Get into the holiday spirit with a lunch cruise from the Spirit of Philadelphia. Cruise the Delaware River for two hours while you enjoy beautiful waterfront views of Philly, a delicious menu, and an afternoon of fun. Spirit Cruises are all carefully climate controlled, so you don’t have to worry about getting chilly! On December 9th and 10th Santa will be cruising on Spirit with you, ready to take photos and hear all about your Christmas wishes. Tickets start at $36.90 (not including alcohol) and can be purchased online. Cruises board at 11:30 a.m. and depart from Penn’s Landing.

www.spiritcruises.com/philadelphia

Good news for Philadelphia residents: this year, you don’t have to wait two weeks to dispose of your trash and recyclables if your collection falls on Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25). Set out your materials to be picked up on the following day – Saturday, Dec. 26. Fri, Jan. 1 collections will be picked up on Saturday, Jan. 2. UPDATE: Stay tuned for information on how to recycle your Christmas tree and waste from celebrations and presents.

Also, SEPTA has released its Holiday schedule. There will be some changes starting Thursday, Dec. 24 and through Friday, Jan. 1:

Thursday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve

• City Buses and Trolleys will operate on a modified weekday schedule. Amended timetables are available online at: http://www.septa.org/schedules/modified/modified-holiday-schedules.html.
• Suburban Buses, Trolley Routes 101/102 (Media Sharon Hill Lines), and the Norristown High Speed Line will operate on normal weekday schedules.
• On Regional Rail, a Midday Schedule providing earlier service from Center City will operate on selected trains. For details, go to: http://www.septa.org/schedules/rail/special/christmas-eve.html.
• The Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines will operate with overnight train service Dec. 24 into Dec. 25.

Friday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day: All SEPTA services will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule.  Continue Reading

Each holiday season, we encourage folks to do more of their gift shopping locally. You can buy some unique gifts here, from arts and crafts to clothing to jewelry to locally made food and drinks to gift cards from a variety of local businesses. We also want to remind that books make wonderful holiday gifts, and we have several great, independently-owned bookstores in the area that need your support.

This piece, written for West Philly Local by award-winning writer Emma Eisenberg almost four years ago, might persuade you to buy books at local stores instead of Amazon. Many stores have special holiday hours and are holding holiday sales this month, so when doing your holiday gift shopping please don’t forget to stop by and check them out:

• Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th St.) is offering 25% off selected Random House titles, including new fiction, biography, history, cookbooks and more. Become a frequent buyer and get a $10.00 credit every time you spent $100.00. Open Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave) is open daily, Noon until 7 p.m. (except Sundays when it closes at 5) through and Thursday, Dec. 24. The store will be receiving new shipments twice weekly (generally Tuesday and Friday), and special orders are welcome. Special orders received by the end of the day on Dec. 20 (Sunday) will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Feel free to call 215-662-5780.

• House of Our Own (3920 Spruce St) – Open Mon-Thu 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. E-mail: hooo@verizon.net or call 215-222-1576.

• The Last Word Book Shop (220 S. 40th St) – Open daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more info call 215-386-7750.  Continue Reading

There are tons of festive events happening in the area this weekend, including one of the biggest local shopping events of the year, a new restaurant grand opening party, a craft show opening, a big FREE holiday family event, a dance party supporting a local non-profit, and more. More information about these and other upcoming events is below. If you want to buy a Christmas tree or holiday wreaths, greens and decorations this weekend, check out this post. For local gift ideas and more holiday shopping opportunities, visit our “Buy Local for the Holidays” page.

Friday, Dec. 4

• University City Arts League Holiday Craft Show Opening Reception, 6 – 8 p.m., 4226 Spruce St.

Thirty local artists will present their wares—just in time for the holidays! This is a great opportunity to shop for hand-made gifts for you and the whole family, such as cards, pottery, soaps, t-shirts, and more! Complimentary drinks and eats will be offered while you shop during the opening reception this Friday. The Craft Show is open daily Dec. 4-20. Monday-Friday, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Closing reception will take place on Dec. 20, 4-6 p.m. The list of 2015 vendors is available here.

• Clarkville Grand Opening Party, 5 p.m., 43rd and Baltimore

New Baltimore Avenue bar and restaurant, Clarkville, is opening this Friday. The grand opening party kicks off at 5 p.m.

• West Philly jeweler Amy Neukrug presents her holiday collection at Hello World, 5 – 9 p.m., 3610 Sansom St.

• The Bald Soprano opens at Curio Theatre, 8 p.m., 48th and Baltimore  Continue Reading

There are a few efforts in the area to help neighbors in need during the holidays. Recently, we wrote about the annual Cedar Park Holiday Food Drive. Here are two more opportunities to help out:

Holiday Drive at Local 44 (44th and Spruce)

Get into the Holiday Spirit by donating new and unwrapped toys or personal care items for the People’s Emergency Center, a West Philly shelter offering support services to women and children. Click here for a list of most wanted items. Drop off your donations in the Bottle Shop through Dec. 18.

Winter Coat and Book Drive at Renewal Presbyterian Church (47th and Cedar)

Winter coat and book drive benefits Cradles to Crayons, a local charity that serves communities in the Philadelphia area. With cold weather on the way, there is an urgent need for coats, socks, gloves, and PJs for children of all ages. Only new and gently used items are accepted. Donations can be dropped off between 8:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Renewal Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of 47th and Cedar Ave. You can also contact Jeannette Bennicelli (jbennice[at]mail.med.upenn.edu) and bring donations to her house (now until Dec. 20).

“Whenever possible, I like to purchase the things I need at locally-owned shops. And certainly, from croissants to crescent wrenches, beer to books, we’ve got businesses right here in West Philly where we can buy the things we need.”

– Michael Froehlich, President of Cedar Park Neighbors & Co-founder of the
West Philly Tool Library

“Shopping local is a way to keep more of your dollars in your own community, rather than add more strength to giant multinational companies. Dollars spent at a “mom and pop” directly support a local family, who then support other local businesses… Shopping local is a vote for individualism, creativity, sustainability and independence.”

– Emily Dorn, owner of VIX Emporium

“Shopping locally for the holidays means you can find something truly unique for everyone on your list – while supporting your local community.“

– Annie Baum-Stein, Milk and Honey Market

West Philly Local encourages residents to support local businesses by doing as much of their holiday shopping as possible in their neighborhood. You can buy gifts, locally produced food items, dine/book a holiday party or pamper yourself or loved ones for the holidays at a bunch of West Philly businesses. By shopping locally you keep your money where you live.

West Philly Local is also a local business and this campaign is part of our effort to help other local businesses thrive. But we are a very small part of this. You have the power to make your neighborhood a great place to live.

Our campaign partners share our commitment to sustainable neighborhood businesses. Check out their holiday messages below and please consider shopping local this holiday season.

Holiday Specials on Lancaster and Baltimore Avenues – Saturday, Dec. 5, 12-5 p.m.

http://www.lancasteravephilly.com

Click to enlarge

Aksum Café (4630 Baltimore Avenue)

Aksum is one of Philadelphia’s favorite BYOB restaurants, featuring a bright Mediterranean menu with an eclectic array of healthful, seasonal and delicious fare for both dinner and weekend brunch. Holiday parties, weekly events, and much more – all located at 4630 Baltimore Avenue.

We are offering 15% off for the holidays for a party of 12 people or larger. This offering is good for Sunday to Thursday dinner.

Baltimore Avenue Business Association

http://www.BABAWestPhilly.org

There’s more to explore on Baltimore Avenue. You never know what’s in store! Find a bookstore, pet boutique, co-op grocery, game store, restaurants, cafés, artisan’s gallery, art gallery, shared office space, studio space, pharmacy, theater, brewery, bicycles, ice cream, tacos, hair styling and more. The Baltimore Avenue businesses invite their neighbors to invest in the future of the neighborhood by shopping the Avenue. BABA, the Baltimore Avenue Business Association, is a group of businesses located on Baltimore Avenue. Start exploring now on www.BABAWestPhilly.org.

You’re invited to our Seasonal Shopping Special – The Baltimore-Lancaster Avenue Shoppers’ Trolley (BLAST) – on Saturday, Dec. 5, 12-5 p.m. Featuring: great gifts and discounts galore from dozens of local businesses and free trolley shuttle service between Baltimore Avenue and Lancaster Avenue. Check out the event flier for more details.

Greensgrow West (4912 Baltimore Avenue), Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland Street)

http://www.greensgrow.org/locations/greensgrow-west/

Greensgrow West Customer Appreciation & BLAST Shopping Day! 10% Off 
December 5 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thank you for a wonderful year at Greensgrow West! Enjoy 10% off select greens, wreaths, and winter decorations, complimentary tea, cocoa and cookies. Free trolley shuttle service between Baltimore and Lancaster Avenues!

Subaru Arctic Blast at Greensgrow Farms: December 4th–13th
Monday–Friday • 2–8pm | Saturday & Sunday • 10am–5pm

Join us on the farm for 10 days of fun holiday activities and workshops. The event kicks off with our annual Customer Appreciation Happy Hour and holiday lighting on the farm on December 4. The farm will be stocked with fresh cut holiday trees, wreaths, greens and gifts and we are open till 8 during the week for holiday shoppers. For kids, we are going to be making snow to play in everyday (weather permitting) and offering free make and take activities! Don’t miss the Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar on the weekends for a great array of handmade gifts from local makers and crafters. Plus, live music and ice sculpture!

Hello World (3610 Sansom Street)

Click to enlarge

http://shophelloworld.com/

Spruce Hill Jeweler and Center City Boutique team up in West Philadelphia!

Hello World is proud to offer the jewelry design, restringing and repair services of popular West Philly jeweler Amy Neukrug. In addition to Amy’s jewelry, Hello World in its new location at 3610 Sansom St (in the rear of the Penn Bookstore) has expanded its well-known mix of home and fashion accessories. Stop in Monday through Friday 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. till 5 p.m.

Renata’s Kitchen (4533 Baltimore Avenue)

http://www.renataskitchenphilly.com/

Happy Holidays from Renata’s Kitchen!

Brand new gift cards are in stock and ready to be gifted! Cookies, Cakes, and Breads will be made to order for holiday gifts, and catering is always available for large and small holiday parties. Check our Faceboook and Twitter page for more specials and events as the Holiday Season approaches.

Lil’ Pop Shop (265 S. 44th Street)

www.lilpopshop.com/

Lil’ Pop Shop’s unique ice pops are hand-crafted in small batches from a seasonal assortment of fresh, natural, locally-sourced ingredients. This winter, in addition to our delicious pops, we have fresh baked cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats to go with the richest hot chocolate in town! Need a stocking stuffer or hostess gift? Pick up a gift card or amazing chocolate from Askinose or homemade confections like marshmallows or meringue kisses. We will be closed from December 24th through January 3rd, reopening January 4th!

Local 44/Bottle Shop (4333 Spruce Street)

www.local44beerbar.com

Holiday Shopping at the Bottle Shop
Obviously, we take an official diplomatic position on BEER being the best gift you can give for just about any occasion… but we concede that there are some good reasons to indulge in other (beer related) giftables! Check out the entire selection of new and unique beer gifts—so much great stuff! Have a really hard to please person on your list? Our favorite liquid solves all shopping needs. Come in to browse the full selection!

Annual Holiday Drive
Help us get into the Holiday Spirit by donating new and unwrapped toys or personal care items for the People’s Emergency Center, a West Philly shelter offering support services to women and children. Drop off your donations in the Bottle Shop now thru December 18! For a list of most needed items, visit http://www.local44beerbar.com/upcomingevents.htm

Santa Visits the Bottle Shop
Grab your kid, grab your camera and come thirsty! This is our favorite event of the whole year! Saturday, Dec. 12 from Noon-3 p.m., hang with your neighbors, grab a beer and let your kiddos discuss their behavior with the man in sassy red satin.

Christmas Eve Eve Open House Happy Hour
Local 44 is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so that we can spend the holiday with our friends and families. But you’re our family to, so what do we do? Join us December 23 (Christmas Eve Eve) for an all day Open House featuring $3 local beers and a whole lot of merriment!

SAVE THE DATE: Local 44 Turns 7 Years Old
January 1, 2016… Something awesome this way comes. Stay tuned!

Mariposa Food Co-op (4824 Baltimore Avenue)

www.mariposa.coop/

Founded in 1971, Mariposa Food Co-op is a neighborhood grocery store that strives to provide residents of West Philadelphia and beyond with access to and information about food, especially healthy, locally-grown or otherwise sustainably-produced products. Open to the public, we are owned and democratically-controlled by our members — your neighbors in West Philly! Learn more about Mariposa membership by visiting www.mariposa.coop/join.

This holiday season, shop our Holiday Shopping Guides for seasonal food items and unique gifts.

Milk & Honey Market (4435 Baltimore Avenue)

http://www.milkandhoneymarket.com

Shopping locally for the holidays means you can find something truly unique for everyone on your list – while supporting your local community.

We have an expanded selection of locally produced gifts for foodies, home brewers, hosts, hostesses and even kids.

Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th Street)

http://www.pennbookcenter.com

Visit Penn Book Center for the holidays! We are your local, independently-owned bookstore, offering 25% off selected Random House titles including new fiction, biography, history, cookbooks and more. Become a frequent buyer and get a $10.00 credit every time you spent $100.00.

The sale starts on November 30th, Cider Monday. Enjoy hot cider and holiday treats as you spend a cozy Monday buying responsibly by shopping locally.

Check out our website for information about new books, events and much more.

Penn Museum Shop (3260 South Street)

http://www.penn.museum/visit/museum-shop

Penn Museum Shop: Holiday Shopping for a World Heritage City

If you haven’t been to the Penn Museum Shop in a while, you’re in for a surprise. Newly renovated and recently featured in Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine, the Shop boasts a colorful, fresh new look and a wide range of unique gifts from around the world, many via fair trade partnerships for the craftspeople.

International clothing, accessories and jewelry, pottery, statuary, crafts, books, and toys speak to the many cultures in the Museum’s renowned galleries. New for the upcoming exhibition, The Golden Age of King Midas—featuring ancient treasures from Turkey—the Shop offers a selection of colorful Turkish pottery, mini-Oriental rugs designed as elegant mouse pads and coasters, and more.

Entry to the Penn Museum Shop is always free. The Penn Museum is at 3260 South Street, across from Franklin Field. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open to 8:00 p.m. the first Wednesdays of the month. Information: http://www.penn.museum/visit/museum-shop

University City Arts League (4226 Spruce Street)

Click to enlarge

http://www.ucartsleague.org

The University City Arts League is a community arts and education center that offers arts classes for all ages. In addition to weekly adults arts and design classes, and outreach programs in neighborhood schools, the Arts League offers a popular After School Arts Program and Summer Arts camp for school-aged children. UCAL’s contemporary gallery features monthly exhibitions presenting the work of contemporary artists.

UCAL’s annual Holiday Crafts Show features hand-crafted one-of-a-kind gifts by 30 local artists. This year’s show runs from December 4th -20th and and supports the work of local artists and crafts people. Open daily, Monday-Friday 5 – 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 – 6 p.m., with an opening reception on Friday December 4th from 6-8 p.m., and a closing reception on Sunday December 20th from 4-6 p.m.

VIX Emporium (5009 Baltimore Avenue)

http://www.vixemporium.com/

VIX Emporium is West Philly’s go-to spot for unique, locally made gifts and cards. Everything is produced by over 200 independent artists, craftspeople and small businesses, primarily from the Philadelphia area. The mix at VIX includes artisan jewelry, functional handmade ceramics, home wares, art prints, accessories, natural bath & body products, candles, baby gifts, holiday decorations and more. The storefront itself, a former 1940s millinery with original built-in cabinetry, inspired the Emporium’s name — VIX (with a bar over the V) is the Roman numeral for 5009, its Baltimore Avenue address.