Christmas Markets in Pennsylvania: A Festive Guide
Pennsylvania is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the United States. These markets offer a delightful mix of holiday cheer, unique handcrafted gifts, delicious food, and festive entertainment. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best Christmas markets in Pennsylvania.
Starting in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, we will attend this event later this year and will have a video on our YouTube channel that you won’t want to miss.
1) Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Pittsburgh, PA
Santa Claus,live music and scores of vendors await you at the Peopless Gas Holiday Market. Make a donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Cpmmunity food bank for a complimentary Photo with Santa. ( they recommend donating at least $5.00).
As for the artisans, their wares include natural candles, handmande jewelry, Polish dolls, Nepalese handmadewool ponchos, music boxes, Kenyan-made nativity sets and more. When it comes to food, you will find Austrian favorites: strudels, bratwurst, pretzels, hot chocolate and apple cider,
Here is more on what you need to know about the Pittsburgh People’s Gas Christmas Market.
Dates and Location
The 13th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market will be held from November 13 to December 24, 2024, in Market Square, downtown Pittsburgh. This European-inspired market will transform the square into a sparkling winter wonderland.
Market Highlights
The market features charming Alpine-style wooden chalets with unique gifts and treats from local and international vendors. Visitors can browse handcrafted ornaments, artisan jewelry, specialty foods, and more while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Some key attractions include:
- Over 150,000 LED lights illuminating Market Square
- A stunning 35-foot tall illuminated Sphere Tree
- Live entertainment and music performances throughout the season
- Photos with Santa (with donations benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank)
- Seasonal food and drinks like roasted chestnuts and hot beverages
Shopping Experience
The market combines diverse vendors, offering something for everyone on your gift list. Some highlights include:
- Traditional European vendors like Käthe Wohlfahrt and Euro Haus
- Global artisans such as Bali Made and Women of the Cloud Forest
- Local Pittsburgh artists and makers, including Vessel Studio Glass and strawberryluna
- Specialty food vendors like Helmut’s Strudel and Copper Coast Confections
Market Hours
Regular hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Extended hours are offered the final weekend before Christmas. The market is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Why Visit
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market offers a joyful alternative to online shopping, immersing visitors in the season’s spirit. USA Today voted it the #1 Holiday Market in the country, making it a must-visit Pittsburgh attraction.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, enjoying festive treats, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market promises a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Next up on the list is we travel to the other side of the state to the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, PA.
2) Christmas Village in Philadelphia, PA
Gluhwein! Bratwurst! Schnitzel! Strudel! The Christmas Village in Philadelphia has it all. Add in live music, a gigantic 27-foot-tall holiday gif box, a beer garden and some amazing baked cheese and you have a solid sense of what to expect at this Philadelphia tradition.
Grab a doner kebob to eat as you explore the vendors, or a Swiss raclette ( baked cheese sandwich). Other food vendors are offering bacon jame, roasted nuts, crepes, spaetzle (think mac 7 chesses with a German twist) and stollen.
Stop by the Alm Beer Garden to enjoy brews from Brewery Techne in Philly including a special wintery creation.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
The Christmas Village in Philadelphia, presented by Bank of America, is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. Located in LOVE Park and extending to City Hall, this open-air market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and runs from November 28th to December 24th, 2024.
Market Highlights
- Vendors and Shopping: Over 120 vendor booths offer a wide range of high-quality gifts, including international and local crafts, ornaments, and decorations. Notable vendors include the famous German Käthe Wohlfahrt.
- Food and Beverages: Enjoy European culinary delights such as bratwurst, schnitzel, raclette, and mulled wine. New for 2023, the market features vegan food options and a new souvenir mug design.
- Attractions: The market features a double-decker carousel, a majestic Ferris Wheel, and a Kids Train, providing fun for the whole family.
Special Features
- Themed Weekends and Live Music: The market hosts themed weekends and live performances to immerse visitors in the festive spirit.
- Festival of Trees: From November 30th to December 24th, the Festival of Trees at LOVE Park showcases beautifully decorated Christmas trees, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
- Transportation: The market is easily accessible via SEPTA, with several convenient public transportation options available.
3) Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Alongside the Christmas Village, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park features over 40 local artisans and crafters offering unique handmade goods and gifts. This market is open from November 10th, 2023, to January 1st, 2024.
Highlights
- Local Artisans: Discover a variety of arts and crafts, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor, crafted by local vendors from the greater Philadelphia area.
- Culinary Delights: Sample locally-made sweets and foods while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Ice Rink and Wintergarden: Visitors can enjoy the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, adding to the festive experience.
Other Festive Attractions
- A Longwood Christmas: Located in Longwood Gardens, this event features over 500,000 lights and beautifully decorated gardens and runs from November 22, 2024, to January 12, 2025.
- Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular: Held at FDR Park, this event includes a 160-foot ice slide, an ice-skating rink, and numerous light sculptures, making it a highlight for families.
Philadelphia’s Christmas markets offer a magical holiday experience, blending traditional charm with modern attractions. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying festive foods, or taking in the dazzling lights, these markets provide a perfect way to celebrate the season. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing for everyone.
4) Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA
A Magical Holiday Experience in Bethlehem, PANestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt is a beloved holiday tradition that transforms the city into a winter wonderland. This enchanting German-inspired Christmas market has been delighting visitors for over three decades, earning recognition as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. This festive market features ice carving demonstrations, hot glass-blowing workshops where you can create your ornament for $55, live music, and visits from Santa.
Artisans will showcase various goods, from handmade metal flowers and hand-stitched baby booties to bonsai art, angel keepsakes, stained glass Moravian stars, and classic ornaments and nutcrackers.
You can even ship your gifts directly from the market through the United States Postal Service’s “Big Blue Box.”
A Festive Wonderland
Christkindlmarkt 2024 is set to run from November 15 to December 22, offering six weekends of holiday magic. Located at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, this open-air market attracts more than 65,000 people yearly, creating a remarkable holiday shopping experience. The market features:
- Over 100 artisans and vendors
- Live entertainment and performances
- Delicious food and beverages
- Festive decorations and twinkling lights
Shopping Extravaganza
One of the main draws of Christkindlmarkt is the incredible variety of handmade gifts and unique items available. Visitors can browse through booths offering:
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Moravian glass stars
- Fine art photographs of the Christmas City
- Holiday décor and collectibles
A highlight for many shoppers is the presence of Käthe Wohlfahrt, the renowned German ornament manufacturer. Their booth offers over 2,000 exquisite products, including handmade nutcrackers, incense smokers, and glass ornaments.
Festive Food and Drink
No holiday market would be complete without delicious treats. Christkindlmarkt offers a wide array of culinary delights, including:
- Traditional German bratwurst
- Strudel and Christmas cookies
- Hot toddies and seasonal beverages
- A variety of local and international foods
Entertainment and Activities
Beyond shopping and eating, Christkindlmarkt provides a full schedule of entertainment. Visitors can enjoy:
- Live performances by local musicians and artists
- Ice sculpting demonstrations
- Visits with St. Nicholas
- The Crayola Creativity Station for children
New Addition: The Ice Rink at SteelStacks
In 2024, Christkindlmarkt will debut an exciting new feature: The Ice Rink at SteelStacks. This addition will bring the joy of ice skating to Christmas City, offering another layer of winter fun for visitors of all ages.
Planning Your Visit
Christkindlmarkt is open Thursday through Sunday, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission prices vary depending on the day, with children under 5 entering for free. To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing tickets in advance and taking advantage of the free parking available in adjacent lots. As you stroll through the market, surrounded by the charm of Bethlehem’s historic architecture and the glow of holiday lights, you’ll understand why Christkindlmarkt has become such a cherished tradition. It’s not just a market; it’s a magical experience that captures the true spirit of the holiday season in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Christmas City.
5) Mifflinburg, PA Christkindl Market
The Mifflinburg Christkindl Market in Pennsylvania is a cherished holiday tradition that brings the magic and charm of a German Christmas market to the heart of Union County. Celebrated as the oldest authentic outdoor German Christmas market in the United States, this vibrant event offers a unique holiday experience for visitors of all ages.
Dates : December 12th – 14th, 2024
A Rich Tradition
The Mifflinburg Christkindl Market traces its roots back to 1989 when Austrian native Rudi Skucek introduced the idea of hosting a traditional German Christkindlmarkt in Mifflinburg. The community embraced this concept, and over the years, the market has grown into a beloved annual event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The market is held for three days, starting on the second Thursday in December, transforming Market Street into a festive wonderland lined with wooden vendor huts.
Market Highlights
Authentic German Experience
Visitors to the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market can expect an authentic German holiday experience, complete with the following:
- Traditional Crafts and Gifts: Over 100 vendors offer various handcrafted items, including intricate woodwork, stained glass, ornaments, and more. Artisans are often on hand to share the history and craftsmanship behind their creations.
- German Food and Drinks: The market features an array of traditional German foods such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. A highlight for many is the Glühwein, a spiced mulled wine served warm, perfect for keeping the chill at bay.
Entertainment and Activities
The market is not just about shopping and eating; it also offers a range of entertainment and activities:
- Live Performances: Enjoy holiday music and performances on the outdoor stage, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Children’s Activities: Kids can visit the Elf School in Children’s World, meet Mrs. Claus, and enjoy storytelling at the Firliputzli Story House.
- Christmas Pyramid: A 15-foot-tall Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas pyramid, stands as a focal point at the market, featuring nativity scenes and a spinning carousel.
Planning Your Visit
The 2024 Mifflinburg Christkindl Market will take place from December 12 to 14. The market hours are Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed to help support the event. Due to its popularity, parking can be limited, so visitors are encouraged to use the shuttle services available from various locations around town.
A Must-Visit Holiday Event
Mifflinburg’s Christkindl Market offers a truly enchanting holiday experience, blending rich German traditions with local community spirit. Whether you’re looking to find unique gifts, enjoy traditional German cuisine, or soak in the festive atmosphere, the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market is a must-visit event that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Conclusion:
Pennsylvania’s Christmas markets offer a magical experience that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious food, or festive entertainment, these markets provide something for everyone. Plan your visit to one of these enchanting markets and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
