The City of Brotherly Love certainly lights up during the holiday season, and at the center of all of the seasonal joy is the ever-popular Christmas Village. Year after year, the German-style outdoor market has served as a focal point for Philadelphians and visitors alike with a plethora of colorful vendors and attractions, and 2022 is no different.
Christmas Village still includes plenty of old favorites: a delicious variety of vendors (including the return of the Raclette cheese sandwiches and traditional German food like Käsespätzle), an assortment of shopping opportunities, and a variety of special activations that will happen weekly starting this weekend, until the end of the event’s run later this season on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
“Christmas Village in Philadelphia is getting ready for a season full of festivities,” said Christmas Village President Thomas Bauer in a statement. “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 Village with our visitors.”
Between Christmas Village, and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market across the street (which the Village organizers curated), shoppers this season in Philadelphia will have over 150 options to sift through one-of-a-kind ornaments, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, home goods, artwork, sweets, and more being offered throughout the venue.
The special preview weekend for the seasonal installation kicked off on Nov. 19 and 20, and already, some Philadelphians have taken in over 110 local and international merchants and artists who offer high-quality, lovingly handcrafted gifts. All of the creatives have set up shop in colorful tents and wooden cottages around Philadelphia’s famous LOVE Park, City Hall’s courtyard, and the North Broad section.
There’s also the return of some Christmas Village vendors serving up fan favorites, and while walking around, Philadelphians can indulge in German Bratwurst or Schnitzel served on a roll (Brötchen), Belgian fries, the Swiss raclette cheese (which is said to be gooier than ever this year), baked puff pasties, different varieties of strudel and much, much more.
Visitors can also wash it all down with German Glühwein (spiced mulled wine served hot) or spiked options like boozy hot chocolate with liquor from local Boardroom Spirits—plus other non-alcoholic options.
This year also marks the return of the Wish Wall, a festive light installation inside the open-air outdoor seating and beer garden, as well as themed weekdays and weekends, a release states. There will also be weekday tasting tours presented by Chaddsford Winery and Boardroom Spirits and live music during weekday evenings and most of the day on the weekend while at Christmas Village.
“The holidays come alive in Philly when Christmas Village arrives at LOVE Park,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell in a statement.
She continues: “Christmas Village has become a must-do family tradition that brings together multiple generations. Each and every year, Christmas Village fills LOVE Park with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, fun attractions and high-quality gift items. 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, bringing their local handmade arts and crafts to the largest audience in the region during the holidays.”
There’s also Family Day on Dec. 10, where pictures can be taken with children’s favorite princesses, superheroes and Christmas Village’s very own mascot Phil the Reindeer along with other surprises throughout the day. And of course, the carousel and ferris wheel will be in full swing, as will a new train perfect for families.
Christmas Village will officially open for the season on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. Anyone interested can follow @philachristmas on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit philachristmas.com for more information about the new holiday season.
