christkindlmarkt

When we first moved to Bethlehem 7 years ago, Christkindlmarkt was high on our list of 'to-do' activities as we learned the customs, features and opportunities of our new environment.Originally, the Markt was located in two huge tents just off lower main street (where several annual festivals are also held). The ambiance was good. We purchased 'season' tickets for several years and also brought friends and family members who visited us during the season.When the venue moved over to Steelstacks location, we decided to go again, but that will probably be our last visit. It's not so much that the venue changed nor that the content of the markt changed. I guess the tents had their own particular charm, and the vicinity of downtown Bethlehem was helpful.Isn't it interesting that the downtown began its own craft show at several places in the area.Very interesting...and a site we'll check out again...and again.Perhaps it's just that we've seen Christkindlmarkt. And seen it enough that there's no need for us to see it again.

This authentic Christmas Market is held every Christmas season in Chicago in the Daly Plaza. Easy to get to by bus or the EL. Having been to ones in Germany - this is smaller, but just as fun. Whether it's the food or the ornaments, you won't be disappointed.

We were really looking forward to the Christkindlmarkt, hoping it was like the Christmas markets in Europe. But, sadly, it was just a craft market with extra Christmas ornaments. There was one stall that was from Germany -- astronomically outpriced. We paid a lot to get in and ended up buying a glass of gluhwein (which was very good) and some cheese. I'm glad we went because the town of Bethlehem was really nice, but will not be returning to the Market.

This was our first year to Christkindlmarkt. We loved it. Coming from a German origin it was so awesome finding treasures from all over. Luckily we had some free passes to get in as paying $9.00 each to enter to shop is a little excessive. Parking was easy and everyone was friendly. Would I go back, only if I had "free" pass to get in.

This is the second time we've been to the Christkindmarkt. The first time was three years ago. Since they moved to the new location I think there are a few more vendors with a slightly better selection of products. Although I guess that can be hit or miss depending on what vendors are there from week to week and year to year.As other reviewers have mentioned, the $9 admission is ridiculous. There are not that many vendors there to be charging such a high price. We went to the Harrisburg Christmas and Gift Show, they charged $7 and had 750 vendors. Also noticed that they don't have senior citizen admission - what's up with that? Not that I could have used it but everyone offers a discount to the seniors. Parking is free but the walk is a long one to the buildings. They have a large handicap parking lot but we noticed that almost half of the cars had neither handicap plates or a placard in the window. There was a young guy in the handicap lot and just told us to make sure we put the placard in the window. Never even asked to see it. It's a shame that they don't actually check to make sure you DO have handicap parking before allowing you into the lot.The German booth in the back is grossly overpriced. I saw some beautiful sparkly ornaments (snowflakes, stars etc) that caught my eye and moved in to get a closer look. They were the exact same ornaments I saw at Michael's for half the price. They do have a few outside vendors but nothing worth walking out in the cold to see. We spent a little over an hour walking around, bought some baked goods and left. I doubt we'll ever go back since it's not worth the admission price to get in.Bethlehem is a lovely town. I would suggest shopping on Main Street for some truly unique and beautiful gifts.

This is ridiculous! Not only do the vendors pay an arm and a leg, but so do the patrons! It is definitely not worth the price! What are we paying for? The entertainment? NO, they do charge a fee. Just another ArtsQuest money making event.

A $9 admission fee is a little steep to just walk around and browse, but if you are in the market for gifts with anything to do with Christmas and winter, this is the place. With almost 200 vendors, there is something for everyone. If you have the time and the energy, the Sands Casino and outlet stores are close enough to walk to (when not too cold!)

Simply paid an admission charge ($4.00) to view a vast number of vendor stalls. Not worth the time of expense.

I was born and raised in Germany and must say that I was very disappointed. I took my family and had high hopes for this event but my hopes were shattered pretty quickly. The parking was ok and free and that was probably the best part besides one authentic German vendor. The entrance fee is ridiculous as you still have to pay for everything else once you are inside. The vendors were nice but it was not any different from a regular craft fair. Even more disappointing were the food vendors. The only German food they had was Strudel and Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) which were so bad! They looked like they were a few days old. Even worse, they didn't even have Glühwein (mulled wine) which is a must have on true German markets. Overall, if you. Are coming for the artsy vendors it is ok, but don't get too excited.

Spent the day here shopping for unusual handmade items for Christmas. Plenty of things to choose from. Really enjoyed our day. I did think it was a little pricey at $8 fee per person, but still would go again.

I spent several years in Germany courtesy of the United States Army so had the opportunity to attend authentic Christkindlmarkt in multiple areas. The Bethlehem Pa. market was very nice with well made merchandise and a good holiday "feel" They had nearby school groups performing holiday music both vocally and with instruments which added to the enjoyment. We were most pleased with the ability of the people in Bethlehem to convert the huge old Bethlehem Steel buildings into useful, productive space rather than tearing them down or letting them sit abandoned and unappreciated.

the parking is terrible.there were two parking lots close with quite a few spaces open and they put up baracades saying lot is full.haha people were driving right around them and going in to park. other than that only street parking or parking amelessly in business parking lots. after the far walk there we had to pay 9-10 bucks to get in to spend our money.ridiculous.its like a flea market,the only impressive stands there were the xmas ornaments etc from germany and that was just a certain little area. every stand there was triple overpriced.it was a joke.to top it off on your way they hit you up for more money.get real. only in america. in germany you dont pay to get into any event like this or fair etc. chriskindlemarkt is an embarrasment to real germans.

We love this event every year and this year was no exception - for the event itself. What we didn't love, or even like, was that one member of our party has MS and walked in perfectly fine, but after being there for about an hour, experienced an adverse reaction to the scent of soap/perfume/potpourri in the air. We were standing at a booth where you can. Are your own scarves (which is so cool and we do every year) when he legs started to feel weak. She sat down next to the booth in a chair that was half hidden behind a curtain. She was sitting for a moment,trying to regroup when an event volunteer came over and demanded that she get up immediately, that the chair was "saved" for volunteers. She attempted to explain her condition to which the volunteer responded that she still had to get up. At this point I started to get angry and argue with the volunteer, until I saw that she was upset and was attempting to stand but her legs kept giving out. The wonderful owners of the scarf stand then gave us their chair to sit in when I asked them. She then burst into tears. No problem at all. I did go to the information booth to obtain a wheelchair and the. Staff there couldn't have been. Nicer and more helpful. I am giving this event, which I look forward to each year, an average vote for the training of their volunteers. The volunteer in question should be ashamed.

I suggest being there and parked when the doors open. We went this past Sunday, Dec 7th. Parked at 10:45am and in as the doors opened at 11. Check Groupon for discounted tickets (and a much shorter line) and also the local newspaper (The Morning Sun or The Morning Call...something like that). There are TWO Hugh tents filled with vendors. Make sure you go out the back ( there are several outdoor vendors as well a glass blowing and ice carving exhibit). Once outside there is another tent to the right with food and more vendors. There is a fair amount of repetitive products but if you look hard enough you'll come away spending money. By the time we left, two hours later, it was packed!!!

I'd never been able to visit during this time so I eagerly looked forward to going with an old friend. Maybe I"ve attended too many holiday markets, but lots of ornaments, vintage pictures...Crafts were pretty standard. Some bargains but the stands were mobbed. High point was eating great pierogies at the food stand!