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Christmas Village returning to LOVE Park

Thanksgiving is its first day.

File Photo.
File Photo.Read moreRuss Brown

Christmas Village is returning to LOVE Park, ending its exile to City Hall while the plaza was under renovation, organizers announced Tuesday.

Thanksgiving will be its first day with an opening ceremony set for the following Sunday, Nov. 26.

The German-style open air market, in its 10th year, will feature 80 international and local merchants and artists selling crafted gifts from decorated tents and small wooden buildings, organizers said. Food and drink offerings will include German fare such as bratwurst or schnitzel served on a roll, the soft egg noodles known as spaetzle, and spiced mulled  wine called called glühwein.

Organizers said the village had a record-setting 750,000 visitors last year.

LOVE Park, officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, has been undergoing a $20 million renovation since early 2016.

The Christmas Village is returning to the plaza before the LOVE sculpture that gave it its popular name resumes its place. The metal work by Robert Indiana is also undergoing restoration and is not slated to be back until early 2018.

Opening hours for the village are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

A schedule of special events, Santa's hours, and a list of vendors can be found here.