Christmas Village is on its way again with lots of Old World charm and, this year, extra Philly spirit
The city's beloved tradition is returning in November, highlighting Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods (and there's a Ferris wheel).
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Christmas Village is coming back to LOVE Park and City Hall for its 15th season of twinkling lights, yummy gingerbread, and all manner of holiday festivities — both Old World and this year, distinctly Philly.
A popular city holiday destination, Christmas Village and its open-air German Christmas Market will hold a preview weekend Nov. 19-20, then be open for the season from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.
Attractions this year include a double-decker carousel, Ferris wheel, and children’s train. That’s on top of more than 110 local and international vendors, wine and spirits tastings, food offerings, live entertainment, and more.
“Christmas Village in Philadelphia is getting ready for a season full of festivities,” said Christmas Village president Thomas Bauer. “We’re excited to update the LOVE Park section with brand-new wooden booths, creating an even more cheerful feeling. This is the biggest investment in the history of our company, and we’re thrilled to share the new look and feel of Christmas with our visitors.”
The event’s authentic German Christmas Market will include The Alm, an Old World-style beer garden, as well as European culinary favorites like Helmut’s Strudel, spiked hot cider and mulled wine, flamed-grilled bratwurst, gooey Swiss Raclette cheese, and Belgian fries. German dance bands will keep things lively on German American Weekend on Dec. 3-4.
This year’s Christmas Village will be a celebration of the many cultures that make up Philadelphia, according to city Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell.
Financial support by the city departments of Parks and Recreation as well as Commerce will help make it possible for more small businesses and businesses owned by people of color to take part in the holiday market that otherwise might not be able to afford to do so.
“Thanks to the city’s partnership with The Welcoming Center, Esperanza, and the South Street Headhouse District, visitors to Christmas Village will see more local businesses that represent the diversity of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods,” said Lovell, “bringing their local handmade arts and crafts to the largest audience in the region during the holidays.”
As part of the Christmas Market, over 40 local vendors of the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park will be selling artwork, toys, jewelry, clothing, sweets, and more.
On Dec. 10 — Christmas Village’s Family Day , children can get a photograph with the event’s own mascot, Phil the Reindeer, or favorites like superheroes and princesses.
In addition to the Christmas Village and the Holiday Market festivities, Philadelphia’s Holiday District organizers plan to hold the City Hall Christmas Tree lighting ceremony with performances on Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by the second annual Market Street Holiday Parade on Dec. 3 from 5 to 6 p.m.
‘Tis the season.