Since 2008, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village has been an annual family-friendly activity and tourist attraction hosted in Center City. Located between LOVE Park and Dilworth Park, this attraction is modeled after Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas Market which originated in Nuremberg and dates back to the 16th century. The market typically opens in Philadelphia in the last week of November and is open until Christmas Eve, ensuring it is open for all visitors to enjoy the festivities at their convenience before Christmas. The Village is officially opened similarly to Christkindlmarkt, with the original Christkind from Nuremberg delivering her famous prologue and lighting the Pyramid to officially mark the beginning of the festive season in Philadelphia. Throughout the month, the Village has many events, including food tastings, ugly sweater contests, and Santa meetings, which occur on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every week.
One of the Christmas Village’s most unique weekly events happens every Wednesday while the Village is open—Wedding Wednesday. Wedding Wednesday occurs annually between October and March and gives couples a chance to get married in front of the iconic Philadelphia LOVE statue for a fee of $200 plus the cost of a marriage license. During the Christmas Village season, this unique opportunity gains a new sense of cheer as couples can get married in front of the Philly landmark while it is surrounded by the Christmas Village’s festive decorations and holiday cheer. This collaboration occurred for the first time in 2023 and has been a continued annual partnership since.
The most signature and iconic aspect of the market, however, is the independent Philadelphia vendors. Each year, the many vendors who display their products at the Christmas Village get tons of visibility and business from the hordes of people traveling through Center City, spending money at the Christmas Village. While many visitors are drawn in for the sought-after specialty food and beverages—signature hot chocolates, customizable cannolis, German bratwurst, and pretzels—a myriad of products can also be found at the village. Soaps, Philly sports team merch, jewelry, dish towels, pet clothes, and much more can be found at the Christmas Village.
This annual festive installment provides the perfect opportunity for a cheery family outing, an excellent gift shopping experience, and a fabulous eating adventure. For a taste of Philly’s festive spirit, unique goods, and tasty treats, be sure to visit Center City for an amazing step into a traditional German Christmas Village right in the heart of Philadelphia.