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, 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. Dozens of artisan vendors at one of the top-rated Christmas markets in the country.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show — Pennsylvania Convention Center, November. Approximately 195 artists. 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. Not a holiday event: this street show of about 550 crafters is held the second Saturday in August.
• PA Guild of Craftsmen Fall Fine Craft Fair — Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, fall (October 24–25 in 2026). A fine craft fair produced by the PA Guild of Craftsmen, founded in 1944.

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 vendors, holiday treats, and German ornaments from Käthe Wohlfahrt. 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 seasonal 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 makes Lancaster County a holiday shopping destination; the Lititz Craft Show runs in August

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 dozens of artisan vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, 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. The 2026 show runs November 6–8 and features 195 juried artists.

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. Various smaller markets operate throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country in November and December.