Lehigh Valley InSite

An older couple is bundled up with their scarves double wrapped around their necks. It’s chilly and brisk as they look at the fanciful knitted animal hats at Girlfriend’s Boutique’s hut. They try them on and laugh for a second before moseying down past more huts, each time stopping to see what’s inside, to say hello, to enjoy their day.

The couple, like many others on this early December morning, are probably Christmas shopping. However, they are doing so at local vendors, at their own pace, and in one of the most beautiful locales possible.

The Christmas City Village in downtown Bethlehem isn’t your ordinary Christmas shopping destination, nor is it your ordinary “craft fair” type event, either. More than 30 huts dot the area adjacent to The Sun Inn and behind it, in The Sun Inn Courtyard. Made in the image of a German Weihnachtsmarkt, the quaint, strolling feel to the event is in direct contrast to the hustle and bustle in some other more “commercialized” stores during the holiday season.

There is no rush. You’re encouraged to stop and smell the Scentsy.

There will be a collection of different unique vendors each weekend. Each weekend will bring in a different variety, so be sure to visit the Village to see what is being offered each weekend.

From wood carvings to soap, from wreaths to pottery, from decorations to linens, each hut has it’s own personality. The Christmas City Village is nearly everything that is “right” about shopping during the holidays during a time where people are becoming more and more estranged from big box stores.

So, stop down this holiday season and enjoy the local wares, demonstrations and hot mulled wine.

We forgot to mention the hot mulled wine. (See a full list of vendors below the gallery)

2012 Christmas City Village Vendors

Brian Bruno – Baked Goods

Beth Rice – Doll Clothes and Table Runners

Artists at Heart – Pottery, Woodworking and Jewelry

Norbert Varga – PhilaDing – All Natural Gluten Free and Vegan Cookies and Brownies and Traditional Scottish Scones
Pure Nut and Seed Oils and Dried Wild Mushrooms

Ronetta Krause – Jewelry

Dakota Prairie Designs – Home Décor

A Natural Alternative – Handmade Soaps

Girlfriends Boutique -Knitted Animal Hats and Mittens

Cathy Woolway – Jewelry, Mittens and Hats

Judy April – Star Lanterns

Irene Fallheier – German Imports

Yolkstar Designs – Russian Imports

Babanona – Traditional Pastries

Diane McAllister – Pottery and Herb Wraps

Barbara Saslo – Assorted Christmas Gifts

Nica Art – Pottery and Wooden Bowls

Wendy Overdorf – Decorative Gourds

Whisker Biscuits, Inc. – Dog Treats

Bake Door Bake Shop – Bratwurst, Gluhwein and Desserts

Jackie Coleman – Iron Bottle Toppers

Susan Grant – Wearable Art from Vintage Textiles

Mary Mulder – Simple Soup Mixes

Linda Gardner – Glass Home Accessories

Gloria Glendhill – Summer Sox

Jack Seigfried – Polymer Clay Figurines

Tammy and Asaf Rubino – Jewelry

Sentsy – Wickless Candles

Lisa and Louis Strauss – Leather Goods

Mary Campagna – Photo Greeting Cards

East End Foodies – Gourmet Food

Igor Kuligan – Folk Art

Brent Tracey – Organic Maple Products