An Annual Favorite: Shopping Local in Center City

In Center City alone, there are nearly 1,000 different retailers and service providers, ranging from locally-owned boutiques to national chains. From Philly-centric trinkets courtesy of shops like Open House and Verde in Midtown Village, to ethically-sourced jewelry and mystical talismans from Angela Monaco Jewelry in Rittenhouse Row, there’s a unique treasure everywhere you look. Visit our Instagram gift guides to find essential items, based on what you’re looking for!

📍 Open House, 107 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

📍 Verde, 108 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

📍 Angela Monaco Jewelry, 2001 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

At the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, over 40 local vendors have a range of handmade wares from local artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers, and more. Whether you’re looking for locally written books (Camino Books), handmade home décor (Maker Missya), or affirmation candles (State of Being Co.), there’s something for everyone on your list!

📍 Made in Philadelphia Market, Dilworth Park at the West Side of City Hall, open through January 1, 2023

Just a short stroll from the Made in Philadelphia Market is the Christmas Village in Love Park and City Hall. You’ll find thoughtfully curated international items (like holiday decor and ornaments from Käthe Wohlfahrt) to crafts made across the country and close to home. And with numerous food options, like Philly’s own Lokal Artisan Foods’ French Toast Bites and international favorites like Bratwurst, you’ll have to make time for a bite between buys!

📍 Christmas Village in Philadelphia at Love Park and City Hall, open through December 24, 2022

Everyone’s a Foodie: Enjoying an amazing meal doesn’t have to break the bank. And during Center City District Restaurant Week, everyone is a foodie! Starting January 15, over 60 of Philadelphia’s most fabulous restaurants are back with stellar prix fixe dinners starting at $40 and lunches for $20. Reservations available now through OpenTable.

Broadway Blockbusters, Here at Home: Who needs to travel to New York, when iconic tours are coming right to Ensemble Arts? From the exhilarating musical based on the music of Michael Jackson, MJ the Musical (January 8-19), to the pop-anthem-filled retelling of a classic &Juliet (March 25-April 6), you won’t want to miss next season.  Tickets available now.

Classics at America’s Oldest Theater: Coming up, the Walnut Street Theatre has classics like Driving Miss Daisy and Noël Coward's Hay Fever. Don’t miss out on these shows, all coming in the first half of next year. Tickets available now.

Spring Starting Early: Get your first sights of spring at the 2025 Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Flower Show, returning once again to the Convention Center from March 1-9. Tickets available now.

A Winter’s Day At Dilworth: From hot cocoa at the Rothman Institute Cabin to a day of skating on the Rothman Institute Ice Rink, all conveniently located in the heart of Philadelphia, there’s something for friends, families, and everyone in between! Ice skating reservations available now.

A Day of Bites at Reading Terminal Market: With over 70 vendors, ranging from Georgian (Saami Somi) and Cajun (Beck’s Cajun Cafe) cuisine to corn dogs (Fox & Son Fancy Corn Dogs) and vegan favorites (Luhv Vegan Deli), there’s food for any day trip. And you don’t even need to stop by to get a gift card – just order online! eGift Cards available here.