One of the country’s top open-air authentic Christmas markets
VISITPHILLY.COM
ALL PHOTOS: J. FUSCO
Overview
Every year, Philadelphia transforms into a European wonderland during the annual Christmas Village, held at iconic LOVE Park, as well as in the courtyard and on the north apron of City Hall.
The authentic open-air holiday market sells all sorts of gift-able items from more than 120 vendors set up in dozens of rustic wooden cottages, all offering a wide range of international holiday gifts. Live music and events add to the festive atmosphere.
Located just across the street, the City Hall extension of Christmas Village features a German food court and a double-decker carousel in the building’s courtyard. And on the north apron of City Hall, guests can find the return of the ever-popular Ferris wheel and Kids Train, along with plenty of new holiday surprises.
This year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia takes place from November 23 to December 24, 2023, with a preview weekend set to take place on November 18 and 19, 2023.
The experience
Modeled after traditional European open-air Christmas markets and organized by a team from Germany, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has become an iconic Philadelphia holiday tradition.
Returning for its 16th season, the market offers seasonal gifts, pay-as-you-go food (brats and strudel, anyone?), German beer gardens with exclusive local craft beer, live entertainment and a full schedule of daily events, including visits from Kris Kringle himself.
In the courtyard at City Hall: a double-decker carousel shares the space with a German-style food court. Visitors can enjoy gooey raclette and Belgian fries, and ward off the winter chill with spiced mulled wine and other beverages in the beer garden.
Even more: Both the 65-foot-tall (!) illuminated Ferris wheel and Kids Train are back on the North Broad end of City Hall, with more surprises to be announced throughout the season.
Over 120 vendors offer holiday merch throughout Christmas Village, including ornaments, jewelry, handmade toys, high-quality arts and crafts, wintry apparel, and edible and drinkable treats. Vendors range from local crafters to world-famous ornament makers like Käthe Wohlfahrt.
Can’t get enough shopping? The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market — 100 feet away at Dilworth Park — features more than 40 additional jewelers, designers, artisans and more, all peddling holiday-inspired goods (November 10, 2023 through January 1, 2024).
New for 2023
Christmas Village is better than ever with a handful of new surprises this holiday season.
2023 highlights include:
• newly illuminated vendor huts with mesmerizing European-style market lights
• nighttime market hours (noon to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays)
• Vegan Wurst Wednesdays, a weekly ticketed culinary experience debuting new vegan bratwurst and other vegan offerings, and
• a new space at the North Broad section of City Hall, featuring a brand-new beer garden, cozy open-air seating and more.
Stay tuned for more new additions to be announced in mid-November. For upcoming info on vendor lists, food menus and more, keep an eye on the official website.
Admission and getting there
Entry to Christmas Village is free. Food, drink and shopping are pay as you go.
Conveniently located in the heart of Center City (and near plenty of top Philly holiday attractions), Christmas Village is one of the easiest attractions to get to via public transportation.
SEPTA has a number of public transit routes that’ll leave you right next to LOVE Park and City Hall. Options include the Jefferson Station stop on the Regional Rail, the 15th Street Station stop on the Market-Frankfrod Line, the City Hall Station stop on the Broad Street Line, and countless trolley and bus routes.
Those looking to drive can find also several public garages and surface lots located near Christmas Village offering paid parking.
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