DECK THE STEELSTACKS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY!

Yuletide treasure, Christkindlmarkt, returns Nov. 18

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tickets to Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial® are now on sale! The holiday tradition returns for its 30th year for five weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 19. This year to compliment the three-decade long holiday tradition, ArtsQuest will debut The Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, an authentic ice rink constructed on the Levitt lawn from Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan. 1. Tickets for both Christkindlmarkt and Ice Rink may be purchased at Christmascity.org.

“Christmastime in the Christmas City is a magical time of year and we’re delighted to be part of the Bethlehem’s rich holiday heritage,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Through the decades, various vendors, artists, crafters and retailers have become a part of our extended family, offering one-of-a-kind items and a unique festive shopping experience. We’ve been fortunate to have such great community support and excitement surrounding the merriment of Christkindlmarkt and look forward to offering an enhanced experience with the Ice Rink at SteelStacks this holiday season.”

The German-inspired, tented Christkindlmarkt has been named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice annual competition. Come to the market to find out if you are on the Naughty or Nice with a visit to St. Nicholas. Create memories and holiday-themed crafts with the whole family at the Crayola Creativity Station. Grab a seat with the kids and watch as a chunk of ice is sculpted into shape before your very eyes. Warm up with the thrilling experience of creating your very own glass artwork at ArtsQuest Hot Glass Experience or purchase the perfect handcrafted tree ornament from Germany’s premier crafter, Käthe Wohlfahr.

“Univest Financial is excited to again serve as presenting sponsor of Christkindlmarkt,” said Annette D. Szygiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Univest Financial. “As we excitedly return to our favorite traditions, sponsoring this annual event is a great way to bring the community together while also supporting local artisans and small businesses. Univest is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with ArtsQuest to support the arts in the Lehigh Valley.”

The seasonally constructed market is known for its unique holiday shopping experience where the perfect present awaits. Buy the unique gift that mom always wanted from one of the dozens of crafters, artisans and retailers. Enjoy the Season’s Eating with warm strudel, German bratwurst, apple dumplings and piping hot poutine. C

Keep the day filled with holiday spirits with a delicious Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter from Frosty’ s Pour Bar, a glass of local red from Franklin Hill Vineyards, a taste of rustic Apple Jack from Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, a Sasquatch cocktail from Social Still or chilled chardonnay from Vynecrest to inspire your shopping spree!

The market will be open Friday – Sunday the first two weeks (Nov. 18 – 20, 25-27) and then Thursday – Sunday the last three weeks (Dec. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18). Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Ice Rink at SteelStacks opens Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan.1 and will feature fresh ice maintained throughout the day to deliver an outdoor skating experience like no other across the Lehigh Valley. To purchase tickets to The Ice Rink at SteelStacks visit ChristmasCity.org.