Set in Bethlehem Pennsylvania —nicknamed ‘Christmas City’—Christkindlmarkt is one of the USA’s most authentic German‑style Christmas markets.
Across six festive weekends, heated tents at SteelStacks fill with acclaimed artisans, hand‑blown glass, wooden toys and gourmet treats, alongside live music and visits from St. Nicholas. It’s an easy day trip from New York or Philadelphia, with paid parking on site and restaurants clustered around the former Bethlehem Steel works. Arrive early at weekends to browse 100+ booths before the lunchtime rush, then stay for evening entertainment with the steel blast furnaces lit dramatically. Families will appreciate the covered set‑up (weather‑proof) and clearly posted hours, while serious shoppers can plan multiple visits across the six weekends.
Additional Information on Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
- Dates: Six long weekends.
- Hours: Thu & Sun 10:00–18:00; Fri & Sat 10:00–20:00.
- Parking: Paid lots at SteelStacks.
- Tips: Come early on Saturdays; consider combo tickets with Trees of Historic Bethlehem.
Six long weekends: Thu & Sun 10:00–18:00; Fri & Sat 10:00–20:00.
Bethlehem the Christmas City
Bethlehem has earned its title as the Christmas City for several reasons. The town was established on Christmas Eve in 1741 by a group of Moravian settlers. As they gathered to sing hymns, one line – “Not Jerusalem, but lowly Bethlehem, ’twas that gave us Christ to save us” – inspired the name of their new settlement.
Nearly two centuries later, in 1937, Bethlehem formally adopted the name “Christmas City, USA.” This was part of a promotional campaign led by the local Chamber of Commerce to highlight the town’s strong connection to the festive season. The initiative even encouraged people across America to send their Christmas cards via Bethlehem, so they could bear the distinctive “Christmas City” postmark.
Today, the spirit of Christmas runs deep within the community. Local businesses, organisations and residents fully embrace the city’s festive identity, transforming Bethlehem each year into a celebration of holiday warmth and tradition.
Bethlehem Pennsylvania
Bethlehem has a UNESCO recognised Moravian Church Settlement (in 2025). Founded on Christmas Eve in 1741, the church is in a building where animals lived – a nod to the Nativity.
Historic Bethlehem Tours
This season Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is putting on some fun holiday tours like the Spirits of Christmas Pub Tour and the Christmas City Stroll.
Main image: Guide with Lantern – by Paul Bartholomew, courtesy of historicbethlehem.org
