“It’s funny being hot and hearing Christmas music, but it’s good. I think it’s fun," said Tricia Myers from Orefield, as she was Christmas shopping on a warm October day.
Christkindlmarkt started early this year, allowing shoppers to safely distance outdoors. Vendor Todd Walk is happy the tradition will go on this year in the Christmas City.
“I hardly ever left my house except to go to Walmart and stuff. So it’s really nice, my wife said I don’t know how much you’re going to sell, but at least it will feel normal," says Walk.
Christkindlmarkt 2020 has all the Christmas spirit, it's just more spread out, and mostly outdoors. Everyone must wear a mask unless in a designated dining area.
ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel says the 28-year tradition would not be possible without all the volunteers, like Rhonda Senior. Senior says she's happy to be part of it.
“The people at ArtsQuest are so creative, their thought process amazes me, and they came up with this concept. And it may not be what we are used to having, but it’s better than nothing. We’re used to having tours and the horse and buggies and things like that so that part of it is still missing, but we are still the Christmas City and this helps us to be a part of the Christmas season."
Christkindlmarkt is now open Thursday- Sunday through November 29th. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets ahead of time online.