PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia’s Christmas Village will remain open beyond Christmas for the first time in 2026, extending its annual holiday market through December 27 and giving retailers an additional weekend to serve visitors in Center City.
The German-style market, presented by Bank of America, will open Thanksgiving Day, November 26, following a preview weekend November 21-22. Its operating footprint will again include LOVE Park, City Hall Courtyard and the City Hall North Apron.
Organizers expect nearly 1 million visitors during the season, continuing a tradition that began in 2008 and has become a major source of holiday shopping and tourism activity in downtown Philadelphia.
The expanded schedule adds December 26 and 27 to the market’s operating calendar, extending a season that previously ended by Christmas Eve. The market will remain closed Christmas Day.
More than 120 vendors will operate at Christmas Village, while the nearby Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park will feature more than 40 additional artisans and businesses. Together, the markets will offer merchandise from more than 170 vendors.
The retail lineup will include ornaments, jewelry, apparel, toys, home goods and specialty foods. German holiday retailer Käthe Wohlfahrt will return with a heated tent selling traditional decorations, nutcrackers and other seasonal merchandise.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson emphasized the event’s economic role, describing it as an example of LOVE Park “creating space for small business owners, supporting the local economy, and celebrating the rich culture of our city.”
The market will also bring back several major attractions, including a 30-foot German Christmas Pyramid illuminated by more than 3,000 lights. Introduced in Philadelphia in 2025, the three-level structure will return to LOVE Park.
A 65-foot illuminated Ferris wheel and the SEPTA-sponsored Kids Train will operate in the North Broad section, while City Hall Courtyard will host the historic double-decker Christmas Village Carousel.
The market’s food offerings will expand with a Chesapeake crab-loaded baked potato, a new macaroni and cheese option and a soft-serve Churro Split.
Traditional European dishes will remain available, including bratwurst, schnitzel, Austrian strudel, German Käsespätzle and raclette cheese sandwiches.
Pennsylvania winery Mazza Wines will again supply Glühwein, a traditional hot mulled wine. Philadelphia-based Brewery Techne will provide a Christmas Village Kölsch and Bock, while Boardroom Spirits will participate in cocktail offerings and tastings.
A second Snowflake Cocktail Bar will open near the LOVE sign, with a Toasted Marshmallow Martini among the new selections.
Christmas Village President Thomas Bauer described the extended schedule and expanded programming as efforts to accommodate returning visitors and attract new audiences.
“While our Christmas Pyramid remains a signature part of the experience, we’re excited to introduce new events and experiences this season,” Bauer stated.
The market’s calendar includes several themed weekends and cultural programs.
The Christkind Arrival and Pyramid Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for November 29 from 4 to 5 p.m., featuring the traditional Christmas figure visiting from Nuremberg, Germany.
German American Weekend will follow December 5-6, presented by the German Consulate General in New York. Activities will include traditional German dance performances, a beer stein-holding contest, a bratwurst-eating competition and a Bavarian cowbell memory challenge.
Family Weekend is scheduled for December 12-13, with children’s activities, costumed characters and appearances by the market’s mascot, Phil the Reindeer.
Additional programming includes Boardroom Spirits cocktail tastings December 9 and 16 and Mazza Wines tastings December 3, 10 and 17. Tickets will be required for the tasting events.
Live music, choirs and other performances will take place throughout the season.
The market will also introduce a limited-edition heart-shaped mug, alongside updated designs for its traditional boot mug, Glühwein mug and beer stein.
Christmas Village will operate Sunday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
Thanksgiving hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Christmas Eve hours will run from noon to 5 p.m. The market will be closed November 23-25 between preview weekend and its official opening, as well as December 25.
During the additional weekend, hours will be noon to 9 p.m. December 26 and noon to 8 p.m. December 27.
Admission to Christmas Village is free, with food, beverages, merchandise and other purchases priced separately.
The market is centered at LOVE Park, 1500 Arch Street, and extends into the surrounding City Hall areas. Additional information, vendor details and event schedules are available at philachristmas.com.
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