BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest is replacing the Christkindlmarkt ice-skating rink with a new Winter Wonderland expansion, a large addition to the holiday marketplace.

The 33rd annual Christkindlmarkt will open Nov. 14 with more space, new attractions and a sixth weekend of festivities. The Bethlehem holiday market is making its largest expansion yet by transforming the former ice rink area into an immersive holiday village.

“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.”

Story continues · 1 min left
Read the rest of this story — freeWelcome back.That email didn’t go through.
Reader emails keep local news free, with no paywall. You’ll get our newsletter with the Valley’s top stories Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and that’s all we use it for. Do it once and every story stays open.You left the newsletter, so stories past here need your email again. Rejoin and every story opens.We couldn’t deliver to the address you gave. Use another one and every story opens.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy

Winter Wonderland, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, will feature Bavarian-inspired décor, expanded holiday photo opportunities and “improved guest flow” with an additional entrance and exit. It will also serve as the new home for Santa, offer family craft areas sponsored by Crayola, expanded glassblowing demonstrations, outdoor igloo rentals and more space for artisan vendors and food huts.

A new permanent stage will host more than 75 holiday performances, while a large hospitality tent will provide heated seating, dining space and private rental opportunities for parties and corporate events. New themed events, such as cookie decorating and martini nights, speed dating and DIY ornament making, will also be added to the schedule.

This year’s Christkindlmarkt will run Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 14 to Dec. 21, with free Friday admission from 5 to 8 p.m. More than 170 artisans from across the U.S. and Scotland will showcase handcrafted gifts, alongside seasonal food vendors and popular experiences like Old Fashioned Christmas tastings and Sip-n-Shop.

With the addition of Winter Wonderland, ArtsQuest leadership said the 2025 market will be its most immersive holiday experience yet, continuing Bethlehem’s legacy as the Christmas City.