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Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Center City becomes holiday central each year when the Christmas Village in Philadelphia sets up shop.
This annual tradition transforms Philadelphia’s iconic LOVE Park, as well as the courtyard and north apron of City Hall, into an authentic European holiday market, 120 rustic wooden cottages trimmed in festive lights and housing vendors of every variety.
Throughout the market, guests peruse gift-able goods from around the world while enjoying events and live entertainment (with cups of hot cocoa or warm mulled wine in hand).
Inside the Visitors Center at LOVE Park, a gorgeous collection of holiday trees inspires wonder, and Santa Claus makes regular stops.
Located just across the street, the City Hall extension of Christmas Village features more vendors and a double-decker carousel in the building’s courtyard. And on the north apron of City Hall, families can find the return of the ever-popular Ferris wheel, Kids Train, and other all-ages activities.
The 2024 Christmas Village in Philadelphia takes place from November 28 through December 24, 2024, with a preview weekend on November 23 and 24, 2024.
Inspired by Europe’s centuries-old tradition of open-air Christmas markets and brought to life by a team from Germany, Christmas Village in Philadelphia is a beloved, annual outing for families, couples and holiday gifters alike.
Returning for its 17th season, the market offers seasonal gifts, pay-as-you-go food (brats and strudel, anyone?), a German beer garden with exclusive local craft beer, live entertainment and a full schedule of events, including visits from Kris Kringle himself.
— Photo courtesy Christmas Village
In the courtyard at City Hall: a double-decker carousel and more vendors.
Even more: Both the 65-foot-tall (!) illuminated Ferris wheel and Kids Train join the market’s attention-grabbing holiday tree again on the North Broad end of City Hall to the delight of families.
— Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
The littlest market-goers can also look forward to other fun surprises like face painting, balloon animals and special appearances by the attraction’s official mascot, Phil the Reindeer.
Back on the LOVE Park side of the market, the Festival of Trees (December 5 to 24, 2024) overlooks the market happenings from inside the Visitors Center at LOVE Park, affectionately known as the “flying saucer.” Duck inside to warm up a bit, admiring the holiday trees trimmed by expert decorators, and snap your annual pic with St. Nick.
Over 120 vendors offer their signature wares and holiday merch throughout the 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 40 more jewelers, designers, artisans and more, all peddling holiday-inspired goods (November 15, 2024 through January 1, 2025).
In addition to these returning favorites, the beloved Center City tradition sees a few new additions for 2024, including:
Even more information, including vendor lists and food menus, is yet to come, so be sure to keep an eye on the official website.
Entry to Christmas Village is completely 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. The PhilLY PHLASH even has a designated stop at the market.
Those looking to drive can find also several public garages and surface lots located near Christmas Village offering paid parking.
For more about Christmas Village in Philadelphia, click the button below.
It’s a holly jolly holiday in the Greater Philadelphia region all season long, so don’t let the magic end at the Christmas Village.
Miracle on South 13th Street — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
For a complete guide to all the must-see holiday attractions in Philadelphia and the Countryside, click the button below.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.