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Christkindlmarkt Plans Major Expansion for 2016

CKM

By Mark Demko, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Communications

The holiday may seem a long way off, but fans of Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem have a lot to look forward to this year as the event increases in size while adding new attractions such as St. Nicholas’ Bavarian Christmas Village.

Started in 1993 to draw visitors to the Christmas City at Christmastime, Christkindlmarkt has become popular with guests looking for a unique shopping experience and jumping off point for experiencing everything Bethlehem has to offer. Last year, a record 64,600 people visited the market, and this year ArtsQuest is focused on enhancing the experience for its guests, resulting in the first major changes at the event since Christkindlmarkt moved to SteelStacks five years ago.

“We’ve heard repeatedly from our patrons that they really enjoy the unique holiday experience and shopping opportunities that Christkindlmarkt offers,” says ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert. “Our goal in expanding Christkindlmarkt is to not only provide more of what our guests love, but also to draw even more people to Bethlehem during the holiday season, helping to support tourism and economic development in our city. Christmas in the Christmas City is a magical time of year, and we think these changes will be very popular with people.”

For 2016, the major change guests will notice is that the number of tents will double from two to four, resulting in up to 160 vendors at the event, a record number. In addition, Christkindlmarkt will be shining the spotlight on first-time vendors and their work. Each tent will also have its own unique holiday theme, with St. Nicholas getting a new home as he relocates from the artisan tent to the new Bavarian Christmas Village Tent.

“We’ll also be adding a glass-fronted tent in our outdoor courtyard,” says ArtsQuest Director of Facilities and Festivals Steve Ott. “This brand-new location will include several new vendors, a bar and serve as the showcase for our popular glassblowing artists, creating a whole, new experience at the event. We think people will really enjoy sitting at the tables and chairs while enjoying hot cocoa or Glühwein and watching everyone shop for family and friends.”

Dates for Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem are Nov. 18-20 and 25-27 and Dec. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18. For more information, visit www.christmascity.org or LIKE on Facebook.