Holiday Hooplah: Festive Finds & Seasonal Deals in West

Festive events, seasonal dining, and special offers, oh my! However you’re spending the winter season, there’s plenty to explore. Read on to discover what’s new in University City.

A customer peruses items for sale at an outdoor market at Blackhound Clay West

Live performances, seasonal dining, winter shopping, and neighborhood specials await! Scroll through each section to discover what’s new this season in University City & West Philadelphia.

A customer peruses items for sale at an outdoor market at Blackhound Clay West
A woman shopping at an indoor holiday marekt
west philly bazaar holiday market flyer
A customer peruses items for sale at an outdoor market at Blackhound Clay West
Two people at an outdoor market, smiling and waving at the camera, selling christmas gifts
A customer peruses items for sale at an outdoor market at Blackhound Clay West

6 Seasonal Markets to Check Out This Winter

Discover multiple ways to support small businesses and shop local throughout the season! Whether you’re picking up gifts, treating yourself, or checking off your list, every stop helps strengthen our neighborhood community.

Holiday Bizarre, Indoor Flea Market, and Krampus at The Rotunda

Dec. 7 | 11 AM – 3 PM

Stop by The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) and join Animal ACTivists of Philly at their FOURTH annual Holiday Bizarre! Free vegan snacks, hot cocoa, holiday music, amazing bargains, all benefiting a local sanctuary for animals.

St. Ignatius Christmas Village Pop-Up Shop

Dec. 7 | 11 AM – 2 PM

St. Ignatius Church (617 N. 43rd Street.) is hosting a Pop-Up Christmas Village! Guests can take part in the Annual Holiday Raffle, with prizes including $1,000, $200, and a Basket of Cheer. Vendor tables are available for $40, and community members are invited to stop by, shop local, and celebrate the season.

West Philly Bizarre Pop-Up Market

Dec. 13 | 1 PM – 8 PM

West Philly Bizarre’s inaugural Holiday Market, hosted at Calvary Center (48th and Baltimore), is where you can explore 30+ local vendors and discover unique gifts for anyone on your list. Expect food and beverages for sale, seating to hang out, and no entry fee!

Black Hound Clay Night Market

Dec. 12 | 5 PM – 8 PM

Join Black Hound Clay West (715 South 50th Street) for an indoor/outdoor night market! Hang out inside the studio for a cozy evening, hang out by the fire pit for s’mores, and of course,  buy beautiful handmade things made in-house at the studio.

West Craft Fest

Dec. 13 & 14

Experience two days of local, handmade shopping, featuring 50 different vendors each day at the West Craft Fest! Shoppers can browse handmade ceramics, jewelry, prints, textiles, home goods, and seasonal treats outside Black Hound Clay (715 South 50th Street).

Black Hound Clay Night Market

Saturdays in December

Holiday shopping just got a festive upgrade. The Gather Food Hall (3025 Market St.) Holiday Market returns with handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and plenty of holiday cheer, all under one roof. Join them on Saturdays: Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13 & Dec 20 | 12–5 PM and make it a weekend tradition.

Promotional image of gift cards at Hair Vyce Studio
Hands holding a Haraz Coffee branded cup, the drink its yellow, topped with espresso, and topped with whipped cream
A diverse group of women wearing pink athletic clothes, pose and stretch in front of a pink backdrop.
People smiling while participating in a plant workshop
Promotional image of gift cards at Hair Vyce Studio
Bakers working behind the counter at Four World Bakery

West Philly Holiday Gift Guide: Deals, Giftcards and More

Holiday shopping just got easier with the West Philly Holiday Gift Guide: your one-stop spot for seasonal finds, thoughtful gifts, and limited-time offers across the neighborhood. Explore everything from festive food and drink specials to unique gifts, services, and experiences, all in one easy place. Scroll on to discover ways to shop this holiday season!

Holiday Deals at Haraz Coffee House

3421 Chestnut St

For the month of December, swing by Haraz Coffee House to buy $100 gift card get $10 gift card for free, spend $50 for a tumbler and choice of your coffee or chai bag in a custom tote, or spend $50 half dozen donuts and box of chai or coffee for the holidays.

Discount for New Pink Gym Members

4112 Lancaster Ave

Visit The Pink Gym (opening soon!) for an exclusive deal! Special introductory rates for the first 25 new members. Contact Contact@thepinkgymphilly.com to see if you’re eligible!

Holiday Drinks at Plant & People

3952 Lancaster Ave

The holiday season is in full swing at Plant and People! From now through December 31, you’ll find signature holiday beverages at the cafe and $5 Plants for Hurricane Relief for Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.

Extended Hours at Vix Emporium

5009 Baltimore Ave

Get your shopping done with VIX Emporium! Now open EVERY day through Christmas with extended holiday hours! Mondays through Fridays 11 AM to 7 PM*, Saturdays and Sundays 10 to 6. *Closing at 4 PM on Christmas Eve. Closed December 25 – January 1, but open limited hours Dec. 27 and 28th!

Hair Vyce Studio Offers Gift Cards, 10% off students

4828 Baltimore Ave

Give the gift of beauty this year! Hair Vyce Studio  is offering gift cards for the holidays, available both in-person and online. Guests can also look forward to a 10% off discount, for any student (or teacher!) with a valid, student ID.

Sweet Deals at Four Worlds Bakery

4634 Woodland Ave

Stock up on something sweet this season with Four Worlds Bakerynow offering 20% off online gift cards through 12/31 with code DEC2025. It’s an easy, feel-good gift for anyone who loves a good treat.

A chaperone engages with a group of children participating in a Kwanza craft event.
A group of people stand and pose with the Grinch
A group of people sit at an outdoor bonfire, smiling and facing the camera. They all wear winter gear.
The owner of Jezabels Cafe Philly leads a cooking class
A chaperone engages with a group of children participating in a Kwanza craft event.
An image of a classic gingerbread house, decorated with icing and candy
A group of performers in a grand room/ they carry large instruments

Seasonal Events in Our Neighborhood

Discover ways to get out, connect, and enjoy the season through events happening throughout the neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for something festive, creative, or just a reason to gather, every event is a chance to support and engage with our local community.

Cocoa and Crafts with the Grinch at Trolley Portal Gardens

December 13 | 11 AM to 1 PM 

Join UCD at Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Baltimore) for a FREE presentation of festive fun the whole family can enjoy! We’re gearing up for hands-on holiday crafts perfect for kids (and kids-at-heart). The Grinch will be making a special appearance, DJ AfrVbz will keep the energy high with music and dancing, and to keep everyone cozy, we’ll be offering complimentary hot chocolate from Renata’s Kitchen!

 

4th Annual Holiday Fest at uCity Square

Dec. 11 | 4 PM – 8 PM

The uCity Square Holiday Fest is back for an evening of holiday fun for all ages including West Philly’s only tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, live music, gift shopping with local vendors, a special Craft N Sip, s’mores, a special uCity Square Beer Garden, and more!

 

Making Alfajores for Christmas

Dec. 13 | 3 PM – 5 PM

Discover the indulgent flavors of Argentina with Jezabel’s Cafe (206-208 S 45th St.) during their hands-on Alfajores Class! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this class is perfect for anyone looking to learn and master the art of making delicious alfajores from scratch. BYOB optional!

Kwanzaa Celebration at Penn Museum

Dec. 28 | 11 AM – 4 PM

Connect with community, celebrate African American culture, and create lasting memories with your family during this festival of vibrant traditions, inspiring performances, and family fun at Penn Museum (3260 South St). Enjoy captivating performances from Karen Smith Drumming and violinist Owen Valentine. Experience meaningful traditions, explore a marketplace with local artisans, and enjoy storytelling, music, and dance. Plus, handmade Zawadi gifts for all!

Handmade Holidays at Bartrams Garden

Dec. 6 | 11 AM – 3 PM 

Join Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) for their annual celebration of winter, local artists and makers, and community. Visitors can enjoy the annual pie competition with a $150 grand prize, live stilt walking by Sistah Mafalda, DIY wreathmaking, free s’mores and hot cocoa, and an open house at the historic Bartram House!

Explore Performances at Penn Live Arts

Multiple Dates in December

Explore two festive holiday performances at Penn Live Arts this season. Ring in the season with jazz diva Dianne Reeves on Dec 7 as she brings her spellbinding vocals to holiday favorites in an unforgettable evening of music. Then, Irish Christmas in America returns on December 19 for the first time since 2017 with a special 20th anniversary show!