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The Christmas Village In Philadelphia

The Christmas Village in Philadelphia has it all – food, shopping and sparkly lights.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Christmas Village in Philadelphia | Image: ©2foodtrippers

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.

Sparkly and Festive Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Christmas Village – Sparkly and Festive | Image: ©2foodtrippers

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.

Stands at Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Christmas Village is an oasis in LOVE Park, right in the heart of center city Philadelphia. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

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.

Shopping at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Shopping at the Christmas Village | Image: ©2foodtrippers

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.

Berlin Doner Kebap at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Berlin Doner Kebap from Germany (via Turkey) | Image: ©2foodtrippers

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.

Helmut's Original Austrian Strudel at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Helmut’s Original Austrian Strudel | Image: ©2foodtrippers

The different foods happily co-exist at the market, and their tempting aromas pleasantly drift through the chilly air.

Macarons at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Local Holiday Macarons Baked by Tiffany | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Based on the queues, we’re not the only people who are enjoying the food at the Christmas market.

Bacon Jam at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Local Ladybug Chocolates from John & Kiras | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Although its fun to sample different things from around the world, the options at this market aren’t just European.

Mulled Wine at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Mulled Wine from Local Chaddsford | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Local vendors are well represented with treats like eggnog macarons, bacon jam, artisan chocolate and mulled wine to feed the hungry crowds.

Mug of Gluhwein at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Warm Mug of Gluhwein | Image: ©2foodtrippers

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.

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About The Authors

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. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers their unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.

Sponsorship
We thank the Christmas Village in Philadelphia for hosting us to facilitate this article.

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!

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