🇩🇪 The 2025 Christmas Village in Philadelphia: An Authentic German Holiday Market
Step into the Old World charm of a traditional German Christkindlesmarkt at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia! This open-air market transforms the heart of Center City into a bustling, illuminated winter wonderland, offering a delightful mix of unique international shopping, authentic European cuisine, and festive family attractions.
Main Dates Thursday, November 27 – Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Preview Weekend Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, November 23, 2025 (Limited vendors/hours)
Location LOVE Park (JFK Plaza) and City Hall Courtyard/North Apron
Admission FREE (Shopping, food, drink, and rides are pay-as-you-go)
Total Vendors Over 120 wooden vendor huts selling gifts, crafts, and food.
Operating Hours
Day Standard Hours
Sunday – Thursday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Early opening for the parade)
Christmas Eve (Dec 24) 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🌟 Significance & Ambiance
The Christmas Village is modeled after the famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, bringing a centuries-old European tradition to the City of Brotherly Love.
- Authentic Charm: The market features dozens of charming wooden cottages, all strung with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical, festive atmosphere that is unrivaled in the city.
- The Christkind: The market features appearances by the official Christkind, a traditional German Christmas angel figure, which adds an extra layer of European authenticity to the event.
🎪 Must-See Attractions & Highlights
New Centerpiece
- 30-Foot German Christmas Pyramid: A magnificent four-level, custom-made wooden German Christmas tower making its debut. Adorned with 3,000 lights and classic German figures, this towering structure is the perfect holiday photo backdrop.
- Pyramid Lighting Ceremony: Don't miss the special lighting event on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Food & Drink
- Glühwein: Savor the market's signature hot, spiced mulled wine, often served in collectible souvenir boot mugs.
- European Delights: Indulge in authentic German foods like Bratwurst (grilled sausage), Schnitzel, Raclette (melted Swiss cheese sandwiches), and sweet treats like Strudel and hot Churros.
- The Alm: A traditional German-style Beer Garden serving local and imported craft beers and spirits.
- Snowflake Cocktail Bar: Try new craft cocktails served in festive ornament-shaped glasses.
Family Fun
- Rides at City Hall: Enjoy the thrills of a 65-foot Illuminated Ferris Wheel, a historic Double-Decker Carousel, and the Kids Train located on the City Hall side.
- Santa's House: Visit Santa Claus for photos and wish-making at the LOVE Park Welcome Center.
- Festival of Trees: View nearly two dozen beautifully decorated trees inside the LOVE Park Welcome Center as part of a fundraiser benefiting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
- Live Entertainment: The stage hosts daily performances, including choirs, bands, and traditional German dancers.
📍 Attendee Details & Tips
Getting There
The market is centrally located and easily accessible.
- Subway: Take the Broad Street Line (BSL) or Market-Frankford Line (MFL) to the 15th St./City Hall Station.
- Regional Rail: Arrive at Suburban Station or Jefferson Station, both within a short walk.
- Tip: SEPTA (public transportation) allows all children under 12 and seniors 65+ to ride for FREE.
Parking
- LOVE Park Garage: Look for exclusive discounted parking rates at the iParkit LOVE Park Garage, conveniently located underneath the market. Use the iParkit app and a special code (check the official website for details).
Shopping & Nearby Fun
- Don't Miss: The famous German ornament vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt is a major draw for traditional wooden and glass Christmas decorations.
- Combined Markets: The adjacent Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park offers another 40+ local vendors and a spectacular ice-skating rink and Wintergarden. It is highly recommended to visit both!
- Payment: Most vendors accept credit cards, but cash is recommended for quick food and drink purchases.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
LOVE Park, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19102
