Just in time for your holiday gift shopping, the Winter Express Shoppers’ Trolley (W.E.S.T.) will return Saturday (Dec. 8), 12-5 p.m., to offer free rides along Baltimore and Lancaster Avenues. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local businesses, meet the owners and explore gift shopping and dining opportunities on the avenues.

The trolley will stop at designated shopping and dining destinations, and businesses will welcome riders with specials, promotions and giveaways, like free seasonal beverages and festive baked goods. There will be great gift shopping opportunities, discounts, and more! Get your ticket stamped at listed businesses for a discount at each one (see the full list and map here). Continue Reading

Holidays are approaching fast and if you’re looking for wreaths or greens to decorate your home, there will be a great opportunity this Saturday, Dec. 1. Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is hosting its annual Handmade Holiday Greens Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can shop for decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, fresh evergreens, and more. You can also purchase ornamental greens and roping to create your own decorations for the holiday season.

If you’re looking to buy a Christmas tree, check out these locations in West Philly (some of them also sell holiday wreaths and greens):  Continue Reading

The annual Holiday Basket Drive organized by Cedar Park Neighbors is back. This year, CPN will be partnering again with local nonprofits and various places of worship to provide food baskets to neighbors in need during this holiday season.

Last year, the organization was able to reach over 150 local families – a great testament to the community’s willingness to help others.

Just like last year, a suggested donation for this year’s drive is $36. Support at this level will provide baskets to two families. Donations can be made on this page. For other ways to donate (including bulk items), please email Michelle Lewis (mlewis1071@gmail.com).  Continue Reading

Here’s information on SEPTA’s Thanksgiving holiday service, city service changes, and closings/special hours at some local stores and cafés. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

SEPTA

• Buses, trains, and trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.
• Broad Street and Market-Frankford Line trains will operate with all-night service beginning Thursday, Nov. 22 at 12:01 a.m. Regular Owl Bus service will resume Friday, Nov. 23 at 12:01 a.m.
• On Friday, Nov. 23, Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 15, 34, and 36 and several bus routes will operate on a Modified Weekday schedule.  Continue Reading

If you’re spending the Fourth of July holiday in the city, here’s some useful information on the festivities, where you can watch the fireworks, and SEPTA service.

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks

The July 4th Concert and Fireworks will be held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Wednesday, July 4th beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event is FREE and open to the public. Guests are invited to come early and enjoy the Party on the Parkway featuring food trucks, games, activities and more! The July 4th Concert will end with Philly’s largest Wawa Welcome America fireworks show in more than a decade, according to organizers. Produced by Pyrotechico and Comcast, the show will feature new special effects and a soundtrack dedicated to love.  Continue Reading

Several Easter Egg hunts will be held this weekend – at local parks, schools, churches and libraries. Check out the list below for more details. If you know of more egg hunts happening this weekend feel free to post them in the comments section below.

Saturday, March 31

West Philly Egg Hunt with 10K eggs, West Philadelphia High School (4901 Chestnut St)

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Transform Church is hosting its first annual “Epic Easter Egg Hunt” this Saturday at West Philadelphia High School. More than 400 children between the ages of 1 to 10 years old, invited from the neighborhood and area schools are registered to attend. Youth will search for over 11,000 eggs (including 300 golden eggs) in both the outdoor field and inside the gym of the school. Additional activities including face painting, games, and prizes will be held just after the egg hunts. Event registration is still open to the public. To register, email: hello@transformphilly.church or call (484) 452-4107.  Continue Reading