BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest's 33rd Christkindlmarkt holiday market on the SteelStacks campus offered significant new attractions for shoppers, but the result was the same.
It was another record attendance year — even with one day shortened by a power outage, ArtsQuest said Tuesday.
Christkindlmarkt saw 145,552 holiday shoppers this year — an increase of 17,168 or 13.4% compared with the 128,384 who attended in 2024, according to a release.
“This year’s Christkindlmarkt ... marked an exciting new chapter."ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert
Christkindlmarkt was held from Nov. 14 to Dec. 21 this year, but was temporarily shut down on Dec. 19 because of a power outage caused by a severe thunderstorm.
The market was closed for the evening, but reopened the next day.
This year, the debut of Winter Wonderland transformed the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks lawn — which in recent years was the site of a seasonal ice-skating rink — into an expanded holiday village with new attractions.
The change "expanded the beloved market into an even more immersive holiday village filled with festive décor, added experiences and a second guest entrance," ArtsQuest said.
Christkindlmarkt offered nearly 170 vendors, crafters and artisans representing 14 states and the country of Scotland.
Free Fridays, which remained from 5 to 8 p.m., saw a total of 21,199 visitors, ArtsQuest said.
“This year’s Christkindlmarkt ... marked an exciting new chapter,” ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert said.
Winter Wonderland a big attraction
The debut of Winter Wonderland "allowed us to expand the experience into a truly immersive holiday village, creating more space, more magic and more opportunities for our community and visitors to gather, celebrate and make memories together," Hilgert said.
Winter Wonderland included four private igloos for visitors to rent, which ArtsQuest said was "one of the biggest successes of the season" and "became an instant hit with visitors," quickly selling out during the majority of Christkindlmarkt weekends.
"A second entrance, expanded pathways, a performance stage and new gathering spaces created a magical holiday environment and provided a new home for several guest-favorite experiences."ArtsQuest release
ArtsQuest said 192 families and groups rented them.
Winter Wonderland also featured Christkindlmarkt’s new permanent performance stage, which had 75 live performances, including music programs from 12 local schools, instrumental ensembles, and caroling groups.
Christkindlmarkt also welcomed 42 new vendors this year and 12 food vendors offered food options. Several food trucks also were outside the tents to "help alleviate longer food lines and give additional menu options," ArtsQuest's release said.
In all, Winter Wonderland added a 33% larger and an "immersive new dimension to the Christkindlmarkt experience, ArtsQuest said.
"A second entrance, expanded pathways, a performance stage and new gathering spaces created a magical holiday environment and provided a new home for several guest-favorite experiences," it said.
Other success stories
Other success stories from Christkindlmarkt included that the ArtsQuest Glass Studio sold out its Glass Blowing Experience quickly, with a record-breaking 404 tickets sold, the release said.
Breakfast with St. also was also a hit, with 295 children and adults attending.
"From record-setting attendance and popular new igloos to the incredible support of the artisans and food vendors, this season demonstrated just how deeply Christkindlmarkt resonates with our region."ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Cassie Hilgert
Cartoon characters Bluey and Bingo said hello to 129 visitors at a sold-out Breakfast with Bluey and Bingo. The First Impressions: A Holiday Speed Dating Experience event saw 51 speed daters ready to mingle.
And the Holiday Pop-up Market welcomed 15 emerging regional artists to Christkindlmarkt. In the new St. Nickolaus Haus, the ‘Make Your Own’ events welcomed 107 crafters.
"From record-setting attendance and popular new igloos to the incredible support of the artisans and food vendors, this season demonstrated just how deeply Christkindlmarkt resonates with our region," Hilgert said.
"As one of ArtsQuest’s most important annual events, its continued growth plays a vital role in supporting our non-profit mission and helps us provide nearly 40 percent of our arts and cultural programming free to the public.
"We’re incredibly grateful to our partners, members, volunteers, artists and guests who made this milestone year so special.”
