Everything you need to know about Christmas Village this year

Christmas Village, the authentic German-style holiday market with more than 120 vendors spanning across LOVE Park, City Hall, and Dilworth Plaza, runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 27 this year, providing two additional shopping days after Christmas Day.

German American Marketing, the market’s organizer, announced Tuesday that Center City’s holiday market will bring back the 30-foot German Christmas pyramid, illuminated by 3,000 sparkling lights, the 65-foot Ferris wheel, and the historic double-tier carousel.

Christmas Village has grown into one of the region’s largest holiday attractions, drawing in nearly a million visitors to peruse the wares of artisans, makers, and chefs.

But this year, shoppers won’t be able to walk into the majority of vendor booths as German American Marketing is converting them into “countertop configurations” in an attempt to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Previously, the market’s solution of movable ramps at booths was not adequate, according to German American Marketing CEO Thomas Bauer.

Instead, only a select few vendors will have enterable booths with a permanent ramp, but most will be walk-up kiosks — a move criticized by some vendors and local disability advocates.

“Christmas Village has always been about bringing people together to experience the magic and traditions of the holiday season,” Bauer said. “Every year, we look forward to welcoming back longtime visitors, introducing new guests to the traditions that have made Christmas Village a Philadelphia holiday favorite, and creating new ways to celebrate together.”

Christmas Village will officially open for daily shopping on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, but the market will briefly open on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 for a preview.

The market runs Nov. 26 to Dec. 27, from Sunday to Thursday, noon to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, from noon to 9 p.m.

On Thanksgiving Day, the market is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Christmas Eve from noon to 5 p.m., and is closed on Christmas Day.

Christmas Village booths are situated across LOVE Park, City Hall, and Dilworth Plaza near JFK Plaza at 1500 Arch St.

Besides adding two more shopping days compared to years past to ensure locals and tourists continue the holiday spirit, a new limited-edition heart-shaped mug will be on offer for this year’s market.

New eats at the market include a Chesapeake crab loaded baked potato, a new mac-and-cheese booth, and a soft-serve churro ice cream split. A new “Snowflake Cocktail Bar” will debut next to the LOVE statue.

Vendors have not been announced yet, but German American Marketing plans to release a vendor list and more information in mid-November.