The holiday season is here, which means time for shopping for holiday wreaths, greens and decorations and, of course, buying gifts for your loved ones. During this season, it’s important to support neighborhood businesses and makers, many of whom have been struggling in the past couple of years. Plus, there will be several holiday markets and other shopping events scheduled in the area.

Holiday Wreaths & Greens, Plants and Ornaments

For those who are looking for holiday wreaths and greens, Bartram’s Garden is holding its annual Handmade Holidays event this Saturday, Dec. 3, Noon – 5 p.m. Bartram’s signature evergreen wreaths and other holiday greens and plants are still available for purchase online. All orders will be available for pick-up at the event on Saturday, from Noon to 2 p.m. In addition, the event will include a make-and-take wreath-making workshop from Noon to 4 p.m.. For more information, go here.

Some local plant shops have holiday plants, gifts and ornaments available. Check out these two Black women-owned businesses: Plant & People (1431 N. 52nd St.) and Freebird Greenery (4711 Pine St.).

Holiday Markets and Fests

Several holiday markets and craft fests, where you can buy unique, handmade gifts from local makers and celebrate the holidays with your family and friends, will be held this and next weekend:

• A two-day West Holiday Craft Fest, organized by VIX Emporium, will take place at The Rotunda (40th and Walnut) this Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 3-4), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some 150 local makers will offer for sale unique holiday gifts, like artisan jewelry, cozy hand knits, ceramics, art prints and originals, ornaments, children’s gifts, bath and body care, candles, calendars, cards, and more. Each day will have different vendors! Check out more info here.

Next week, don’t miss the following events:

• The uCity Square Holiday Fest will be held at The Lawn (37th and Cuthbert) on Friday, Dec. 9, 3-7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.. The event will include a local artisan marketplace on both days, alongside food trucks and a beer and wine garden. More details are here.

• A Winter Market at University City Arts League (4226 Spruce St.) will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At this event, you can shop for handmade ceramics, clothing, textiles, prints, original art works and more while enjoying live tunes by Kento and complimentary hot chocolate, tea and coffee. The vendor list is available here.

In addition, the Black Holiday Pop-up Market, where you can shop for everything from art and jewelry to books and skin and healthcare products from more than 30 Black-owned businesses and Black creators, is open daily, except Mondays, through January 15, 2023. More info is here.