Spätzle, bratwurst, mulled wine and plenty of beer is in the air at the Christmas Village.
Located in LOVE Park, grab some hot cocoa and stroll the 80+ vendors housed in wooden huts. With traditional and new highlights, this year’s German market is something to see — and taste.
Wafting through the air at this year’s annual winter wonderland are European dishes and drinks that will transport you back to the old country. Here are some favorite sips and bites that will guide your senses through the Christmas Village.
The Alm Beer Garden
New this year is The Alm Beer Garden, pouring local drafts from Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne and Philadelphia Brewing Company.
Serving a Techne Lemon Meringue IPA, Kenzinger (Helles lager) and rotating specials, grab a collector’s stein mug for $10 and drink up.
Chaddsford Winery
What would the winter be without some hot cocoa and mulled wine? Offering red and white warmed spiced wine, you’ll be in the holiday spirits in no time. FYI, classic red is the way to go.
Okay you carnivores, make sure to stop at the German Grill for traditional beef stew goulash, schnitzel and bratwurst. Walk on over to the spätzle booth for some yummy egg noodle dumplings.
German Grill
German Sweets
Get your holiday sweetie some chocolate covered fruits and candied nuts.
Baked Cheese Haus
Cheese, please! Check out these large cheese wheels, and definitely order the raclette, a traditional alpine cheese melted onto a toasted baguette with spring onions, baby gherkins and dijon.
Helmut’s Original Austrian Strudel
Does this really need any explanation? Appease that sweet tooth and bite into mouthwatering strudel pastries, including almond apricot, cherry, apple and cheese. If sweet is a no-go for your savory palette, try the vendor’s meat filled puffs, like pulled pork and lemon pepper chicken. They even have a “‘Philly Special’ Cheese Steak Puff Jawn”.
Mike’s Hot Honey
Put some honey hot sauce on it! Tangy, sweet and spicy, this chili-infused honey will be your new favorite condiment for the holiday meal.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
This is not a food item, but it is food shaped! Buy one of these pickle shaped ornaments and participate in the German Christmas tradition. Customarily, when the little ones see the decorated tree, the first one to spot the pickle receives a special gift left by St. Nicholas. If old customs aren’t your thing, Rick and Morty fans can have a Christmas “Pickle Rick!”
Christmas Village | Running through Dec. 24. Sun.-Thur.: 11am-7pm. Fri.-Sat.: 11am-8pm. Pay as you go. LOVE Park, 1500 Arch St. philachristmas.com/
TWITTER: @ANDREAJCANTOR
