Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, this outdoor event features over 120 vendors offering handmade gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and crafts amid thousands of holiday lights. Visitors can enjoy European treats like bratwurst, gingerbread, waffles, and hot mulled wine served in collectible mugs. Family attractions include a double-decker carousel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel, a kids train, and appearances by Santa and Phil the Reindeer.
What to Expect
Authentic German-style open-air holiday market with over 120 vendors.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Center City
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Food & Drink
European options include bratwurst, waffles, gingerbread, mulled wine, and other sweet and hot drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and bustling
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: No Admission.
- Hours: Sun - Thu: 12 PM - 8 PM; Fri - Sat: 12 PM - 9 PM; Thanksgiving: 9 AM - 5 PM; Christmas Eve: 12 PM - 5 PM.
- Parking: The page points visitors to SpotHero parking options and an exclusive discount at the LOVE Park Garage, and says more parking details are available through the About link.
- Accessibility: Overhead trusses create smooth pathways for mobility devices, and staffed portable ramps for kiosk entry are available upon request.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed in the outdoor area except in the Käthe Wohlfahrt vending area; weekends can be crowded.
Tips & Advice
- Take SEPTA if you can, since children under 12 and seniors 65 and older ride free, and the B, L and T stop at 15th St/City Hall.
- Bring some cash, because not every vendor takes cards and there are no ATMs inside the market.
- Reserve parking ahead through SpotHero, or register on the iParkit app for the attendee discount at the LOVE Park Garage under the market.
- Leave your dog at home on weekend days, because the market gets very crowded and that can be uncomfortable for dogs.
- Follow @philachristmas on social media on stormy days, because the market closes early in heavy rain or snow and posts closures there.
Special Events & Promotions
- Preview Weekend, November 21–22, opens the market before the main season starts on Thanksgiving.
- Spirits Tastings with Boardroom Spirits need separate tickets.
- Wine Tastings and Holiday Greenery Workshops are on the event calendar.
- The Festival of Trees benefits CHOP, and Santa photos are taken there.
- New this year: overhead trusses replace ground cable ramps, and staffed portable ramps are available at kiosks.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in the whole outdoor area except the Käthe Wohlfahrt vending area. Weekends get very crowded, and that can be hard on dogs.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, it's a family-friendly market. Strollers aren't allowed inside the Käthe Wohlfahrt tent, so leave yours outside before you go in.
Do vendors take credit cards?
Most do, but not all. There are no ATMs at the market, although plenty of banks nearby have them.
How do the Glühwein mugs work?
Glühwein is served only in the Christmas Village mugs, which get a new design every year. They're optional for non-alcoholic drinks. There's no mug return, so the mug is yours to keep.
Where can we find Santa?
Santa is at the Festival of Trees, where you can take photos and share wish lists. Phil the Reindeer, the mascot, also poses for pictures.
More Christmas Events Near Philadelphia
More Christmas Events near Philadelphia
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.