The Experience
Modeled after traditional European open-air Christmas markets and organized by a team from Germany, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has become an iconic Philadelphia holiday tradition.
Returning for its 16th season, the market offers seasonal gifts, pay-as-you-go food (brats and strudel, anyone?), German beer gardens with exclusive local craft beer, live entertainment and a full schedule of daily events, including visits from Kris Kringle himself.
In the courtyard at City Hall: a double-decker carousel shares the space with a German-style food court. Visitors can enjoy gooey raclette and Belgian fries, and ward off the winter chill with spiced mulled wine and other beverages in the beer garden.
Even more: Both the 65-foot-tall (!) illuminated Ferris wheel and Kids Train are back on the North Broad end of City Hall, with more surprises to be announced throughout the season.
![Christmas Village Ferris wheel](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.visitphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/christmas-village-ferris-wheel-crtsy-1200x900px-25x19.jpg)
![Christmas Village Ferris wheel](https://www.visitphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/christmas-village-ferris-wheel-crtsy-1200x900px.jpg)
— Photo courtesy Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Over 120 vendors offer holiday merch throughout Christmas Village, including ornaments, jewelry, handmade toys, high-quality arts and crafts, wintry apparel, and edible and drinkable treats. Vendors range from local crafters to world-famous ornament makers like Käthe Wohlfahrt.
Can’t get enough shopping? The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market — 100 feet away at Dilworth Park — features more than 40 additional jewelers, designers, artisans and more, all peddling holiday-inspired goods (November 10, 2023 through January 1, 2024).