PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — LOVE Park is undergoing its annual transformation into a beloved German-style, open-air holiday market. But the Center City attraction won’t look quite like it has in years past.
“We had to change the entire layout, but it’s our highest priority to make sure everyone is safe,” said Christmas Village spokesperson Tobias Fischer.
Many of the wooden huts for vendors are already in place. Workers didn’t have to spend as much time setting them up them this year, because the number of vendors was cut in half due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We can really spread them out and make sure there’s enough space between the vendors and enough space to come and enjoy the market,” Fischer said.
The huts will sit on the perimeter of the market. Visitors will be asked to roam around the market in a single direction to keep with social distancing.
And, when visitors want to inevitably take a hot chocolate or a snack break, they’ll have to head to the food court — another big change this year.
“We have a separated food court in the middle of LOVE Park that is fenced up and crowd-controlled,” Fischer explained. “Only a certain amount of people will be allowed in that food court.”
He anticipates lines at the food court as a result, and those will be spread out too.
Mask-wearing and social distancing are required once you enter Christmas Village. Social distance ambassadors will be placed around the market, as well as hand sanitizer stations.
“We worked hard with the city and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Philadelphia health department,” he added. “We talk to them on a daily basis to make sure this event is coming together in a safe way.”
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market outside City Hall is also returning, which includes the carousel in the heart of it all.
“We’re excited to give the people some kind of normalcy and get them in the Christmas spirit during these challenging days,” Fischer said.
Santa Claus will not make an appearance this year, but Fischer said he plans to return in 2021.
Christmas Village opens on Thanksgiving Day, but visitors can preview the festivities the weekend prior, on Nov. 21 and 22.