Philadelphia is a city that truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering a unique blend of festive charm and diverse shopping experiences that make it a top destination for holiday gift hunting. From the historic streets of Old City to the trendy boutiques in Fishtown, the City of Brotherly Love boasts a wealth of local shops, art galleries, and seasonal markets where you can find everything from one-of-a-kind artisan goods to cutting-edge fashion and gourmet treats. Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift for a loved one or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, Philadelphia's vibrant shopping scene is sure to inspire. In this holiday shopping guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the city's best places to find unique, memorable gifts, ensuring your holiday season is filled with both great finds and festive fun.
Gifts of Experiences and Services
Giving experiences or special services as gifts for the holidays offers a refreshing alternative to traditional material presents, allowing recipients to create lasting memories instead of accumulating more things. Whether it’s tickets to a concert, a cooking class, a weekend getaway, or a spa day, experiences provide the gift of time spent together or the opportunity to try something new and exciting. People also appreciate receiving gift cards for services to make their lives easier! Unlike physical gifts that can lose their appeal over time, experiences often stay with people long after the event has passed, sparking nostalgia and shared stories. This thoughtful approach to gifting emphasizes connection and personalization, showing that you value someone's interests and want to give them something meaningful beyond just an item. Plus, experiences often foster moments of joy and bonding, making them the perfect way to celebrate the holiday spirit. Here are some businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas that would make great experience or service gifts:
Capture the special moments that matter most with a family photographer who understands the essence of connection. From candid smiles to cherished milestones, Liz Baronofsky will preserve your family's memories for years to come. With a personalized approach, B Philly Photography makes every session feel effortless, fun, and unforgettable. Let me help you tell your family's unique story through stunning, timeless photography.
“My daughter absolutely loves dancing at Ballet SUNMI. Ms. Sunmi is an excellent teacher. She is the perfect combination of caring, fun, and thorough! My daughter comes home filled with confidence and joy. I can not recommend this studio enough.” - Ballet SUNMI parent
Dive into the holidays! Give the gift of swim lessons. It's a life long gift of confidence that keeps on giving. Holiday gift cards available, purchase $100 and get 10% free, or purchase $200 and get 15% free. Gift cards are good for one year and can be used for group swim lessons, private swim lessons, or towards birthday parties or other fun events. Please call 856-751-KIDS for more information.
Our experienced team offers postpartum doula services, nanny placement and babysitting services in the Philadelphia area. Local and family owned for over eleven years. All of our team are thoroughly vetted. Please contact andi@sitterselect.com or visit our website, www.sitterselect.com, for more information.
We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor sensory-based playground for children of all abilities to play, learn and grow together. We offer Open Play, Classes, Events, Birthday Parties and a unique retail shop. Support small businesses this holiday season and give the gift of an experience with Open Play passes to We Rock! Give us a follow to find all we have to offer @wrts_nephilly.
Holiday Shopping Markets in Philly
Philadelphia's holiday markets are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere. These markets are a wonderful way to support local artisans and small businesses while finding one-of-a-kind treasures that reflect the spirit of Philadelphia. Whether you’re strolling through the outdoor markets or visiting the cozy indoor ones, the holiday markets provide an enchanting shopping experience that blends tradition, creativity, and community. Here are some of the Holiday Markets offered in Philadelphia:
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market: November 15th - January 1st
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday: 12pm - 8pm
Friday - Saturday: 12pm - 9pm
Thanksgiving: 9am - 5pm
Christmas Eve: 12pm - 5pm
This Dilworth Park Market focuses on Philly-made gifts, including jewelry, candles, artwork, etc. There is also ice skating at the Rothman Rink, The Wintergarden, and great treats in the cabin!
Philadelphia Christmas Village: November 23rd - December 24th
HOURS: Sun – Thu: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Thanksgiving Day (November 28th): 9:00am – 5:00pm
Christmas Eve (December 24th): 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Closed: November 25th – November 27th
This open-air maze of pop-up shops in LOVE Park has become a Philadelphia shopping tradition! Modeled after German Christmas markets, this month long market features dozens of vendors in wooden booths selling all kinds of holiday wares! There is also live music, wine tastings, weekly story times, and more! And you can't leave the Christmas Village without sampling some of the great food!
HOURS: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Shop local at the Cherry Street Pier Artist and Artisans Holiday Markets, held on select Saturdays! You'll be sure to find something unique for that someone special on your list!
Made @ BOK Small Business Saturday Market: November 30th
HOURS: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Shop pottery, jewerly, textiles, beauty products, and more at the BOK Small Business Saturday Market! Support the local Bok artists and designers by buying gifts made by them right here in Philly!
Lucia and Christmas Market: December 2nd and 3rd
HOURS: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Held at the American Swedish Historical Museum, you can shop for Swedish crafts, decorations, food and more at this outdoor holiday market! You can also enjoy the Lucia processions at 11:30 and 2:00 and live music throughout the day!
Happy Holidays from ROX: December 6th and 7th
HOURS: December 6th hours: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
December 7th hours: 12:00pm - 6:00pm
The second day of this 2 day celebration will feature a Pop-Up Holiday Market with plenty of vendors to shop from! Don't miss Santa on the fire truck at 3:00!
Handmaid Holidays at Bartram's Garden: December 7th
HOURS: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Head to the Garden for the annual celebration of local artists and makers! Check out the local artisan and vendor marketplace, then get your gifts wrapped at the gift-wrapping station! Roast s'mores, enter the pie-baking contest, sing your favorite holiday songs, and gather for Christmas storytime and free book giveaway!
West Craft Fest: December 14th and 15th
HOURS: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Shop over 60 local makers at Saturday's fest, then a new and different line-up on Sunday! The market, held at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, features local wares handmade with care! This is West Philadelphia's biggest art and craft event so don't miss it!
Northern Liberties Holiday Shopping Stroll and Vendor Market: December 14th and 15th
Hours: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Shop local and win prizes at the Northern Liberties Holiday Shopping Stroll and Vendor Market! There will be local vendors to shop at, a chance to win raffle prizes, and family friendly activities at the Laser Philly's Winter Wonderland. You can start at the Holiday Pop Up Market at the Old Heritage Building (914 N. 2nd St) to pick up a map and punch card.
Homemade Gift Ideas
Giving homemade holiday gifts adds a personal, heartfelt touch to the season that store-bought presents can’t quite match. Whether it's a batch of freshly baked cookies, a hand-knitted scarf, or a jar of homemade jam, these gifts show thoughtfulness and effort, making them even more meaningful to the recipient. Homemade gifts often carry sentimental value, as they reflect the giver’s time, creativity, and care. They can also be tailored to suit the individual tastes and preferences of the person receiving them, ensuring a truly unique and personalized present. In addition, crafting a homemade gift can be a fun, fulfilling activity that brings people closer together—whether you're baking with family, crafting with friends, or simply getting lost in a creative project. In a world of mass-produced items, a homemade gift stands out as a symbol of love and connection, making it a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Here are some ideas for some easy and affordable homemade gifts:
Bath Bombs: Check out this easy bath bomb recipe, courtesy of Abeautifulmess.com
Homemade Winter Wreaths: It is really simple to make homemade winter wreaths, and you can even lower costs for this project by shopping at the Dollar Tree or other discount store. Check out this video giving examples of simple wreaths created with discount materials for some inspiration!
Photo Ornaments: Turn your friends and families favorite photos into precious Christmas ornaments using these instructions from 5minutesformom.com.
Sugar Scrubs: Treat the special woman in your life with this homemade sugar scrub! This recipe from thehealthymaven.com is all natural and you can scent it to your liking!
Baked Goods: Who doesn't love holiday cookies, cakes, pies or chocolates? Whip up some of these ideas from Food Network for some great homemade gifts that anyone would love!
Candles: Did you know you can make simple handmade candles at home in 20 minutes? Check out these instructions from livesimply.com!
Homemade Family Recipe Book: Do you have a box of family recipes just gathering dust? Put them together in a homemade book or recipe card holder for family members to appreciate for years to come.
Hot Chocolate Bombs: These are all the rage and so easy to make yourself! Here is an easy recipe from thekitchn.com.
As the holiday season approaches, the joy of giving is enhanced by thoughtful shopping that reflects both the spirit of the season and the unique personalities of those we love. Whether you’re exploring Philadelphia’s charming markets, finding treasures in local boutiques, buying the gift of an experience or a gift card for a needed service, or crafting homemade gifts, there are countless ways to make this holiday season memorable. Remember, the best gifts are those that come from the heart, whether it's a carefully selected item or a shared experience. By supporting local businesses, embracing creativity, and focusing on meaningful connections, you can spread cheer and make this holiday season truly special. Happy shopping, and may your holidays be filled with joy, warmth, and unforgettable moments!
