The Most Magical Christmas Market in the U.S. Is Only 90 Minutes From NYC — Set Against Illuminated 100-Year-Old Steel Ruins in ‘Christmas City USA’

The scent of cinnamon and mulled wine, twinkling lights reflecting off icy streets, and the cheerful bustle of artisans selling handmade treasures—it’s the magic of the season captured perfectly in Bethlehem’s annual Christkindlmarkt . And while yes, New York City’s dreamy neighborhoods are chalk full of dazzling holiday markets, it’s safe to ay they can get a bit crowded—and that there are even better ones lying just outside city limits. A mere 90 minutes from New York City , Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—known as Christmas City USA—transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season, and 2025 marks the biggest year yet for its popular Christkindlmarkt. Set against the dramatic, lit-up ruins of the historic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces, this European-style market now spans heated tents, outdoor Winter Wonderland spaces, and hundreds of artisan stalls, creating the perfect day-trip escape from the city. A European Christmas in Pennsylvania ------------------------------------ Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt is far more than your typical pop-up. Over 170 juried artisans from 14 states —and even Scotland—bring handmade goods ranging from glass ornaments and jewelry to textiles, leather, photography, and gourmet treats . Käthe Wohlfahrt , the legendary German Christmas brand, returns with its U.S.-only shop, offering storybook ornaments, nutcrackers, and incense smokers that feel straight out of a Bavarian village. The market’s backdrop—Bethlehem Steel’s 100-year-old blast furnaces —adds a cinematic edge you won’t find at most Alpine-style markets. At night, the towering industrial ruins are illuminated, making it one of the most Instagrammable holiday settings in the country . Heated tents keep shoppers cozy while they browse, and the expanded Winter Wonderland on the Levitt Pavilion lawn introduces even more magic, with vendor houses imported from Poland, fire pits, and a reimagined Wilkommen Haus entrance that transports visitors into a true European Christmas street. New for 2025: Experiences you can’t miss ---------------------------------------- This year, the Christkindlmarkt doubles down on interactive experiences. Guests can visit the St. Nicholas Haus for crafts and Santa visits, book a private igloo for up to six guests with blankets, fireplaces, and hot chocolate , or try the hands-on Glass Haus to craft their own ornaments . ArtsQuest is also hosting a Pop-Up Artist Market on December 21 , spotlighting emerging artists at both the Glas Haus and retail booths. The Warmen Haus and Volks Haus tents serve authentic German fare and festive drinks, including mulled wine, holiday cocktails, and German specialties. Food lovers will find bratwurst, schnitzel sandwiches, strudel, Christmas cookies, and European-style poutine from local vendors, alongside sweets from Stroopies and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery. Adults can also join the Holiday Martini Tasting with Mishka or a Sip ’N Shop cocktail experience on November 22 and December 20 , and holiday speed dating events for singles. Plus, this year for the first time a brand-new permanent stage is on-site for guests to enjoy live holiday performances, carolers and seasonal acts! 📍 PNC Plaza at SteelStacks – 645 E. First St, Bethlehem, PA 🗓 November 21–23, 28–30; December 4–7, 11–14, 18–21 ⏰ Thursday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm, Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm 🎟 Tickets: $12 – $15.50, free on Fridays 5 – 8 pm Source: https://secretnyc.co/christkindlmarkt-bethlehem-2025/