The Foobooz Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry at Philly’s Christmas Village
There’s a lot to enjoy at the 2021 Christmas Village. Here are your must-eats and must-drinks.
The 2021 Christmas Market in Center City | Photo courtesy of Aversa PR
Like pretty much everything crowded and Christmas-y this year, the Philadelphia Christmas Village is back and better than ever. There’s a ferris wheel, there’s a double-decker carousel, and there’s (of course) ice skating. But most importantly, there is SO MUCH to eat and drink. Here’s our guide to the best of the eating and drinking options in the village this year.
The market is open Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Its final day will be Christmas Eve, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information and pricing is available here.
Schvenkgrill Bratwurst
There are two German-style swivel grills in the market, one in the City Hall courtyard and one in Love Park. It’s a pretty impressive operation: Huge, circular grill grates hang over a charcoal fire, layered with sausages and buns. Add a little spicy mustard for the full effect.
Belgian Fries Huis
Thick, double-fried Belgian frites served with a variety of toppings, including cheddar cheese, bacon, or classic ketchup. Need we say more?
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Raclette Stube
Raclette is a Swiss cheese that is served in perhaps the most appealing style ever: Half-wheels of the cheese are placed under heating elements that melt and lightly toast the top layer of the cheese. All that melty goodness is then scraped directly onto your carb of choice (in this case, bread). It’s like the most epic grilled cheese sandwich ever.
Spatzle Haus
Think of spaetzle as Germany’s take on macaroni and cheese. Thick egg noodles are coated in a cheese sauce and topped with fried onions. Choose between classic cheese, caramelized mushroom sauce, and a spinach sauce topped with breadcrumbs. Spatzle Haus will also be serving the ever-important soft pretzel with mustard.
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Stroopies
Dutch stroopwafels are a classic European Christmas treat, and the Lancaster Stroopie Company will be on-site selling its take on the cookies both for snacking right there or packaged for gift-giving. This version is two layers of crisp, cinnamon-flavored cookie filled with homemade caramel, ideal for pairing with coffee on Christmas morning.
Chaddsford Winery
Chaddsford Winery has stalls throughout both parts of the Christmas Village this year, serving warm, mulled apple and red wines, served in adorable keepsake mugs. The winery will also have bottles for sale for last-minute gifts.
Photo provided
Spiked Hot Beverages
If mulled wine isn’t your style, opt for an Irish coffee, hot chocolate spiked with whiskey, or a rum-spiked apple cider from one of a handful of stalls throughout the village. Get it in a regular to-go cup, or go for the incredibly delightful boot-shaped keepsake mug.
Almhütte
The Almhütte is sponsored by the German Consulate in New York, in partnership with Mainstay Independent Brewery and Brewery Techne, so you know it’s going to be epic. They’ll be pouring local beers throughout the village, but the new attraction this year is the cozy German beer garden where you can get out of the cold, cozy up, and sample a flight.
