphia and was not on hand Nov. 23 as she was staffing Melmo’s hut at Easton Winter Village. For more information visit melmosdogtreats.com/.
(image 8) Dan Van Brackle mans the Matt-Hat Jerky hut. “It’s been pretty great,” he said of Christmas Huts on Main. “This stuff sells itself, it’s really good. We’ve had mostly repeat customers.” Van Brackle said Matt Kuplack, an 18-year-old college student in Georgia, started the business at age 11 in the Poconos before relocating to Bethlehem. The Bethlehem-based Matt-Hat Jerky also has a kiosk in the Lehigh Valley Mall. For more information visit https://matthatjerky.com/.
(image 9) The gang’s all here: It’s a family affair at Christmas Huts on Main for, from left, Brenda Kunsch, Katie Kluemper, Andrea Beauregard, Chris Kluemper, Rachel Olm, Beth Miller, Sandy Olm and Ryder Olm-Wentz.
