The Philly Christmas Village takes the holidays to the next level

There are plenty of amazing local Christmas celebrations and activities in New Jersey, but there's a Philadelphia attraction that captures Christmas in a big way.

For the 12th year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia transforms Love Park at 15th and JFK Boulevard in Center City into a traditional open-air German Christmas Market.

Christmas Village will be open from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve.

Among the things to check out:  A 27-foot-tall walk-through holiday gift box called The Present.

To go with your draft beer or mulled wine, there's gingerbread, waffles, German bratwurst at the huge outdoor grill, schnitzel served on a roll, soft cheese egg noodles made in a huge cast-iron pan, and draft beers.

Also try Döner kebab, Belgian fries, Swiss melted cheese.

Here's what to look forward to at this year's Christmas Village in Philadelphia:

• Hot drinks and Bratwurst in the outdoor seating area called “The Alm”, which will feature a brand new light installation.
• Wine Tasting Events in partnership with Chaddsford Winery and weekly Beer Tasting Events with Brewery Techne.

• Meet the original Christkind from Nuremberg/Germany when she visits the market for the traditional Christkind Ceremony on Dec. 1.
• Vendors such as Käthe Wohlfahrt and the Raclette Hut return with newcomers such as New Liberty Distillery, Really Reel Ginger and RD Shadez.

• St. Nikolaus Day on Dec. 6, and the German American Weekend on Dec. 14 and 15th with German Dance Groups and a lantern parade.
• HoHo Happy Hour: Discounted food and drinks after work.

Dates and hours:
Preview Weekend: Nov. 23 and 24
First Day: Nov. 28
Last Day: Dec. 24
Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location:
Love Park, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102