Lighting, Vendors, Food, Entertainment Set for The Christmas Village, Opening Today in Philadelphia

The Christmas Village in Philadelphia presented by NRG Home will again transform Philadelphia's LOVE Park (15th and JFK Boulevard) into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thanksgiving, today, November 26, 2015 and Sunday, December 27, 2015.

Shop for high-quality, international and local gifts and decorations. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with thousands of twinkling lights, the LOVE Park Christmas Tree, live music, children's activities and photos with Santa Claus. Warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying European food and drink. Watch for new decorations, seating, vendors and tasty treats! Admission is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go.

Spread the cheer by following @philachristmas on Twitter and Instagram, liking Christmas Village on Facebook and visiting www.philachristmas.com.

Returning favorite traditions will include:

* Photos with Santa
* Wine tastings
* Happy hour
* Lunch concert series and specials
* Weekend entertainment
* Visit from the Christkind during Opening Ceremony
* German-American Weekend
* Make-A-Wish Charity Weekend

New surprises for 2015 will include:

* New Christmas Village Lantern Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony with Philly POPS Festival Brass Quintet, Walnut Street Theatre's children's carolers, and more
* New decorations
* New wine garden and seating area
* New menu items and vendors
* New location for Santa's house

Christmas Village in Philadelphia will open early in 2015 for previews on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2015. Christmas Village will re-open Thanksgiving Day (to coincide with Philadelphia's annual Thanksgiving Parade) on Thursday, November 26, 2015 and remain open through Sunday, December 27, 2015.

Daily market hours are Friday through Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday through Thursday 11:00am to 7:00pm. Thanksgiving Day hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Christmas Eve hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm (closed on Christmas Day).

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SPECIAL EVENTS:

Theme Weekends

Look for music, performances and entertainment to celebrate our theme weekends. Full schedules and additional details will be posted here: bit.ly/christmasvillageweekends.

* November 21 and 22 - Preview Weekend
* November 28 and 29 - Opening Weekend
* December 5 and 6 - German American Weekend
* December 12 and 13 - LOVE Weekend
* December 19 and 20 - Charity Weekend with Make-A-Wish Foundation
* December 26 and 27 - Homecoming Weekend

Grand Opening Ceremony (11/28)

Christmas Village in Philadelphia will host a Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, November 28, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Invite your family and friends to come sing-a-long to holiday selections by the Camden Catholic High School Band and Clearview Regional High School Choir. Meet the original Christkind from Nuremberg after she officially opens the market by reciting her traditional prologue. Take photos with her as she does her traditional walk of the market. In Germany, she is the person that brings the Christmas gifts to the kids, and she won't be coming to Philadelphia empty handed!

Christmas Village Lantern Parade and LOVE Park Tree Lighting (12/4)

Children and families from around the region are invited to join the Christmas Village in Philadelphia's first-ever Lantern Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4, 2015, starting at 4:45pm. Meet outside of the Comcast Center (17th and JFK Boulevard) and join the festive procession with your homemade and decorated lanterns (battery please, no flame) or purchase one at the parade's start. Children's carolers from Walnut Street Theatre will lead the parade through the city, wrapping around LOVE Park and ending at the base of the Christmas Village Christmas Tree in the middle of LOVE Park. Philly Pops Festival Brass Quintet will perform holiday favorites and set the perfect backdrop for the lighting of the tree at 6:20pm. Look for some familiar faces that join the ceremony. Don't forget to bring an unwrapped new children's toy to donate to the Salvation Army.

NRG Gingerbread House Contest (12/11)

NRG Home will again present their Gingerbread House Decorating Contest on Friday, December 11, 2015, at 1:00pm with members of the press competing on behalf of four local non-profits (Red Paw Emergency, MANNA, Ronald McDonald House and College Settlement). Each non-profit will win a $1,000 donation from NRG for participating, and the winning charity's house will win them an extra $1,000 donation.

Black Friday Concert/ Friday Concert Series (11/28-12/18)

Geno's Steaks invites you to head out of the office for the return of the "Friday Holiday Jams at Christmas Village" every Friday (Black Friday through Dec 18, 2015) from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

* Black Friday, November 28, 2015 - Good Girl
* Friday, December 4, 2015 - Tower Hill School
* Friday, December 11, 2015 - MPrynt
* Friday, December 18, 2015 - The Gin Canaries

Entertainment (Daily)

On top of the Friday lunch concert series, look for live music, concerts, dance performances, children's choirs, big bands and festive fun to take to the new, larger stage that will be right in front of the LOVE Park Tree. Enjoy performances:

* Monday through Thursday - 4:00pm to 7:00pm
* Fridays - 12:00pm to 1:00pm and 4:00 to 8:00pm
* Saturdays - 12:00pm to 8:00pm
* Sundays - 12:00pm to 7:00pm

Select early announced performances include:
* Saturday, December 5, 2015 - Peaktappers (Dance group) (3:00pm)
* Sunday, December 6, 2015 - Josh Bersteker (Magican) (12:00pm)
* Saturday, December 12, 2015 - Penn Band (6:00pm)

FOOD TASTINGS & SPECIALS:

Wine Tastings (Tuesdays and Thursday)

Chaddsford Winery presents new "Tasting" Tuesdays and Thursdays in Christmas Village, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, in the heated tent Weihnachtshuette. Each tasting ticket is $16.00 each and includes a souvenir wine glass. Advance tickets visit: chaddsford.com; Advance reservations are highly suggested.

* Tuesdays: wine and cheese, with three wines paired with three cheeses, and includes a souvenir glass
* Thursdays: wine and chocolate, with three wines paired with chocolates provided by Tradestone Confections. http://tradestoneconfections.com/

Happy Hour (Monday through Thursday)

Drop by Monday through Thursday, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm for a weekday happy hour with $2 off select food at German Grill, as well as $2 off Mulled Wine from Chaddsford Winery.

Lunch Specials (Weekdays)

Drop by the Christmas Village on your lunch hour, or while out shopping, and enjoy the best lunch deal in town - inexpensive, delicious and easy to walk around with! Every weekday from 11:00am to 2:00pm at German Grill enjoy meals starting at only $6.00 with a main dish and a soda.

FOOD AND DRINK:

Food and Drink Vendors

* Berlin Döner Kebap Booth & Belgian Fries ? Döner Kebab, originally invented in
Berlin & fresh Belgian Fries
* Brunkow Cheese ? Grilled cheese specialties from Wisconsin
* Chaddsford Winery ? Mulled wine, wine by the bottle and glass
* Crepes and German Sweets ? Fresh handmade sweet and savory crepes, plus a wide assortment of German Christmas Sweets like gingerbread, stollen, and delicacies like "Milka", "Kinderschokolade" and fresh marshmallows
* German Grill/Weihnachtshütte ? Tasty German bratwursts, meats, potato pancakes, potato salad and Sauerkraut
* German Sweets ? Roasted nuts from all over the world, Chocolate-covered fruits in finest Belgian chocolate, gingerbread-hearts, magenbrot, advent calendar
* Helmut's Original Austrian Strudel ? Strudels and pretzels, sweet and savory
* Hot Beverages ? Hot chocolate, coffee, tea and apple cider
* John & Kiras ? Gourmet hand-crafted chocolates
* Pretzelphoria ? Pennsylvania-made pretzels with spices and high quality chocolate-covered pretzels
* The Bacon Jams ? Spreadable bacon preserve and bacon Soap
* Wandering Waffle ? Belgian waffles with tasting toppings

Favorite Foods for 2015

* German bratwursts
* Potato pancakes
* Schnitzel
* Belgian Fries with a variety of different sauces (NEW)

SHOPPING:

Gift Vendors & Other Booths

Christmas Village is made up of 70 booths and a big vendor tent, much like those found in traditional Christmas Villages in Germany. Within this village, you'll find a wide variety of seasonal goods that you won't find anywhere else. Aside from our local vendors, we have German vendors selling Christmas decorations from genuine Erzgebirge, nativity sets, glass ornaments in assorted sites, toys, jewelry and so much more.

Toy Vendors:

* Bohemian Jumpers ? Bohemian jumpers and viking dolls
* Bohemian Pink ? Puppets, soft toys, tutus and girl's dress up accessories, ribbon purses, headbands and bows
* Funny Bricks ? Funny Bricks block toys
* Kylie's Pet Treats ? All natural dog, cat and bird treats and accessories and Christmas Village merchandise
* LOL Signs ? Humorous home decor signs and magnets
* Mazuyk and Metelev ? Walking toys and solar powered toys
* Silly Puppets ? Unique glove and hand puppets; professional full & half body performance puppets

Jewelry and Accessories:

* Bella U ? Boutique with jewelry and accessories
* Big Skinny Wallet ? Thin leather and nylon wallets
* Charm Street Jewelry ? Charm lockets
* Charm Street Jewelry ? Glass jewelry
* Eardivine ? Earpins, earcuffs and other fine jewelry
* Friction Jewelry New York ? Necklaces, earrings, charms
* Ideal Handcrafted Jewellery ? Jewelry from the Basque Country in northern Spain
* Mistura Timepieces ? Unique and contemporary wooden watches and sunglasses
* Moon Glow ? Moon Glow personalized jewelry
* Sylca Designs ? Designer jewelry and fashion accessories
* Tibet Collection ? Handmade jewelry from Nepal and India like earrings, necklaces and bracelets

Glass and Pottery:

* Art Pottery Studio ? Nicaraguan pottery
* Dakota Prairie Designs ? Hand painted glass
* Demca Demonstration ? The D-Grater gourmet grater from Spain
* Home of Polish Pottery ? Finest handcrafted Boleslawiec pottery from Poland
* NY Cruets ? Distinctive hand-made cruets ornamental oil and vinegar dispensers

Fashion and Beauty:

* BearHands ? Mittens, hats and scarves
* Black Bird on the Seven Seas ? Turkish towels, organic Soap, salt scrubs, creams and soy candles
* Chic Afrique Herbals ? Natural cosmetics and jewelry
* Donegal Importers ? Irish capes, sweaters and gifts
* Felt n Wool ? Handmade hat, handbags and paper art from Nepal/Himalaya
* Kashmir Dream ? Shawls, beaded bags, Moroccan goods and Syrian goods
* Kiss of Europe ? French Soap and Tablecloths together with handmade Italian leather gloves
* KJ Designs ? Artisan scarves and felt neck jewelry
* Janette's Designs ? Handmade sweaters, poonchos, hats, gloves and scarves for women and children
* Norden Arts ? Woolens, handmade bags (backpacks, shoulder bags) from recycled jute, hemp and cotton from Nepal
* Suzette Arts Couture ? Accessories and home decor

Arts and Crafts:

* Bethlehem Art ? Hand crafted olive wood carving from the Holy Land (religious and kitchenware)
* Darte Collections ? Home accents and unique gifts from Thailand and Mexico
* Desert Designs ? Egyptian frames, boxes, perfume bottles and alabaster arts
* Elementem Art and Design ? triptypes, landscape photography on plexi-glass
* Eric Ajamaart ? Handmade drawings, fine art* Herrnhuter ? Original Herrnhut Stars presented by My Brilliant Star
* Hidden Creek Artisans & Grand Illusions ? Edible birdhouses and pit pendulums
* Inkas Hands Art Gallery ? Contemporary art works, fine pottery, silver jewelry, all handmade
* Just Make Scents ? Herbal packs
* Nepa Bhon ? Handmade works of art from Nepal
* Russ Brown Photography ? Framed photo art with Philadelphia motifs
* Silk Road Traders ? Turkish mosaic lanterns, ceramics and artisan crafts
* The Coaster Mill ? Coasters with vintage pictures of New York City, Philadelphia and other cities
* Tribal Art ? Pillows, wall hangings, table runners and other handmade décor from Turkey
* Yunka Intl. Trading ? Pocket watches and mini clocks

Christmas Ornaments:

* AIA Bookstore ? Philadelphia handmade ornaments and cards
* Gifts from Afar ? Russian Christmas ornaments, nestled dolls, amber jewelry, wooden carved Santas, lacquered boxes, birthback boxes, glass animals
* Kaethe Wohlfahrt ? Incense smokers, nutcrackers, pyramids, schwibbogen, music boxes, wooden ornaments, glass ornaments
* Mexican Handcrafts ? Mexican Christmas ornaments and gifts
* Unique Trading ? Glass Christmas ornaments from Egypt
* Yolkstar Ornaments and Gifts ? Hand painted glass and wooden ornaments and Christmas gifts from Ukraine and Russia

Special Booths:

* Christmas Trees - The Christmas Tree Stand ? Fresh trees and wreaths
* Information Booth - Christmas Village Philadelphia ? Information about the Christmas Village in general and Partner Promotions. Here you can buy heart hangers for our Wish Wall, plus the new 2015 Christmas Village mugs
* Photos - Santa's Hut ? Get your photo with Santa Claus!
* Sponsor - NRG Home ? Information about getting energy for your home

Family Fun Kids' Corner and Photos with Santa

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, look for Santa as he offers photos in his hut, plus keep watch for other family fun with story-telling, caricature artists, face painters, music and more. Schedule will vary by weekend and day. Kids Corner will be open Saturdays 11:00am to 8:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Decorations - Original Herrnhut Stars

This year the Christmas Village Philadelphia appears in a new stunning look. The whole Christmas Village will be illuminated in the light of over 55 Original Herrnhut Stars presented by MyBrilliantStar. You can discover stars on the top of each booth, but the highlight will be the biggest Herrnhut Star in a diameter of 1.30 m / 51 inch, which floats high above the main stage.

New in 2015

On top of the new preview weekend and first-ever Lantern Parade and LOVE Park Tree Lighting, Christmas Village has other surprises in store for the season:

* Addition of beautiful Original Herrnhut Stars (Moravian Stars)
* A new festive Santa's House (and location) will be an eye catcher for all little visitors
* Outdoor wine garden with more seating for food and drink
* New 2015 Souvenir Mug (remember, last year these sold out extra fast!)
* On Mondays, look for a hidden Elf in one of the vendor huts for a free prize!
* New photo station with view of the LOVE Park Tree, LOVE Park sign and City Hall in background
* On weekdays, Christmas Village offers students a wonderful journey in time through merchants, craftsmen and traders. In Live History Lessons they can explore the history of European Christmas markets from the very beginning to the present first hand by narrated actors. Weekdays from Nov 30th - Dec 24th, 11:00am.

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Now in its eighth year, the village has grown into one of the region's most unique and charming holiday attractions. It expects to attract more than 700,000 people in 2015. Seventy international and local merchants and artists are busy preparing high-quality gifts that will be sold in decorated tents and wooden houses that will pop-up throughout Center City's famous LOVE Park. With toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, homegoods, artwork and more, there will be something for everyone on Santa's list.

Spread the cheer by following @philachristmas on Twitter and Instagram, liking Christmas Village on Facebook and visiting www.philachristmas.com.

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