Explore Christkindlmarkts

The Pennsylvania Dutch brought more than delicious food when they crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of a better life. Today, we can enjoy a holiday tradition deeply rooted in Europe: the Christkindlmarkt. Originating in Germany, the Christkindlmarkt was a way to celebrate the season and birth of Christ with food, drink, and artisanal products sold from open-air stalls, as well as singing, dancing, and an appearance by the angelic Christkind. All across Pennsylvania, Christkindlmarkts bring out the best in our holiday spirit; shop for one-of-a-kind ornaments and nutcrackers, enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, or watch in wonder as a block of ice transforms into a dazzling sculpture.

Bethlehem’s Christmas City - Take Travel + Leisure’s word for it--twice. This Christmas market is one of the best holiday markets in the United States. Have a family full of those “hard-to-buy-for” types? With more than 150 artisan vendors from all over the country, you’ll be sure to find that perfect gift. Other activities include spirits and wine tasting, ice sculpting, and hot glass ornament-making. You can also take a ride for free in the Christmas City Trolley and don’t forget to take advantage of the USPS “Big Blue Box” where you can flat-rate ship your purchases right from Christkindlmarkt!  You can find the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt in four tents that are set up at the SteelStacks center in Bethlehem until December 23rd.

ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
101 Founders Way
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300

Mifflinburg’s Christkindl Market - The 30th Annual Mifflinburg Christkindlmarkt is open for just three days from December 13-15, 2018. Stay entertained with performances on pipe organ, brass, woodwinds, and piano, as well as ensemble concerts, international dancers, and more! Keep an eye out for the wandering musical Christmas tree and other characters. The Mifflinburg Christkindlmarkt also features a live Nativity scene that can be found just past the main entrance on the Lutheran Church ground. Bring your appetite, too; strudels, German roasted nuts, candy apples, bratwurst, pork schnitzel, and Hungarian goulash are all delicious, authentic foods that will be available. Find Gluhwein, a German Christmas essential, for sale at the Christkindl Pub and grab a commemorative mug.

401 Market Street
Mifflinburg, PA 17844
888.666.0877

Philadelphia’s Christmas Village - Located in the heart of Center City at LOVE Park from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village features over 80 vendors selling authentic European food, handmade ornaments, and arts and crafts that make perfect gifts for friends and family. A full schedule of live performances, wine and beer tastings, bratwurst eating contests, and more make this market a must for a holiday shopping experience in downtown Philadelphia’s famous LOVE Park.

1500 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102