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The Best Philly Holiday Markets for Unique, Local Gifts

Skip the mall and shop local! Here’s where to get in the spirit with fantastic holiday markets.

Thanksgiving has passed and now it’s time to deck the halls, start shopping, and celebrate the season. No matter who you have to shop for, you’re sure to find something special and one-of-a-kind at the many Philly holiday markets around town.

 

While some markets are just for the day, others bring a whole month of merriness! And even if you don’t have much shopping to do, they are the perfect places to check out our local arts scene, enjoy some holiday treats, and spend time with family. Here are our favorites.

Christmas Village

November 19-December 24

Love Park, 1500 Arch Street

 

To call this just a holiday market is a great injustice, because this is basically a month of holiday cheer in the middle of Philadelphia. Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, this annual market features over 80 vendors in wooden booths selling authentic European food, ornaments, crafts, clothing, and more from all over the world. In addition to the amazing assortment of wares, there are festive events all month long including live music, storytimes, wine tastings, and even visits with Santa! They also have great food, from waffles to mulled wine (Pro tip: buy the commemorative mug for discount refills—you won’t be sorry).

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

November 19-January 1, 2023

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

 

Right outside City Hall, more than 40 local artisans, designers, crafters, and confectionaries will offer unique selections for gifts and special holiday foods. This market was designed to complement Christmas Village across the street—but only focuses on locally made gifts. Stop by after skating on the Rothman Rink and running through Wintergarden Maze! Stay after to watch the light show projected onto City Hall, and don’t miss a ride on the carousel in the courtyard. It’s even open on Christmas Eve, so you can go for last-minute shopping.

Photograph courtesy of Christmas Village in Philadelphia.

Cherry Street Pier

December 3, 10, and 17 12-5 p.m.

121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

 

Enjoy more than a dozen artists and artisans selling everything for jewelry, fine art, clothing, wellness items, snacks and more on three Saturdays in December.

West Craft Fest

December 3 and 4, 12-4 p.m.

The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.

 

Find unique holiday gifts handmade by dozens of local makers and artists. This annual West Philly fair has a great selection of accessories, jewelry, art, toys, and more. This year it takes place over two days, with different vendors each day!

HANDMADE x El Mercado Cultural

December 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St.

This indoor market includes unique gifts by local artists and craft vendors, curated this year by Cassie Renee Peña.  This year, HANDMADE will be presented in collaboration with El Mercado Cultural, a Fleisher initiative focused on sharing creative and marketing resources with Latinx entrepreneurs.

Handmade Holidays at Bartram’s Garden

December 3, 12-5 p.m.

5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Enjoy seasonal music and refreshments as you get everything you need to deck your halls—including decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, fresh evergreens and more. Plus, Holiday Marketplace vendors will be there so you get some gift shopping done too. The event also includes storytime and children’s activities, make-and-take workshops, and more festiveness.

Made @ Bok Holiday Market

 December 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

1901 S. 9th St.

Come jump start your holiday shopping or get a little something for yourself at the Made@BOK Market. Shop from slow fashion and sustainable glass blowers, to 3D printed, laser cut, hand thrown ceramics and fine crafted jewelry and more.

Eleanor Linafelt contributed to updating this article. 

Lead photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.

Contributing Writer

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