ArtsQuest is excited to announce the 33rd annual Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest Financial, the region’s premier holiday marketplace, along with the launch of its all-new Winter Wonderland, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health and Visits with St. Nick, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit christmascity.org.

Following years of record-breaking attendance, this beloved holiday tradition will grow in both footprint and offerings, beginning this season with the return of a sixth weekend and free Friday evening admittance.

“Christkindlmarkt has become a cherished part of the Lehigh Valley’s holiday traditions, and with attendance reaching new heights year after year, it’s clear our community is ready for more,” said Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest chief operating officer. “The new expansion, Winter Wonderland, allows us to enhance the guest experience while preserving the festive charm that makes Christkindlmarkt so special.”

Record growth sparks expansion

Christkindlmarkt has seen continuous year-over-year growth, with especially high attendance during peak times, such as Saturdays and free Friday evenings, which will return for 2025. Crowds have frequently filled the festival grounds shoulder to shoulder, underscoring the need for more space, more vendors and more experiences.

Winter Wonderland, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, transforms the area previously home to the ice-skating rink into an expanded holiday village. This new footprint allows Christkindlmarkt to expand while adding fresh experiences for guests, including the following.

• Immersive decor and photo ops: a bigger, brighter Christkindlmarkt with expanded holiday photo opportunities and enhanced festive lighting

• Improved guest flow: a new second entrance/exit within the expanded footprint to reduce congestion and wait times during peak hours, along with convenience to multiple visitor parking lots

• New family and entertainment zones: more family-friendly areas and interactive experiences, including a new home for St. Nick, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, designed with Bavarian-inspired decor and a whimsical twist with enhanced seating and photo opportunities with St. Nick; a family craft area, sponsored by Crayola, giving children the opportunity to create their own holiday keepsakes; a new glassblowing experience and demonstration area, offering guests the chance to experience this cherished Christkindlmarkt tradition in an expanded setting; and outdoor igloo rental packages to include food and beverage options, perfect for family and friend gatherings

• Expanded vendor booths and huts: a bigger footprint for more artisans and vendors to shop for those one-of-a-kind, unique gifts

• Several new huts to provide additional festive drink and dessert options

• More entertainment and more holiday spirit

• A new permanent stage to host upward of 75 live holiday performances from local and regional musicians

• Popular experiences such as St. Nick breakfasts returning, along with additional character breakfast and even adult-themed holiday breakfasts

• New large hospitality tent: a spacious, decorated hospitality area, capable of seating up to 155 guests, added to the expansion. This heated venue will serve as a private rental space for private holiday gatherings, corporate events, bus groups and more; and additional seating and dining space for the public during open hours. Whether you’re hosting a large celebration or an intimate holiday gathering, the ArtsQuest hospitality team is here to help. Reach out to hospitality@artsquest.org.

New events

• Cookie decorating and martini nights: It’s a night out with friends, decorating holiday cookies and enjoying a festive drink (for ages 21 and older).

• Speed dating: Enjoy light bites and merry drinks while making new connections. You may even enjoy strolling through Christkindlmart with your new friend.

• Art making: Have fun with do-it-yourself painting ornaments, make-your-own wooden advent calendars and more, plus a pop-up artist market.

Traditions of the season

Christkindlmarkt 2025 will bring together an incredible lineup of holiday shopping offering unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts that you won’t find anywhere else with more than 170 artisans and crafters from 14 states and the country of Scotland. More than a dozen food vendors will be serving seasonal favorites and a wide variety of food options.

Back by popular demand, Old Fashioned Christmas tastings and an expanded Sip-n-Shop will again be part of the festivities. More details on both will be coming soon.

Christkindlmarkt dates and hours of operation are free Friday admission, 5-8 p.m.; Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., through Dec. 21.