It's a craft lovers dream at Christkindlmarktin Bethlehem,where you can find more than 50 vendors selling handmade wood carvings, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, clothing, home décor, paintings andmuch more.
But if we're being honest, thereal giftat theGerman-inspiredChristmas market is the food.
From sweet to spicy, here aresome treatsto try if you headto theChristmas Cityhotspot located in thequaint city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,andknown for spreading joy and cheer.
A taste of Germany
What would Christkindlmarkt be without some imbiss?
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"Haused" near the main stage isFood Stuff, a vendor offering delicious German eats.
The bierock ($7) is a traditional meat turnover filled with ground meat, chopped onionsand cabbage stuffed in a bread roll. Call it theperfect snack if you're in a rush or curbing your appetite for themain course.
My friends and Ialso tried the rindergulasch ($12),a beefy goulashofshredded meat, egg noodles, peas and carrots (you also can add applesauce).It's the rightcomfort foodto eat on a day of stress-free shopping.
Perhaps the most delicious (and economical to boot) was the Polish haluski ($5), a hearty plate of fried cabbage and noodles, lightly seasoned with butter.
Located in Tent Three.
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Pumped-up pickles
If you're in a pickle trying to decidewhat to get that special someone this holiday season, head on over to Green Kamikozees, a popular vendor selling jarred pickles in unique flavors.
Their spiciest (and most scrumptious!)version, which retails for $10,has become a hiton social media.
"The top three reviewers on TikTok have proclaimed ourghost pepper pickle as their favorite," saysownerJeremiah Kozlowski.
The pickles and other colorfulveggies are kept in refrigerators on the premises, which keepthem cold and crunchy(and it's recommended that you do the same at home). Trust us, you maybe tempted to munch on one right there.
Each jar is made in Kozlowski'sKutztown home.
"There's a lot that goes into it. It's a process. We have to sterilize the jars, wash the produce ... cut it. Everything's by hand. Even the label's (designed) put on by hand," he says.
Becominga social media sensation came as a surprise for Kozlowski and his family, who just celebrated their 10th year in the pickle biz. "We didn't have a shipping department until [the TikTok attention]and now our shipping has surpassedall of our other retailers, and the festivals we [sell]at as well."
Other jarsto try: Fiery Fungi (hot pickled mushrooms), ranch pickles, maple-bourbon pickles, Mean Green Olives (hot Spanish olives), Kowboy Kandy (candied jalapeños), andthe Original Green Kamikozees(pickled hot green tomatoes).
Located in Tent 2.
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Oh, fudge!
Satisfyyour sweet tooth witha block of Death by Chocolate Fudge by Island Expressions($4 for a quarter pound).
It's topped with white chocolate chips and simply divine if fudge and chocolate areyour thing.
Other flavors to try out: thevanilla nut and peanut butter.
The vendor also offers coffee, tea, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and frozen cheesecake on a stick.
Located in Tent 3.
Going nuts
If holiday shopping has you feeling a little nutty, head over to Heidi's Strudel for bag ofroasted almonds, pecans orcashews ($5to $16).
A longtime staple vendorat Christkindlmart, Heidi's also sells cherry, cheese and apple strudels that melt in your mouth and pair well with a warm beverage.
Fries with an edge
It was well worth the 20-minute wait.
Arguably one of the most popular vendors at Christkindlmarkt (judging from the long line), the Flying V sells eight different types of poutine.
We ordered the Montreal (poutine is from Canada, after all), which cost $15 and featured fresh-cut fries, cheese curds, gravy, house-cured smoked brisket, Dijon mustard and pickles.
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Seriously, if you crave deliciousness-in-a-boxgo here.
Flying V also sells classic, Buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch, veggie, holiday (with roasted turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce), and vegan poutine, along with regular and Parmesan truffle fries.
Located outside near the entrance to Tent 4.
The savory slice
Thin crust and yummy toppings, a slice from Bethlehem-based Pat's Pizza and Bistro is the way to go.
Our version ($5) was topped with soppressata (Italian salami),pepperoni, mozzarella, pesto, ricotta, chili flakes and Pat's secret sauce.
All pizzas cooked up in portable pizza ovens that accentuate the flavors and crispthe dough just right.
Located in Tent Three.
Cocoa to-go
While they may be known for their delectable cookies and cakes, Le Petit Macaron Shoppe'shot chocolate bombs are just as delish.
The bombs contain a Brazilian cake mold and are createdwith love by mom and daughter duo, Myra and Ariana Morales(eachcocoa bomb comes in a pretty plastic box complete with a bow and colorful shredded confetti).
Really, unwrapping the sweet treat is just as magicalas watching it explode in your mug of choice.
They cost $6 and comein different flavors such asclassic hot cocoa, strawberry milkshake and white chocolate-peppermint.
Located in Tent 2.
If you go
Christkindlmarkt takes place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at PNC Plaza at Steel Stacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
Tickets cost $12 on Saturday, $10 on Sunday. Children under 5 years old are free,bit.ly/3dNk8Sk
