ArtsQuest’s 32nd annual Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial saw a record 128,384 attendees during the six-weekend event, Nov. 15 - Dec. 22, 2024.

With an extra weekend to shop, crowds packed the SteelStacks campus to find gifts from nearly 180 vendors, crafters and artisans representing 12 states and one country, Scotland.

“Free Fridays,” 5 to 8 p.m., saw 17,501 visitors.

“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.

“This unique holiday shopping experience, now in its 32nd year, 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 non-profit 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,” said Hilgert.

“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,” Hilgert said

Artisans and craftspersons had for sale holiday-themed and handmade ornaments, clothing and outerwear, jewelry, candles, artwork, woodwork, pet products and food.

Christkindlmarkt had 15 new vendors at the 2024 event.

There were one-dozen food vendors that offered traditional German fare, soups, burgers and sandwiches. There were several food trucks outside the tents.

Bars were located throughout the market, including Levy Restaurant, ArtsQuest food and beverage partner.

There were 147 people participating 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,” with at 396 tickets.

“Breakfast with St. Nick” was also a hit with 445 children participating.

Music performers included 18 groups from local school choirs, instrument ensembles and carolers in 23 performances at the Christmas tree on PNC Plaza.

Igloos and fire pits added to the festive atmosphere.

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,” Bauder said.

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 is open daily until Jan. 5, 2025.

The locally-produced “St. Nick of Bethlehem” film continues Jan. 1 and 2, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks.