Christkindlmarkt — Attraction in Bethlehem

Set against the industrial back drop of the SteelStacks campus, the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt is a unique and wonderfully organized Christmas Market.

Beginning with the location, the setup of the Christkindlmarkt on the SteelStacks/ArtsQuest Campus makes the event/venue worthy of visiting. Having been to Christmas markets in Germany and throughout, the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt's layout and design is an eccentric take on the traditional row-by-row, outdoor venue as it attempts to melt and merge with the industrial tunes of the environment. It's a combination of large, indoor (almost Biergarten-style tents) and a handful of outdoor stands from which vendors due business with the patrons to this venue.

You can purchase tickets in advance on the SteelStacks website, however, if it is a last-minute visit, there is the option to purchase admission at the door as well ($15 on the weekend and no military discount). It is about a dollar discount if you purchase the tickets in advance, regardless of day of week, while the Thursday and Friday's are about 3 dollars cheaper than the weekends. The website also advertises various options for parking, however there could have been a better job done with the parking management, as there were only signs "event parking" to guide patrons when they arrive to the area. We lucked out and were able to find a space in one of the first-come-first-serve free lots (ArtsQuest Parking Lot 2) since it was not blocked off with a "full-lot" barricade; we saw a lot of folks utilize the parking decks/garages which requires payment.

One can reasonably expect for the venue to be busy when going on a Saturday, after the opening day, an hour after opening. Again, the flow of traffic into the area is a little mismanaged, however, once you navigate and find parking, the actual grounds of the venue is able hold large capacities of people rather well. Walking through the indoor tents with a double-side by side stroller despite the amount of people was actually manageable.

There was a great variety of vendors, both in goods and foods. There is a "main" tent (arguably the one you enter through), and a "food" tent in which the majority of the stalls offered a variety of eats. Between these two tents, you will find a few stalls that serve adult libations. The price of these alcoholic drinks are reasonably priced (what you'd expect for a festival); a wonderful surprise was getting a free-to-go souvenir sippy cup for one of the specialty cocktails (the Apply Mule was actually pretty good). Meanwhile, the selections of food is generous and takes on the festive flair of the event theme, which a combination of full-platters to small eats.

The Kathe Wohlfahrt vendor definitely feeds into the festive theme; if you're not familiar with Kathe Wohlfahrt, they are a genuine vendor of German goods usually Christmas ornaments and decor. There are also a good selection of other unique vendors that patrons can peruse through. Meanwhile, there are several photo-ops between the indoor and outdoor areas, while the venue itself provides a photo-with-Santa booth which patrons can pay for the photo package afterwards. There are no specific activities for children here, however, we did stumble upon a free craft booth for kids. A big shout out to the ladies that volunteered to help at this because my children thoroughly enjoyed making their Christmas trees here with their help and motivation.

Ultimately, I think we could have explored the venue a bit more, but cut it short after 2 hours. It was worth the visit from New Jersey, and we definitely plan on coming back to this festival the following year. Would definitely recommend as a family-event...

Our annual trip to this event on Saturday 07Dec2024 was not an enjoyable one. We arrived around 11:30am and due to having a handicap mother, I had to drop her off in the bus lane at the main entrance. After living her, I started to look for a parking space which took 30-40 minutes before parking. I drove through 4 lots all of which where full so I parked along the street where I noticed the signs saying no parking 2am-6am so like so many others parked because I needed to be with my mom. Having to walk 3/4 mile back to my vehicle I noticed a parking ticket on my vehicle and many others for $20 plus let’s not forget the $15 x2 entrance fee plus inside you will find very high prices. My advice, stay away from this event. If they can not provide enough parking for this event especially handicap parking they should not be allowed to have this event. Shame on them we will not be returning anytime soon! They can’t even comment on these negative reviews because they know what they are doing is wrong! Nothing but a...

Meh.... I cannot believe we had to pay to enter the venue. The Philadelphia, Love Park venue is open air but much more like a Kindle market without entry costs.

Some of the vendors were absolutely unique. I don't want to take anything away from them. Others were selling merchandise fresh off the boat from China and you could go to a flea market, dollar store, or Walmart and not have to deal with crowds like here.

Sadly, leaving the venue, homeless people were sleeping against walls. Funny how the venue make SO much, yet leave people starving outside.

We won't be back, not a good look for Bethlehem.

It was cold, the tents a nice break. School trips? And bus tours packed the place with ravenous creatures. I wouldn't have wished the crowd experience on my worst nightmare. The kids were unruly,hoping fences, breaking things to get to their bus. Do public tax dollars pay for these trips? Oh well, we don't live in...