Christmas Village in Philadelphia returns to LOVE Park. What to know when you go

The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is set to open next month, bringing with it dozens of vendors, thousands of lights and an untold amount of good cheer.

The spectacle of holiday sights, sounds and shopping in Center City returns on Saturday, Nov. 18, and runs through Christmas Eve.

Christmas Village in LOVE Park is an outside holiday festival, which is modeled after the traditional Christmas markets in Germany, and has been a staple of the city's holiday offereings for years now.

What to expect this year at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Christmas Village will set up at the LOVE Park at 15th and Arch streets and in the courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall, which as adjacent to Suburban Station.

The Christmas Village will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

New this year will be the latest edition of the Glühwein mugs, which changes themes every year.

Kickoff begins at noon on Saturday, Nov. 18, and Christmas villagers will get a sneak peak of the new venders — and an advance chance to check out new bratwurst recipes.

The Alm beer garden will also be open during kickoff weekend, providing the chance to sample authentic German beers.

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Christmas Village is also open at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving, and at noon on Christmas Eve.

There will be dozens of national and international chefs selling waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and other foods, along with crafters selling ornaments, gifts and other whimsy throughout the Christmas Village season.

If you need to rest your feet during or after shopping at the Christmas Village, be sure to check out the Christmas Village carousel, ferris wheel and the kid's train.

Getting to the Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Driving in? Drivers can save a few bucks on parking, as Christmas Village attendees can get a parking discount of $17 Monday through Thursday, and $19 on the weekends if they use the iParkit app. Drivers will need to us the parker program code “CHRISTMAS2023” to get the discount.

The Love Park Garage is located below Love Park, at 1501 JFK Blvd.

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Public transportation is also a keen option, as many SEPTA routes lead to the Christmas Village in Philadelphia.

The Market-Frankford Line, the Broad Street Line and trolley routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 all stop at the 15th Street Station.

From north of the city, The Lansdale-Doylestown Line, Trenton Line and West Trenton Line will take you from Bucks County to 15th Street Station.

Everything else about the Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Admission to the entire event area is free, with food, drink, shopping, and ride tickets pay as you go; Christmas Village is a rain or shine event and will be open under most weather conditions.

Strollers are generally permitted, although strollers are not allowed in the Käthe Wohlfahrt vending tent, so parents are going to have to park strollers before entering.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Christmas Village in Philadelphia returns to the LOVE Park