Growing up outside of Philadelphia, Christmastime meant taking the train downtown to hear the pipe organ and see the light show at Wanamaker’s, and since my dad was from Germany, we would also sometimes go to the private German Club Vereinigung Erzgebirge for their Christkindlmarkt. Sadly, the lights at Wanamaker’s are no more, but you can still get a taste of a European Christmas Market in downtown Philly!
Modeled after a traditional German Christmas Market, Christmas Village in Philadelphia is a local tradition dating back to 2008. The event takes place at Philly's iconic Love Park and at the Courtyard and North Broad Section of City Hall. Together with the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, the Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and the municipal Christmas Tree at North Broad, the festival is the center piece of Philadelphia's busy Holiday district.
The market officially opens with a traditional prologue from the Christkind, direct from Nuremburg, Germany. From there, visitors can shop, ride rides, enjoy the lights, and eat traditional European food to get into the Christmas spirit!
Looking for some unique gifts? This is the place! Local, national, and international vendors have booths selling holiday décor, arts, crafts, toys, games, pottery, glass, jewelry, and clothing, so you are sure to find something for everyone on your list. And don’t forget the food!! Raclette Cheese Sandwiches, Belgium Fries, Spätzle, Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Chocolate, mulled wine, and of course a beer garden! Plus, with a double decker carousel, ice skating, Santa’s House, Phil the Reindeer, and holiday stories for the kids, there truly is something for everyone!
No December visit to Philadelphia is complete without visiting the Christmas Village, so live like a local, make your way to the City of Brotherly love, and get into the holiday spirit!
Event Information
Websites
Christmas Village Dates and Times:
November 18 – December 24
Sunday through Thursday: 12 – 8 pm
Friday and Saturday: 12 – 9 pm
Christmas Eve: 12 -5 pm
Phil the Reindeer:
Dates:
Saturday, November 18, 2pm - 5pm
Sunday, December 3, 12:30pm - 5.30pm
Sunday, December 10, 12:30pm - 5:30pm
Saturday, December 16: 12:30pm-5:30pm
Saturday, December 23, 12:30 pm - 5:30pm
Santa’s House
Dates: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from December 1 to Christmas Eve
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