Christmas Village
Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an outside holiday market event in Center City Philadelphia, which is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. More than 80 wooden booths set up every year to serve traditional European food, drinks and other international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high quality pieces of art.
The history of Christmas markets starts in Germany. One of the oldest and most famous ones is held each year in Nuremberg in the state of Bavaria. The farmers of the Nuremberg area started selling their crops in a farmers market during the mid 16th century and from there, the Nuremberg Christkindsmarket was developed.
Since 1969, the Nuremberg Christkind is selected to represent the spirit of Christmas in Germany. She wears a long white dress with golden stars, a golden crown, and has long blond curls. She is the German equivalent to the American children’s Santa Claus.
Each year, the Christkind recites a prologue to open the Nuremberg Christmas Market. The Christkind also makes appearances at over 150 charitable institutions. She brings joy to those in nursing homes, hospitals and schools. The Christkind also makes visits abroad and makes two special stops at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia and its sister market in Baltimore.
This year, the annual Christmas Village will take place at the newly renovated LOVE Park. Christmas Village in Philadelphia serves more than just an outdoor shopping center. You’ll frequently find street-side performances and other special events taking place throughout the afternoon and festive music to create an inviting holiday setting. The unique atmosphere allows you and your family to get in the perfect Christmas mood.
