The Christmas Village is Back With a New Layout For Social Distancing!

The Christmas Village is Back With a New Layout For Social Distancing!

Christmas Village in Philadelphia, the authentic open-air German-style Christmas Market at LOVE Park and City Hall, is excited to announce its return from Thanksgiving Day, November 26 through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 with a considerably modified layout and extensive safety precautions in response to COVID-19. In its 13th season, the outdoor market will once again host a Preview Weekend on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22.

In accordance with all city and statewide guidelines, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will be set up in a socially distanced and safe way featuring only half the amount of vendors. This year, visitors can still dine on and enjoy their favorite European dishes including Bratwurst, Raclette Cheese and Schnitzel in a fenced-off and crowd-controlled outdoor food court with spacing between tables.

This year’s outdoor shopping area will be set up with a one-way system around the outer limits of  LOVE Park for a linear and spaced walking concept allowing proper social distancing. All vendors will be ten feet apart from each other at minimum. Vendors around the outer permitter will also all face outward toward the street. Waiting areas for access to the food court and shopping will all be socially distanced.

“After a very challenging year, we are excited to bring back a safe and socially distanced version of Christmas Village in Philadelphia without losing the charm of a traditional European Christmas market,” says Christmas Village President Thomas Bauer. “We are extremely thankful to the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Philadelphia Health Department for their support and guidance to give Philadelphians something positive to look forward to during the holiday season and to bring back a piece of normalcy in 2020.”

Bauer added, “With the changes this year, and with safety as our top priority, we strongly encourage weekday visits this year. With many people working from home and having flexible schedules, we want to remind everyone that we are open seven days a week and there are less crowds Mondays to Thursdays. We are also open during the day time hours during the week, and Christmas Village is a great spot to visit for lunch as well! No matter when you visit, we want to remind everyone to wear their masks and stay at least ‘one Christmas tree length’ (six feet) away from all other guests! Santa will indeed be watching – and the rules will be enforced.”

In response to COVID-19, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will meet and exceed all local and state guidelines in terms of health and safety protocols. Organizers have the well-being of all guest, vendors and staff members at the top of their mind, the German Christmas market will run at 50 percent of exhibitors but still with more than 60 vendors offering seasonal decorations and unique gifts for the holidays. Crowd-favorite Kathe Wohlfahrt, will offer German Christmas decorations and ornaments in a well-ventilated tent, allowing a limited number of guests a time.

Food and drink lovers can look forward to traditional and popular European dishes such as Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Raclette Cheese, Kasespatzle (European style Mac and Cheese) and Tarte Flambé as well seasonal drinks including hot chocolate, mulled wine by Chaddsford Winery and local craft beers courtesy of Bar Hygge/Brewery Techne.

In addition to LOVE Park, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will also take over the North Apron of City Hall and the City Hall Courtyard to bring back additional vendors and the beloved Holiday Carousel in a socially distanced way. Stay tuned for details!

All visitors must wear masks at all times, unless seated in the food court while they consume their food and drinks. Moreover, guests are advised to keep at least one Christmas tree length apart – at minimum of six feet in distance – in all directions to fellow shoppers and vendors and to sanitize their hands frequently at one of the installed sanitizing stations throughout the park. Many vendors offer contactless ways to shop and check-out. Extensive signage will guide visitors in the right directions and remind them to follow all rules. Guests that feel sick or have been in contact with a sick person are required to stay home.

With the changes in the overall layout, weekday visits are strongly encouraged to avoid weekend crowds and waiting.

Dates 2020:
Preview Weekend: November 21 – 22, 2020
First Day: November 26, 2020
Last Day: December 24, 2020