The Christmas Village in Philadelphia has it all – food, shopping and sparkly lights.
In a perfect world, we would be in Europe right now where we could easily enjoy the best of the holiday season. Due to current geographical limitations, we are satisfying our European holiday craving in the city of brotherly love.
Christmas Village
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village is an oasis in LOVE Park, right in the heart of center city Philadelphia.
It’s just almost like being at a German Christmas market without the long plane ride.
See what it’s like to visit an actual German Christmas Market.
The village sprouts at Thanksgiving and stays rooted until the end of the holiday season. Like clockwork every year, little shacks temporarily house over sixty local and international vendors, and sparkly lights abound.
Of course, there’s great shopping at the Christmas Village. Santa is there to meet, greet and take photos with kids of all ages. Musicians play festive holiday songs for everybody to enjoy. That’s all well and good, but it’s no surprise that we went for the savory food and festive desserts.
Discover the best Christmas desserts around the world.
Food at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
When you go to any Christmas market, you can’t help but expect seasonal European food. Philadelphia’s Christmas Village doesn’t disappoint, with plenty of European foods, both sweet and savory.
It’s all here from raclette cheese from Switzerland to Döner Kebaps from Germany (via Turkey) to crepes from France and even to strudel from Austria.
The different foods happily co-exist at the market, and their tempting aromas pleasantly drift through the chilly air.
Based on the queues, we’re not the only people who are enjoying the food at the Christmas market.
Although its fun to sample different things from around the world, the options at this market aren’t just European.
Local vendors are well represented with treats like eggnog macarons, bacon jam, artisan chocolate and mulled wine to feed the hungry crowds.
Over half a million people visit Philadelphia’s Christmas Village each holiday season. In our opinion, it’s worth a visit.
Go for the shopping. Stay for the food and drinks.
The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an annual event. Check the official Christmas Village website for dates, location, hours of operation, vendors and special food events.
Hungry for More Food in Philadelphia?
Check out our Philadelphia food guide with the best Philly restaurants.
About the Authors
Daryl & Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website and YouTube. The married Food and Travel content creators live in Lisbon, Portugal.
Original Publication Date: December 5, 2014
Salvatore
Wednesday 17th of August 2016
Great pictures, thanks for sharing!
Kim
Monday 22nd of December 2014
I have always wanted to go to Europe during the Christmas holidays but it looks like this could be one of the next best things if I couldn't make it to Europe during the holidays.
Vlad
Friday 19th of December 2014
It love Christmas markets, this one looks great! That mug is super cute, did you buy it? :D
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Friday 19th of December 2014
The mulled wine came in the mug, so it was ours to keep.
Jessica
Tuesday 16th of December 2014
How cute are those Philly Love mugs! Love how so many cities in the USA are upping their Christmas market game!
Kristen Sarra
Monday 15th of December 2014
As with most everyone (except for the random scrooges out there) I have an obsession with Christmas markets. The food is always so good and I love the Christmas cheer! I wish I had time for a trip to Philly to check it out!