ArtsQuest’s 32nd annual Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest Financial, saw a record number of holiday shoppers walk through the entrance doors during the six-weekend long holiday market Nov. 15 to Dec. 22.

“We are thrilled that this year’s Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest, brought in record-setting 128,384 visitors from 40 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., to our campus,” said Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest president and CEO.

With an extra weekend to shop, crowds packed the campus to find the perfect gifts from nearly 180 vendors, crafters and artisans representing 12 states and one country, Scotland. And, Free Fridays, which remained from 5 to 8 p.m., saw a total of 17,501 visitors.

“This unique holiday shopping experience supports so many small businesses, area restaurants and hotels throughout Christmas City and the entire Lehigh Valley,” Hilgert said. “Christkindlmarkt is an annual fundraising event that is vital to this nonprofit organization’s mission of engaging and revitalizing communities through the arts and plays an important role in allowing us to offer nearly 50 percent of programming free to the public. We look forward to this festive event each year and welcoming families to all of the holiday programming and events taking place throughout the campus.”

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 15 new vendors this year and a dozen 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. Bars were located throughout the market, including one with Levy Restaurant, ArtsQuest’s food and beverage partner who offered festive holiday drinks to kick off the shopping experience. New this year, 147 people participated in the first-ever Christkindlmarkt Sip n’ Shop, where they could indulge in festive holiday shopping with six seasonal cocktail samples: Gingerbread Cookie, Deck the Halls, Cranberry Bramble, Snowstorm, Hot Apple Totty and Peanut Butter Cup.

The ArtsQuest Glass Studio sold out its Glass Blowing Experience for the entirety of the weekends early on with 396 tickets sold. Breakfast with St. Nick was also a hit with 445 children and adults enjoying their time with the big guy. Live music returned at the Christmas tree on PNC Plaza with 18 performance groups from local school choirs, instrument ensembles and carolers who entertained visitors for a total of 23 performances. Personal igloos and fire pits were also added to the festive atmosphere, keeping folks warm. Lastly, new ADA-compliant ramps helped welcome shoppers into the outdoor huts with ease.

“We want to thank all of our visitors, vendors, sponsors and volunteers for making this year’s Christkindlmarkt truly unforgettable,” said Eric Bauder, director of event operations at ArtsQuest. “We hope the spirit of the season continues to inspire joy, kindness and togetherness in days ahead. We hope to see everyone next year.”

While another Christkindlmarkt has come to a close, there’s plenty of holiday and winter fun to enjoy! The Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital will be open DAILY until Jan. 5. Then, catch a holiday movie at The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas like the much-loved St. Nick of Bethlehem film, produced right here in the Christmas City.

Contributed article