The Christmas City: Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA

Christkindlmarkt at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks is a family holiday adventure that would make the perfect addition to any family’s traditions. Christkindlmarkt is located about 3 hours north of DC in Bethelehem, PA, also called The Christmas City. Whether you make it a day trip or an overnight, the trip up to Bethlehem PA for the Christkindlmarkt will have everyone in the holiday spirit. It has been recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure featuring:

• Aisles of handmade works by more than 150 of the nation’s finest artisans.
• The ring-ting-tingling sounds of live Christmas music and jolly, old St. Nick’s hearty laughter.
• Ice carving and glassblowing demonstrations, including the popular Hot Glass Experience: Glass Ornament sessions.
• Käthe Wohlfarht, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany.
• Breakfast with St. Nicholas (additional ticket required).

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Christkindlmarkt 2018 season began on Friday, November 16th and runs weekends until December 23rd! Click here to view the schedule. The holidays get so busy that it is nice to be able to spend some family time together and check things off our holiday to-do list. We are trying to teach our children to value experiences over things, but there is still room for giving gifts (as long as it doesn’t require me going to the mall). And is it just me or is it adorable to see what your kids choose to buy for others? We love holiday markets like Christkindlmarkt for a kids shopping adventure. Not only do we get to support artisans and small businesses, but the small stalls and cultural influences create a more intimate shopping experience for kids. Each of our kids had their wallets filled with allowances and picked out presents for siblings and parents. It is great to see the magic of holidays through their eyes as they find joy in giving to others!

Don’t forget to stop and get some German food. We had so much fun talking about all the different places around the world we have celebrated Christmas and what traditions are special to those places. It was a beautiful way to end a Sunday Funday in The Christmas City!