BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Christkindlmarkt will double its private heated igloos from four to eight and add a bag check when it returns to SteelStacks for a 34th year, Nov. 13 through Dec. 20, ArtsQuest announced Monday.
The expansion follows what ArtsQuest called a record-breaking year: 145,552 visitors in 2025, nearly 14% more than the year before. That works out to about 128,000 in 2024. The igloos, introduced last year, sold out on most weekends, ArtsQuest said, and 192 families and groups used them.
The market runs six weekends, ArtsQuest’s event page shows:
- Dates: Nov. 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29, then Dec. 3-6, 10-13 and 17-20.
- Hours (per the release): 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
- Admission: $14 Thursdays and Fridays and $16.50 Saturdays and Sundays, fees included, according to ArtsQuest’s ticket page. Children 5 and under are free.
- Free Fridays: admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m.
Each igloo rental includes two hours for up to six people, plus seating, a fireplace, admission for two, and a gallon of hot chocolate. Food and drink packages are offered. Base prices run from $110 to $150 depending on the day and time, Tehani Boyer, ArtsQuest communications manager, said in an email.
Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest chief operating officer, said in the release that the nonprofit is building on last year’s Winter Wonderland response: “This year, we’re building on that success by expanding some of our most popular attractions and introducing new conveniences to make the experience even more enjoyable.”
More than 200 artisans, crafters and retailers from 18 states and Scotland will sell gifts, along with seven food vendors.
Last year’s season added a sixth weekend and Winter Wonderland, which replaced the ice-skating rink. ArtsQuest said that when it announced the change, crowds had often filled the grounds shoulder-to-shoulder, and the added space brought a second entrance and room for more vendors.
The creators behind @thehungiecouple filmed an igloo rental and a hot glass session last season, in a visit their post labels as hosted by ArtsQuest:
New this year
- Bag check: For a nominal fee, shoppers can leave bags at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks.
- Pop-up artist market: ArtsQuest said last year’s market had 15 emerging regional artists. This year it adds the ArtsQuest Creative Factory on Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and runs at Winter Wonderland on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Winter Wonderland access comes with Christkindlmarkt admission.
- Beer tasting: A holiday tasting sponsored by Banko is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 21 at Volks Haus.
Events, with dates
- First Impressions speed dating: 6 p.m. Nov. 13, ages 21 and older, at Volks Haus.
- Breakfast with Bluey and Bingo: 9 a.m. Nov. 22 at Musikfest Café.
- Breakfast with St. Nick: 9 a.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at Volks Haus.
- An Old Fashioned Christmas cocktail tasting: 2:30 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 13, ages 21 and older.
- Sip ‘n’ Shop: Dec. 19, ages 21 and older. Check-in is at 4 p.m. and sampling starts at 5 p.m.
Holiday parties can be booked at Volks Haus (up to 125 guests), Canvas on the Creative Factory’s fifth floor (200) or the ArtsQuest Center (500). Contact Patrick Brogan at pbrogan@artsquest.org.