Christmas Village in Philadelphia Returns

Presented by Bank of America

Philadelphia, PA – One of America’s most celebrated authentic German Christmas markets returns to the heart of Center City with more time than ever to celebrate the holiday season! Christmas Village in Philadelphia presented by Bank of America will return to LOVE Park (1500 JFK Blvd.), City Hall’s Courtyard, and the North Broad section from Thanksgiving Day (November 26) through December 27, with a special preview on November 21 and 22, 2026. New for the season, Christmas Village will extend beyond Christmas Eve for the first time and remain open through December 27, giving visitors one additional weekend to experience the market. At the heart of LOVE Park, the market’s 30-foot authentic German Christmas Pyramid will once again tower above the festivities as one of Christmas Village’s signature landmarks. Inspired by the traditional wooden pyramids from Germany’s Ore Mountains and illuminated by over 3,000 sparkling lights, the Pyramid will be joined by rows of wooden vendor booths, holiday lights and returning crowd favorites including the 65-foot-tall illuminated Ferris Wheel, the historic double-tier Christmas Village Carousel and the Kids Train presented by SEPTA. Santa Claus will return for wish-taking and heart-warming photo opportunities. For food lovers, Christmas Village will serve up a mix of new flavors and returning favorites, including charcoal grilled Bratwurst, freshly melted Raclette Swiss Cheese Sandwiches, Austrian Strudels, Schnitzel and more European specialities. New offerings include Chesapeake Crab Loaded Baked Potatoes, the new Churro Split for a festive spin on the classic banana split, and a brand new booth serving Mac & Cheese. For beverages, enjoy the market’s famous hot Glühwein (hot mulled wine) by local Pennsylvania winery Mazza Wines, spiked hot beverages featuring local Boardroom Spirits, and kid-friendly offerings like hot chocolate and apple cider.

This year, look for two Snowflake Cocktail Bars with Boardroom Spirits, with a menu that includes the new Toasted Marshmallow Martini. For shopping, look for over 120 vendors in wooden booths throughout all three locations. Famous German vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt returns with a giant heated tent filled with an array of exquisite glass ornaments, nutcrackers, pyramids and limited-edition holiday decorations. German traditions will once again take center stage throughout the season. Come ready to experience German-American and other theme weekends, live bands, choirs and performers, and a visit from the authentic Christkind from Nuremberg, Germany. Experience the holiday magic Sunday to Thursday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 9:00pm, Thanksgiving Day, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Christmas Eve, 12:00pm to 5:00pm, with the market closed from November 23-25, and on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026 before the event reopens on December 26 for a new final weekend. Christmas Village in Philadelphia presented by Bank of America is open to the public, with no charge to visit the markets, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. Follow @philachristmas on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok or visit philachristmas.com for more information.

“Christmas Village has always been about bringing people together to experience the magic and traditions of the holiday season,” said Christmas Village President Thomas Bauer. “Every year, we look forward to welcoming back longtime visitors, introducing new guests to the traditions that have made Christmas Village a Philadelphia holiday favorite, and creating new ways to celebrate together. While our Christmas Pyramid remains a signature part of the experience, we’re excited to introduce new events and experiences this season that will give visitors even more ways to celebrate, shop and enjoy the holidays. We’re proud to continue growing this tradition in the heart of Philadelphia and can’t wait to welcome the community and visitors from near and far for another memorable holiday season.”

“Christmas Village has become a holiday tradition in the heart of Center City, and we are proud that Love Park is a big part of what makes it special,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson. “This annual event not only spreads holiday spirit, but is another example of Love Park creating space for small business owners, supporting the local economy, and celebrating the rich culture of our city.”

Christmas Village in Philadelphia presented by Bank of America has grown into one of the region’s largest and most unique holiday destinations since debuting in 2008 – and one of the most celebrated authentic German Christmas markets in all of America.

“Each year residents and visitors walk in the winter wonderland of LOVE Park and City Hall as they experience Christmas Village during this festive and joyous time in Philadelphia,” said Bank of America Greater Philadelphia President Jim Dever. “The Village is a key part of Philadelphia’s holiday traditions that creates lasting memories for visitors of all ages while supporting local artists and small businesses during the season of giving.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia will commence in 2026 with a special Preview Weekend, on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026. Meet the season’s vendors and experience some early holiday cheer while enjoying the largest selection of pop-up European foods in the state of Pennsylvania each year. Mark your calendar for opening day, on Thanksgiving itself, when the market will open and operate seven days a week through December 27, with the exception of Christmas Day. Crowd favorite events like the German American Weekend with the Schuhplattler Dancers and the German Games will return on December 5 and 6, 2026 presented by the German Consulate General in New York. The weekday schedule will also offer a festive evening experience, with Cocktail Tastings featuring Boardroom Spirits on December 9 and 16. The full event schedule will be announced in mid October.

For 2026, Christmas Village will once again invite visitors to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list. More than 120 local and international vendors will showcase handcrafted treasures in charming wooden booths throughout LOVE Park, City Hall’s Courtyard, and the North Broad section. Across the street at Dilworth Park, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will feature more than 40 additional local artisans and makers in the elegant white booths. Together, over 170 vendors will offer ornaments, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, home goods, and gourmet treats – making it the perfect chance to skip the malls and big box stores, and embrace the magic of small-business shopping in the heart of Center City.

As visitors wander through the market, they can follow the delightful scent of freshly baked Strudel and crisp Apple Cider. The diverse menu features an array of European delicacies, including savory German Bratwurst and Schnitzel served on a roll (Brötchen). New additions this season include a Chesapeake Crab Loaded Baked Potato, a new Mac & Cheese Booth featuring the returning German Käsespätzle, and new soft serve ice cream at the Churro Booth, where guests can enjoy a Churro Split inspired by the classic banana split.

The German Grill at LOVE Park is the home of the authentic German charcoal swivel grill. Guests can watch sausages sizzle to perfection over open flames. The crackle, aroma, and glow of this traditional cooking method fill the holiday atmosphere with warmth and authenticity. Belgian Fries make an irresistible pairing, especially with fresh draft beers on tap, including the exclusive Christmas Village Kölsch and a rich Bock brewed by Philadelphia local Brewery Techne. Crispy churros and soft serve with a variety of dips go great with a hot mug of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) from Pennsylvania’s own Mazza Wines. For those skipping the alcohol, zero-proof beverages including creamy hot chocolate and apple cider ensure everyone can enjoy a cozy holiday toast.

The North Broad Section will once again be a family-friendly destination within Christmas Village, home to the illuminated 65-foot Ferris Wheel, the Christmas Village Kids Train presented by SEPTA, and a variety of vendors offering festive food, drinks and gifts. At City Hall’s Courtyard, visitors can take a spin on the historic double-decker Christmas Village Carousel, while live music, children’s activities and special programming will take place throughout the market.

Guests can partake in this year’s new Cocktail Tastings, and enjoy live music on weekday evenings and throughout the weekends. And for those wanting to take a piece of the holiday spirit home, the Information Booth offers a curated selection of 2026 Christmas Village merchandise.

Visitors can expect a robust event schedule which will include charming live performances, children’s activities, and beloved rides such as the double-decker Christmas Village Carousel and the magnificent Ferris Wheel.

After making its Philadelphia debut in 2025, Christmas Village’s 30-foot German Christmas Pyramid returns to LOVE Park as the centerpiece of the market. Inspired by the traditional Christmas pyramids of Germany’s Ore Mountains, the three-level wooden structure brings a centuries old German holiday tradition to Center City. Illuminated by more than 3,000 sparkling lights and decorated with traditional figures and special Philadelphia touches, the rotating Pyramid rises above the wooden vendor booths in LOVE Park with City Hall as its backdrop. Visitors can gather around the landmark for holiday photos, take in its festive details and enjoy traditional Glühwein (hot mulled wine) served at its base.