Experience the Delight of the Holidays in Philadelphia at the Made in Philadelphia Market at City Hall and Christmas Village at LOVE Park

If you haven’t already visited this year, I highly recommend planning a trip to Dilworth Park in Philadelphia.  Located outside of City Hall at 1 S 15th Street Philadelphia, PA, you will find the heart of the holidays in Philadelphia in this delightfully festive plaza.

Photo credit: Aversa PR

Dilworth Park transforms into the Made in Philadelphia Market this season and it is literally a holiday wonderland of crafters and confections – all featuring owners and businesses from right here in the Greater Philadelphia area.  This year over 50 artisans, designers, crafters and confectionaries offering everything from decorations, gifts and holiday foods to crafts, pet goodies, jewelry, accessories, cookies (including paint your own cookies, perfect for stocking stuffers), Philly Word Art and more are set up in darling white tents topped with bright glowing stars. It is such a delight to browse and shop your way around the plaza and inside the City Hall Courtyard.

 

Some of my favorite additions include The Mummers Strut, a Mummers Themed Pop Up gift shop, with mummers related gifts and souvenirs.  (A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Philadelphia StringBand Association.)

There is also Tuck-Ins, a smores station, where you can purchase and take home or stay and roast your very own inside out s’mores on a stick! If you enjoy nuts, you will not want to miss the chance to stop by Philly Nuts.  Many of their delicious varieties are beautifully wrapped and ready for gifting. (I highly recommend the cinnamon sugar nuts!) And cannoli fans, you are in for a real treat when you stop by The Cannoli Café! As visitors stroll through the vendors and check off their lists, they will also have the chance to experience live crafting demonstrations and artists making their wares. Enjoy the show and watch them how they use clay, glass, metal, wire and more to craft their unique products that will be sold at the market.  Shopping has never been so much fun – and what a wonderful opportunity to shop local!

Families can also rent ice skates and glide around Rothman Rink while listening to festive tunes and taking in the lights and hustle and bustle of the city. This year there is also a huge Pop Up Tent next to Rothman Rink where you can slip inside to warm up with some hot chocolate or cider, nosh on the incredible French Toast Bites, savor some of Cynful Bliss ‘s alcohol infused desserts, devour a Made in Philadelphia cheesesteak or enjoy a Philadelphia brewed craft beer from Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne .

Once you are warmed up and full, be sure to head over to the dazzling WinterGarden for more amazing photo ops and plenty of benches, tables and chairs to sit and relax.

Some additional family friendly fun that has been added to the plaza this year include a Carousel inside the courtyard. Complete with 15 wood carved horses, five special reindeer and a Christmas sleigh this year for added fun, this is sure to become a fun new tradition for the whole family! Rides are just $3.  In the courtyard you will also find additional Christmas Village vendors. Did you know that German Pizza is a thing?  I had no idea but boy am I glad that I was introduced to this deliciousness.  It was some of the best thin crust pizza I have ever tasted! Absolutely divine! Don’t forget to try the cinnamon buns at the same stand!

As you make your way out of the courtyard and onto the other side of City Hall, you will be dazzled by the city’s beautiful tree.  On this side of City Hall you will also find this year’s newest addition – the ferris wheel as well as a fun kiddie train.  The sights from a top the Ferris Wheel are breathtaking at night!

This charming winter bazaar was conceived and designed to complement Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Christmas Village is located just across the street from City Hall in LOVE Park. Christmas Village spotlights gifts and unique finds from around the globe.

Here you will also find the huge festively-lit present, vendors, a beer garden, children’s activities and more. While you shop, follow the sweet scent of gingerbread and fresh-made waffles to the full menu of European food, sweets and drinks, including mouthwatering German Bratwurst or Schnitzel served on a roll (Brötchen). The huge outdoor grill hut will be back again for the third time, giving spectators an up-close view of the sausages firing up in front of their eyes! This time around, look for Käsespätzle (soft cheese egg noodles freshly made in a huge cast-iron pan, decorated with onions) and different draft beers, including exclusive creations of local Fairmount Avenue based Brewery Techne. Also, enjoy special menu additions, like Döner Kebab, Belgian Fries, and try a mug of traditional German Glühwein (spiced mulled wine served hot) and rich hot chocolate. The talk of the town – and one of the market’s most popular dishes – is also back for a third year: Look for the Swiss Raclette cheese booth to return with its critically acclaimed swiss melted cheese.

If you are looking  for a family friendly outing before or after the holiday, there is nothing more festive then a trip to Philadelphia! The Christmas Village is open until December 24th and The Made in Philadelphia Market is open until January 1st.  While you are there, don’t forget to stop by Macy’s for the lightshow and a walk through Dickens Village, the Comcast Building for their light show and Reading Terminal Market for some more delicious treats and to see the awesome train display!

Happy Holidays!

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market Dates and Hours:
First Day: Saturday, November 23, 2019
Last Day: Tuesday, January 1, 2020
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Thanksgiving Day: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Black Friday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Christmas Eve: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Christmas Day: closed
Location:
Dilworth Plaza
1 S 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(Outside City Hall)

Admission to the market is free and carousel rides are $3.00 each. Food, drink and shopping are pay-as-you-go. Follow @philaholidays on Instagram, like Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market on Facebook and visit www.madeinphila.com.

Christmas Village 2019 Dates and Hours:
First Day: November 28, 2019
Last Day: December 24, 2019

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Thanksgiving Day: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Christmas Eve: 11:00am – 5:00pm

Location:
LOVE Park, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Follow @philachristmas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.philachristmas.com for more information about the new holiday season.

 



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