Christmas in Bethlehem
If you're looking for something to do this weekend in the NYC metropolitan area, check out the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA. It's about 1.25 to 1.5 hour drive with lots of unique gifts for everyone. They have a giant food hall with everything you can ask for, including German favorites. I personally love the Holiday Poutine from Flying V Poutinerie (@theflyingvfoodtruck). The turkey was moist and the homemade gravy with the tart contrast of the cranberry sauce was excellent. Also check out UnCommon Grounds Mobile Café (@cafeuncommon) for your caffeine needs. Most merchants take plastic, which is great. There are fire pit tables to relax at and a separate ice skating rink for kids of all ages. Tickets to get into the market are $14 (with fees included) per person and can be purchased on the Christmas City website (https://buff.ly/2RhEQwV). There's also the Steel Stacks (@steelstacks_pa) with a walkway to see the former steel mill as well as the Wind Creek casino next door if you feel like taking on a slot machine or two.
After (or before) the Christkindlmarkt, check out historic downtown Bethlehem, PA, great for a romantic or family outing. There are carriage rides, outdoor Christmas shopping, restaurants, a brewery, distillery, an Irish import shop as well as a spy shop. One of the unique shopping experiences is the Foo Foo Shoppe (@thefoofooshoppe), which has tons of rubber duckies to suit all of your bathing needs. If you have a sugar craving, check out the Willy Wonka themed Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop (@grandpajoes), which has an impressive candy selection. The Historic Hotel Bethlehem (@hotelbethlehem) is nearby (a two night minimum stay, FYI) as well as other hotels are available nearby if you want to make a weekend out of it. It can be a little pricey since it's peak holiday season, but there are more affordable options nearby. It's also a doable day trip, which is what we did. For good affordable food, check out the McCarthy's Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar (@grandpajoes). It's a small place and on the weekends it can get pretty packed. I recommend getting there 1-2 hours sooner than you want to eat so you can put your name down on the wait list. There's plenty of parking nearby, including a large parking deck (which was also affordable and greatly appreciated). This town will definitely cure any Bah-Humbugs you might have and get you into the Christmas holiday spirit
All photographs shown are original photographs. Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved.