Christmas Village market to move to a new location this winter

LOVE Park may be under construction through the winter, but that won't deprive Philadelphia of the annual Christmas Village market.

All that's required is a little move.

For its ninth season, Christmas Village will open up shop at the City Hall Courtyard and Northern Apron. Everything kicks off on Thanksgiving on Nov. 24, and runs through Dec. 24, and all the usual amenities, from mulled wine to the classic wooden shopping huts, will be available.

If you can't wait until then, however, Christmas Village will host a preview weekend on Nov. 19 and 20. The official opening ceremony will take place Sunday, Nov. 27.

Be on the lookout for 80 merchants and artists, as well as the return of the Village's Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, which features goods crafted by local makers. Vendors at the market this year include old favorites like Käthe Wohlfahrt and Herrnhuter Star, as well as new ones like Steiff, a German vendor specializing in stuffed animals.

Kids, meanwhile, can look forward to the Wish Wall, a photo at Santa's House, and other weekend-specific attractions. The Village this year also will cater to pets, with treats, food stations, and pet photos with Santa.

Since first launching in 2007, Christmas Village has grown into one of Philadelphia's most prominent holiday attractions. Initially held in Dilworth Plaza, the market moved to LOVE Park in 2011 due to construction. Last year, the German-style open-air market attracted more than 700,000 visitors throughout its run.

More details about what to expect at this year's Christmas Village will come on mid-November, according to a release.