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.). Continue Reading

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the city and need to do last-minute shopping for your dinner, check out information below on holiday hours and closings at some local grocery stores and supermarkets. We also included information on SEPTA holiday service.

ACME Markets (40th and Walnut): 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aldi (46th and Market): Closed

Mariposa Food Co-op (49th and Baltimore): 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoprite of Parkside (1575 N. 52nd St.): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Supreme “Shop-n-Bag” (43rd and Walnut): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Fresh Grocer (56th and Chestnut): 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits: All West Philadelphia stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Continue Reading

The popular Cedar Park buy local shop, VIX Emporium, is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this Saturday (Nov. 19) with a pop-up out front and special discounts and giveaways inside the store, located at 5009 Baltimore Ave.

The pop-up, featuring West Philly artist and entrepreneur Tracy Feldman, will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tracy, who is the owner of the brand Atomic Pop Vintage, will present some of her own 60s and 70s inspired art prints, as well as some vintage goodies from her Queen Village shop.

Inside, guests are invited for special one-day AnniVIXary XV discounts. VIX will also give away its 2023 West Philly calendars to each customer, while supplies last.

“Thanks to all of our supporters for 15 great years on Baltimore Avenue!,” VIX owner and long-time West Craft Fest organizer Emily Dorn wrote in a special email message. Continue Reading

A Black Holiday Pop-up Market is now open at 26 S. 52nd St. (Photo courtesy of The Enterprise Center).

As you plan your holiday shopping, be sure to stop by the Black Holiday Pop-Up Market on 52nd Street just south of Market.

Hosted by The Enterprise Center, the market located in a retail space at 26 S. 52nd St. offers everything from art and jewelry to books and skin and healthcare products from more than 30 Black-owned businesses and Black creators. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The pop-up market runs through Jan. 15. Continue Reading

The Office of City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive for youth in the Third District, which encompasses West and Southwest Philadelphia. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are accepted through Friday, Dec. 17 at City Hall, Room 586 (1400 JFK Blvd.). Check out the flier below with more information.

Donations of toys and other items are also welcome at various West Philly-based non-profit organizations working with families and youth, such as Achievability, People’s Emergency Center, and Families Forward.

Click to enlarge

UPDATE: The Holiday Craft Fest has been postponed until Sunday, Dec. 12.

West Holiday Craft Fest will return this Saturday Sunday after last year’s pandemic-related hiatus. This year, the popular arts and crafts festival will be held at a new, outdoor location in University City, since large gatherings are still limited at The Rotunda, where the fest was held in the past. The 2021 Holiday Craft Fest will be held at the LAWN and Pivot Park, located at 37th and Filbert Streets, just north of Market (see map).

VIX Emporium, the longtime organizer of the fest, has recently shared more details about the Fest, where folks are invited to shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts. Continue Reading