Holiday Markets in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has one of the deepest holiday market traditions on the East Coast, anchored by the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem — consistently ranked among the top Christmas markets in the United States. The state's craft heritage stretches back centuries through Pennsylvania Dutch quilting, Amish furniture making, and Moravian decorative arts, all of which feed directly into a holiday market season that runs from late October through December.
Philadelphia's contemporary craft scene produces the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show, now in its 50th year, while Pittsburgh's Handmade Arcade has become the region's flagship indie holiday craft fair. Lancaster County's Amish artisan community adds a dimension found nowhere else in the country — handmade quilts, furniture, baskets, and baked goods sold at markets throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Top Holiday Market Events in Pennsylvania
- Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem — SteelStacks campus, Bethlehem, November through December. Over 150 artisans at one of the top-rated Christmas markets in the country, rooted in Bethlehem's Moravian heritage.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show — Pennsylvania Convention Center, November. Approximately 195 artists in its 50th year, with an estimated 10,000+ attendees. One of the premier juried craft shows in the nation.
- Handmade Arcade — David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, December. Pittsburgh's flagship indie holiday craft fair with handmade goods from regional makers.
- Lititz Craft Show — Lancaster County. One of the largest craft shows on the East Coast with 700+ crafters in a town known for its Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
- PA Guild of Craftsmen Fall Fine Craft Fair — Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, October. A juried fine craft show produced by one of the largest craft organizations in the nation, established in 1946.
What to Expect
Pennsylvania holiday markets span the full range from nationally juried fine craft shows to community church bazaars with hundreds of handmade vendors. The Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem recreates a European-style Christmas market with artisan glass, pottery, textiles, and ornaments in heated outdoor pavilions. Philadelphia events skew toward contemporary fine craft — ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, and glass. Pittsburgh's scene leans indie and maker-focused.
Lancaster County holiday markets feature Amish and Mennonite craftspeople selling quilts, hand-built furniture, baskets, and specialty foods. The Lehigh Valley corridor (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton) produces a strong concentration of holiday events. Central PA markets in State College and Harrisburg serve university and government communities. Most indoor shows charge admission between $5 and $15, while Christmas market admission varies by event.
Popular Cities for Holiday Markets in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia — Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show and Rittenhouse Square holiday artisan events
- Pittsburgh — Handmade Arcade and the growing indie maker market scene in the city's creative neighborhoods
- Bethlehem — Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks, one of the top Christmas markets in the United States
- Lancaster — Amish craft heritage and the Lititz Craft Show make Lancaster County a holiday shopping destination
For a full overview of craft events across the state, visit our Pennsylvania craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem?
The Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is a European-style Christmas market held at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, PA, from November through December. It features over 150 artisans selling handmade crafts, ornaments, pottery, glass, and traditional holiday goods. It is consistently ranked among the top Christmas markets in the United States.
When is the Philadelphia Craft Show?
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show is held in November at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In 2026 it celebrates its 50th year, featuring approximately 195 juried artists and drawing an estimated 10,000+ attendees from across the region.
Are there Amish craft markets during the holidays in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Lancaster County's Amish and Mennonite communities produce handmade quilts, furniture, baskets, and baked goods that are sold at markets throughout the holiday season. The Lititz Craft Show with 700+ crafters is one of the largest on the East Coast. Various smaller markets operate throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country in November and December.