With the holiday season upon us, a big part of the festivities comes in the form of gift-giving. And if you’re looking for some localized love in the form of creative trinkets, tasty treats, and just all-around Philly experiences, we have the perfect guide for you.
Miracle on American Street
Taking place on Nov. 18, this event from NextFab and Olde Kensington Boutique will be in full swing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring local and handmade gifts from over 100 Philadelphia-based artists and makers plus, demonstrations, and make-and-take activities for the whole family.
Food and drinks will be provided by local vendors, including Sor Ynez, and visitors can also participate in meeting the makers in their studio spaces, jewelry making, s’mores fire pits and a make-your-own-ornaments area. If you can’t make the event but still want the scoop on localized gift options, Philadelphians can also check out NextFab’s annual Gift Guide.
The Gift Guide showcases the talent of local artisans and encourages the public to shop local and handmade, a release states. It will feature over 50 businesses that work out of NextFab and showcase over 170 products.
1800 N American St., nextfab.com
Hanukkah Makers Market
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is offering a new holiday shopping event for the 2023 season. The inaugural Hannukah Makers Market will be in full swing on Sunday, Nov. 19, and will feature some of the Museum Store’s top artisans and creators popping up with some unique fare.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will also be fresh baked goods for sale from Second Daughter Baking Company along with free hot apple cider and apple-filled sufganiyot (doughnuts) for the first 40 guests, thanks to Neuman’s Kitchen, a release states. There is no cost to attend and the Museum Store will offer a gift with purchases, while supplies last. All Museum Store proceeds benefit the Museum’s mission to “teach the powerful and true stories of Jewish life in America as an antidote to antisemitism.”
101 S. Independence Mall E, theweitzman.org
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Back for another year in front of City Hall, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is back to coincide with Christmas Village and offer plenty of localized items for purchase.
And as a release states, the event will also be syncing up for the first time with the opening of the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink on Nov. 10. Once open, visitors will have the opportunity to shop goods and gifts that can’t be found at the usual shopping mall from artwork, home goods, ornaments, sweets, food gifts, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, candles and more.
After exploring the large selection of local vendors, hungry shoppers can additionally enjoy Philly Phamous Foods for some fan favorites, like roast pork sandwiches, locally crafted sodas and other snacks.
Penn Museum Shop
Philadelphians can shop artisanal gifts inspired by the Penn Museum’s world-renowned collections (think everything from jewelry and toys to homeware and global delicacies) with an extra special gift by using the code Holiday2023!10! online or mentioning the sale in person at The Shop. By doing that, everyone receives 10% off of regularly priced merchandise from Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 31.
3260 South St., penn.museum
Julmarknad at the American Swedish Historical Museum
Julmarknad, aka a Swedish Christmas Market, will be offering a large selection of Scandinavian food, gifts, and holiday decorations on top of live music and other live performances this winter season in Philly.
This particular activation will be in full swing on Dec. 3 and 4, and during the market, shoppers can also experience the Lucia children’s program at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday admission is $5 for non-member adults (12 and up) and free for members and children under 12. Sunday admission is free for all visitors, Philadelphians can pre-purchase tickets online or at the gate, a release finishes.
1900 Pattison Ave., americanswedish.org
Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar
Taking place Nov. 18 and 19, this year’s Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar will be held at The Event Center at Rivers Casino, and will feature 80 curated craft vendors selling handmade goods, plus, Pay As You Go Make + Takes with Nimble Craft, The Craft Coven, and Handmade by Melissa. That weekend, food and drinks will be available from Bourbon & Branch and High Fidelity Bakery (both vegan and non-vegan options available) as well.
Plus, 75 free event Tote Bags will also be given out at 11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m., each day, and visitors can also check out the free raffle table for their chance to win an item donated by a participating vendor while there.
1001 N Delaware Ave., artstarphilly.com
