BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest says that Santa is so pleased at the record attendance for its Christkindlmarkt festival over the past three weekends that it — er, Santa — will give visitors to its Ice Rink at SteelStacks an early Christmas present.
Starting today, there will be a $5 admission discount for all skaters for the rest of the season, ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert said in a news release.
“St. Nick reached out to me personally from his post at Christkindlmarkt and he is thrilled with what he has been seeing by ArtsQuest."ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert
“St. Nick reached out to me personally from his post at Christkindlmarkt and he is thrilled with what he has been seeing by ArtsQuest,” Hilgert said.
"He loves the Christmas spirit and we’re thrilled to be able to pass that holiday spirit on to skaters at the Ice Rink in the form of a $5 ticket discount on all dates and times throughout the entire skating season.”
Tickets for the ice rink typically are $18–$21 (prices vary by day) for ages 14 and older, and $15–$18 for ages 13 and younger for 75-minute sessions.
Highest attendance in 31 years
The ice rink will be open through Jan. 15. Times are available on the www.ChristmasCity.org website.
Hilgert said in the release that Christkindlmarkt, which opened Nov. 17, so far has had its highest attendance in 31 years.
ArtsQuest said after the opening weekend that 13,000 people had visited Christkindlmarkt — an increase of 3,000, or 34% — over 2022.
Santa “is so impressed with the turnout of shoppers and visitors coming to" Christkindlmarkt, Hilgert's release said.
"Thank you, St. Nick — we’re thrilled to be on your nice list!"ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert
"He also noted that he loves seeing the holiday movies that are playing at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, the holiday-themed art classes for kids and families at the Banana Factory and of course, the folks enjoying a skating experience at our very own Rockefeller Center-like ice rink.
"Thank you, St. Nick — we’re thrilled to be on your nice list!"
The skating rink measures 30 feet longer than its debut year last year, and had scheduled theme nights, an expanded viewing deck and additional food and beverage options.
