Is it a wonder that Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a hot spot during the Christmas season? This charming small town in the Lehigh Valley of PA is the home of both Lehigh College and Moravian University. Not just a college town this is known as “Christmas City” for good reason. The town itself features a historic downtown, delicious restaurants, and cute and funky shops. Every year thousands flock to Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt, so what should you do with one day in the Christmas City?
Where Is Bethlehem?
Situated between Allentown and Easton in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania.
Who Founded Behtlehem?
The town was founded by Moravians as a communal society in 1741 and named on Christmas Eve that year, Bethlehem, or the “Christmas City.” And you may be thinking why is that important?…
What Is Christkindlmarkt?
A German-style holiday market.
Travelers flock to Bethlehem every December to enjoy the twinkling lights in the windows of original Germanic stone Moravian structures (see that’s why). The city goes all out as lit evergreens adorn every major intersection. You can shop along tree-lined streets for Moravian stars, beeswax candles, and other ornaments. Or simply soak up the sights and wonders at its Christkindlmarkt, a German-style holiday market.
When Is Christkindlmarkt?
2021 Dates –
- November 19-21
- November 26-28
- December 2-5
- December 9-12
- Final Weekend: December 16-19
Where Do I Park?
Free public parking for Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem and SteelStacks is available adjacent to the Christmas market, located at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 East First Street. There are also several parking garages, but park at the free public parking if it’s possible.
One Day At Christkindlmarkt In Bethlehem
Start Your Morning At The Joint Coffee Co
- 77 W Broad Street 18 C, Bethlehem, PA 18018
On your way into town stop and grab a coffee or latte at Joint Coffee Co. Tucked away in the Sun Inn Courtyard is this hidden gem of a coffee lovers paradise. This place has friendly staff, great vibes, and superb coffee and lattes. Try the cold brew or chai! If you’re wanting to grab a quick bite try the avocado toast.
Head To The SteelStacks
- 101 Founders Way
The SteelStacks is a 10 acre campus that is dedicated to arts, culture, and events. It’s located in the shadow of the blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel plant. Bethlehem Steel was the second largest producer of steel in the nation. The company discontinued its steelmaking activities at the main Bethlehem plant in 1995 after about 140 years of metal production. It’s a really cool spot to walk around and check out before entering Christkindlmarkt. You can take a tour or just wander around yourself, like I did.
Enter The Magical Christkindlmarkt
- You can buy tickets HERE.
Celebrate the spirit of the season at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem where you will find handmade goods, live Christmas music, and more! I recommend buying your tickets in advance because you will be waiting in line to purchase tickets at the event for at least an hour.
Grab A Mulled Wine Or A Ho-Ho-Hot Toddy
You will want to wander the market with a perfectly spiced mulled wine or a delicious Ho-Ho-Hot Toddy with Jack Daniels. I tried the Ho-Ho-Hot Toddy cold with Jack and it was delicious!
Enjoy Your Warm Drink In The Courtyard
The courtyard area of Christkindlmarkt features domes and chairs around cozy fires. So grab a drink and take in the ambiance as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.
Peruse The Handmade Local Goods
There are 3 different tents, outside courtyard vendors and more at Christkindlmarkt. It will take you hours to wander around and take in all of the beautiful handmade goods that the artists have created. Make sure to check out all of the tents and as many vendors as possible because this market is chock full of beautiful things. And bonus: buying here you are helping small businesses and local vendors.
Check Out These Awesome Vendors
- Tigerlily Boutiques & Botanica – gorgeous jewelry and leathercraft!
- Your Birth Moon – the coolest lunar jewelry that features the moon on the day you were born.
- Whisker Biscuits – of course, I had to grab Freya, an elk antler here. They also sell high-quality pet CBD. They also ship!
- Astro Vinyl Art – vinyl made into really cool art pieces.
- Donegal Square – Irish sweaters, felt caps, accessories, and jewelry; McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub baked goods.
- The Tea Can Company – delicious teas.
- ArtsQuest Glass Studio – beautiful blown glass ornaments that are one of a kind. They also have a glass blowing experience, more on the HERE, where you get to work with an artist to create your very own blown glass ornament. But it is completely sold out for 2021.
Don’t Skip Käthe Wohlfahrt German Goods
Käthe Wohlfahrt is back at Christkindlmarkt with its amazing collection of handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles! This area of the market will inevitably be packed to the gills with people but don’t let that stop you from taking in these beautiful ornaments, smokers, nutcrackers, and other beautifully crafted German goods. Make it a tradition to get a new ornament from the stand every year!
Grab Some Snacks
Whether it’s from a local vendor’s stall or the food and entertainment tent make sure to try some of the delicious food featured at Christkindlmarkt. There is something for everyone!
For classic German fare check out –
- Foodstuff: Potato Pancakes, Chicken Paprikash, Bierocks, Wiener Schnitzel, Goulash, Sauerbraten, Halupki, Haluski
- Heidi’s Strudel: Strudel, German Roasted Nuts
Other great options –
- The Flying V: Classic Poutine, Buffalo Chicken Poutine, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poutine, Montreal Poutine, Veggie Poutine, Holiday Poutine, Bacon Poutine, Parmesan Truffle Fries
- Uncommon Grounds: Coffee, Espresso, Latte, Teas, Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider
After The Market Head To Downtown Bethlehem
Drive Time: 5 mins – You will need to drive from the SteelStacks to Main Street in Bethlehem. Parking garages are the best way to go when trying to park downtown at this time of year. It usually costs somewhere between $3-$5 and you can use a card to pay at most garages.
You don’t want to miss this charming small town nestled into Pennsylvania mountains. Although it may be a college town, it’s beautifully decorated for the holiday. You’ll notice the clip clop as the horse drawn carriages mosey on by and all Christmas huts on Main Street. Window shop all of the beautifully decorated window displays as you walk the streets.
**I was unable to find how humanely the horses are treated for the horse-drawn carriage rides but they all seemed to be treated well during my visit. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the horse-drawn carriage ride around Christmas City you can find more HERE.
Experience Christmas In The Christmas City
The historic Hotel Bethlehem has a truly spectacular display of over 35,000 Christmas lights, uniquely decorated Christmas trees, six 7ft Toy Soldiers, two life-sized Nutcrackers, and a gingerbread house modeled after the hotel. You can wander around the lobby of the Hotel Bethlehem and take in all of the beautiful decorations even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Find out more HERE.
Grab Dinner At McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar
- 534 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
- Check Out The Menu HERE
Although you will most likely have to wait for a bit at the Red Stag, it’s worth the wait. This place has great ambiance and will transport you to a different place and time. As their website states, “your ultimate celtic destination (no passport required).” Enjoy authentic Irish and British Isles food while sipping whiskey. It’s the perfect way to relax after a wonderful day in Bethlehem.
Stroll Through Bethlehem To Take In The Christmas Lights
The entire Main Street of downtown Bethlehem is decked out in Christmas lights! So make sure to stay and take them in before you head home after your one day at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA.
If you’ve been having trouble getting in the Christmas spirit, the best way to cure that is with a visit to Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA. The music, handmade goods, and delicious food is sure to draw you in and get you into the holiday spirit! Have you been to Christkindlmarkt? What did you think?
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Fore More Great Ideas For Christmas Towns In The U.S. Check Out: Top 10 Christmas Towns In The U.S.
