ArtsQuest has announced the 34th annual Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial. It returns to SteelStacks in Bethlehem from Nov. 13 through Dec. 20, along with Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

The 2025 season drew a record 145,552 visitors, an increase of nearly 14% over the previous year. This year’s additions include doubled private igloos, a larger artist market, a new bag check service, and a new beer tasting. More than 200 artisans, crafters and retailers from 18 states and Scotland will sell gifts, and seven food vendors will serve seasonal options.

The private heated igloos were a hit last year, with 192 families and groups using them. ArtsQuest is expanding the number available from 4 to 8. Each rental includes two hours for up to six guests, seating, an Amish fireplace, admission for two, a Bethlehem-branded blanket, and a gallon of hot chocolate. Food and beverage packages are available as add-ons.

A bag check service at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks will let guests shop without carrying their belongings, for a nominal fee. The Holiday Pop-Up Artist Market, which featured 15 emerging regional artists last year, now extends into the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL. It runs Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Creative Factory and Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Winter Wonderland. Access at Winter Wonderland is included in Christkindlmarkt admission.

A Holiday Beer Tasting sponsored by Banko is set for Saturday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. at Volks Haus, with details to come. Returning events include Breakfast with St. Nick on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12, and 19 at 9 a.m., and Breakfast with Bluey and Bingo on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m. at the Musikfest Café. Children 12 and under at Breakfast with St. Nick receive a 5-by-7 photo with St. Nick and a gift bag.

An Old Fashioned Christmas presented by Edrington, a 21 and older cocktail tasting, takes place Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Volks Haus. Sip ’n’ Shop, also for ages 21 and older, is Saturday, Dec. 19, with check-in at 4 p.m. and six cocktail samples starting at 5 p.m. First Impressions, a holiday speed-dating event for ages 21 and older, is Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at Volks Haus. Hot Glass Experiences at Glas Haus are open to ages 6 and up, with registration required at artsquest.org.

Visits with St. Nick, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, take place at St. Nickolaus Haus. Hours are Thursdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Live entertainment at the Levitt Performance Area runs from Nov. 13 through Dec. 20, with choirs from 10 local middle and high schools. Galena Brass, Olde Towne Carolers, Yuletide Slides, Fritz of Fritz’s Polka Band, Stacy Gabel, Steve Walker, Joe Lazorik, Ella Bruch, Pennsylvania Youth Theater, Dan Wilkins Duo, Samantha Cummings, The New Rockwells, and the Lehigh Valley Chorus: Sweet Adelines are among the performers.

Christkindlmarkt is open Thursdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. The dates are Nov. 13 to 15, Nov. 20 to 22, Nov. 27 to 29, Dec. 3 to 6, Dec. 10 to 13, and Dec. 17 to 20.

ArtsQuest also offers holiday party space. Volks Haus, presented by Omnivent, holds semi-private events of up to 50 guests or full rentals for up to 125. Canvas, on the fifth floor of the Creative Factory, holds up to 200 guests with views of the SouthSide Arts District and the Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. The ArtsQuest Center holds up to 500.

“Christkindlmarkt has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most anticipated and magical holiday events,” said Curt Mosel, chief operating officer of ArtsQuest. He said the festival’s success helps ArtsQuest bring arts, cultural, and educational programming to the community throughout the year. Guests can also give $1 through the Donate a “$1” Snowflake campaign to support ArtsQuest’s arts and education programs.