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Christkindlmarkt returns

Published November 25. 2025 12:02PM
by Jenn Rago Special to the Bethlehem Press

Dreaming of a white Christmas, with the bells, chestnuts and trappings?

Say no more: You can be walking through the Winter Wonderland at Christkindlmarkt.

Winter Wonderland is the newest addition to Christkindlmarkt. Levitt Pavilion has been transformed into a winter wonderland designated to slowing down, enjoying the brisk winter air, a cup of hot cocoa, (or grog) and, the crackle of a firepit. Strategically placed are the igloos complete with low lighting, cozy seating, and an Amish style fireplace. These are available to rent. Firepits dot the landscape their glow casting the warmth that only a wood fire produces. Plenty of comfy seating, and live seasonal music can be heard at Levitt Pavilion with upward of 75 live holiday performances from local and regional musicians. Performers include Olde Towne Carolers; brass quartet Galena Brass; trombone quartet Yuletide Slides; Fritz of Fritz’s. Opening night entertainment was provided by Debra and Glenn Hofmann, and Jeffrey Halbert, members of Dolcetto Trio.

Volks Haus (Hospitality tent) at Winter Wonderland played host to community partners Arts Quest, Univest and Lehigh Valley Health Network. Stakeholders and their guests received a warm welcome (and hot cocoa) on Friday, November 14. Univest Financial, Mike Keim, President of Univest Bank and Trust Co. spoke proudly of Univests role at Christkindlmarkt, “sharing good cheer as a sponsor for 8 years.” Also welcoming guests was Keith Micucci, Chief Operating Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health-Muhlenberg. Micucci lauded the “family Friendly commitment to community that colleagues, friends and family share at Christkindlmarkt.”

And the heart and soul of this event is Christkindlmarkt, now in its 33rd year, inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Hosted annually during weekends in November and December at the SteelStacks campus on the south side, it showcases premier artisans and vendors. The market emphasizes community involvement and supports local businesses and charities. It has received numerous awards for its unique blend of culture, tradition, and holiday spirit. Showing no signs of slowing down Christkindlmarkt continues to grow and draw new and familiar visitors, by the thousands each year.

Mike Keim, president of Univest Bank and Trust Co. speaks to guests at Volks Haus (Hospitality tent) at Winter Wonderland/Christkindlmarkt.
ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert reflects on Christkindlmarkt’s 33-year history as it continues to grow and expand with this years addition of the Winter Wonderland.
Pianist Debra Hofmann performed with her ensemble, the Dolcetto Trio, during the opening evening of Winter Wonderland at Christkindlmarkt. Deb is a professionally trained pianist and music educator. Deb has over 30 years in performance and music education experience showcasing a wide variety of musical genres.
Many guests at Christkindlmarkt- Winter Wonderland eagerly wait at one of the many “Official Picture Spots” placed throughout the area. A great choice for family holiday pictures.
Use your own camera and make a memory at one of the easily accessible “Official Picture Spots” located throughout Christkindlmarkt. More photos on page A5.
“Tree’s to Dreams” a family woodworking business owned and operated by the Lucas family. Tyler, Jessica and Theodore Lucas proudly display their handcrafted charcuterie boards, accessories and cork hot plates.
Chris Taylor enjoys the relaxing strains of Dolcetto while warming by a fire pit in the Winter Wonderland at Christkindlmarkt.
Shelley, Brooke, and Chive Spence of Hellertown attend their very first Christkindlmarkt. Mom works for Lehigh Valley Health Network, a stakeholder in this event.
Keith Micucci, Chief Operating Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health-Muhlenberg.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JENN RAGOGuests observe the skilled glass craftsmanship demonstrated by an ArtsQuest instructor from the Banana factory Arts studio, on Third St. in Bethlehem.
Located at Glas Haus in the new Winter Wonderland, guests work one-on-one with an ArtsQuest hot glass instructor to create their own piece of art – from molten glass.
“This way to Christkindlmarkt” a gentle transition from Winter Wonderland into the incredible, unique and one-of-a-kind Christkindlmarkt.
Guests visiting ice sculpture demonstrations can watch the transformation of an ice block into a work of art.
Joel Brackbill “sizes up” an ice sculpture that is bigger than him. This is his first visit to Christkindlmarkt.