This holiday season, some West Philly-based community organizations and churches make sure that children from low-income communities have a chance to celebrate and receive gifts.

The Walnut Hill Community Association (WHCA), in partnership with The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation (TEC-CDC) and other organizations and businesses will host the 4th annual Walnut Hill Holiday Extravaganza on Tuesday afternoon, 3-5 p.m.. This holiday event is held at the Max Paul Park (4610 Market St.), and this year, over 300 neighborhood children are expected to attend.

Walnut Hill families, neighbors and friends have also been invited. A beautifully decorated 10ft Christmas tree will stand tall amidst the festivity. There will be carolers, music, lights, photos, life-size gingerbread house, Santa and gifts for everyone.  Continue Reading

The 9th annual “Big Push” Holiday Concert will take place at the Calvary United Methodist Church at 48th and Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 17.

The concert will feature a cameo performance by Philly Funk band Breakwater, and all proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Other musical guests include: Calvary UMC Choir, Salsa singer Anthony Colon, Latin percussionists Raul & Asaf Berrios, and more. Suggested donation is $20, and there is free admission for children.  Continue Reading

On Sunday, Dec. 17, Kol Tzedek, West Philly’s reconstructionist synagogue, is hosting their annual Hanukkah Party. This year, the party is titled “Rejoice and Resist” and will benefit Kol Tzedek’s Jewish-Muslim solidarity work.

Kol Tzedek, which means Voice for Justice, has been actively participating in many social justice causes and projects in the area. The synagogue is a member of POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild), a consortium of faith communities from across the city. Kol Tzedek members participate in several social justice projects and movements, including the Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Project, whose goal is “to create relationships with local Muslim communities, and to work with them against Islamophobia and discrimination.”  Continue Reading

Books make excellent holiday gifts, but instead of going to Amazon to purchase them, consider visiting a local bookstore first. We have several great bookstores in our area that are still somehow holding on despite most folks shopping for books online these days. Some of these stores are having special holiday hours, events and offers this month:

• Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave)

Bindlestiff Books will be open daily through Sunday, Dec. 24, from Noon – 7 p.m., except on Sundays (Noon – 5 p.m.). Gift certificates are back in stock, and special orders received on or before Tuesday, Dec. 19 will be available by Friday, Dec. 22. Bindlestiff Books will also be tabling at an upcoming Benefit for Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Work on Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 – 7 p.m. at Kol Tzedek, Calvary United Methodist Church, 48th and Baltimore. Admission is on a sliding scale $5 to $25, but no one will be turned away. There will be latkes, a potluck dinner, a Bindlestiff book sale, a craft fair, candle lighting, blessings, desserts, a Klezmer concert by the Simcha Band, and dancing.  Continue Reading

Saint Francis de Sales Church is an architectural landmark in West Philadelphia that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., the public is invited to a Candlelight Christmas concert, proceeds from which will go towards the ongoing renovation of the church.

The Choir of St. Francis de Sales, under the direction of Isabel Boston, will be presenting a program of Christmas choral music in a candlelit sanctuary, featuring works by Biebl, Holst, Palestrina, and others – along with some of the usual seasonal favorites.

The theme this year is most light, as the concert falls on the feast of St. Lucy–in many northern European countries, she’s associated as the “bearer of light” in the winter darkness. Besides the choir, there will also be a few children from the parish congregation performing several pieces. Entrance is through the front doors at 4625 Springfield Avenue.  Continue Reading

Go West! Craft Fest is one of the biggest shopping events in the area that supports local artists and artisans. On Sunday, Dec. 10, the holiday edition of the Fest will return to The Rotunda at 40th and Walnut and will feature handmade items by 70 local makers.

If you’re looking to buy unique holiday gifts for your family, friends or colleagues, make sure to stop by The Rotunda on Sunday and check out such items as handmade jewelry, ceramics, knitted accessories, clothing, prints, original art, stationery, home wares, childrens’ items, soaps, candles, holiday items and much more. The vendor list is available here.

The Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit: gowestcraftfest.com.