Philadelphia Hosts Annual Christmas Village

As Thanksgiving ends and December begins, the holiday season is fully underway in Philadelphia as they bring back their annual Christmas Village. Established in 2017, the market features festive lights, decorations, and rows of wooden booths. The tradition attracts locals from all over the Philadelphia area as well as visiting tourists.

This village is modeled after traditional German Christmas markets and offers a variety of holiday shopping opportunities. Small businesses set up vendors selling handmade products, including souvenirs, toiletries, and holiday decor. Many of these items aren’t sold in regular stores; therefore, the village is a popular place to shop for meaningful and unique gifts. The decorations and setup of the market also help create a cozy and festive atmosphere throughout the park.

The food vendors are a significant part of the Christmas village. There are a variety of options to choose from, from hot, toasty beverages to European delights. Authentic options include Belgian Fries, Spätzle, and Schnitzel. During the colder weather, visitors frequently purchase warm drinks such as hot chocolate and cider.

Additionally, the market includes many visual attractions. An eye-catching, heavily decorated Christmas tree lies in the center, with an open seating area beside it. A bright windmill rested above the wine bar with a classic “I HEART PHILLY” sign lit upon it. A popular spot for tourists to take photos is the iconic red LOVE sculpture.

The Christmas Village provides exposure for small business owners. One vendor, who operates San-Asna Designs, enjoys making connections while selling her holiday decorations, towels and signs. Alyssa, another vendor, is participating for the first time and operates a jewelry business called Adorned by Aisha. She sells necklaces, bracelets, and rings, including a Harry Potter-themed collection. “[The market makes it] easy to talk to different people,” she said.