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Last Minute Holiday Gifts in Center City Philadelphia
Between the end-of-year scramble at work and school and the season’s unavoidable hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget something from your holiday shopping list. We’ve all been there. But never fear! With all the festive happenings across the city, new and classic activities in the new year, and one-of-a-kind businesses right around the corner, Center City has the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
An Annual Favorite: Shopping Local in Center City
In Center City alone, there are over 900 different retailers, 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 Ritual Shoppe 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
📍 Ritual Shoppe, 2003 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Outdoor Markets with Gifts from Around the Region and the World
If you’re looking for a festive outdoor holiday market experience, look no further than the Made in Philadelphia Market at Dilworth Park and Christmas Village in Love Park and City Hall!
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), soy candles in upcycled beer bottles (Lit Up Candle Co.), or handmade totes and purses (City Totes), 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
Experiencing the Holidays, Philly-Style
Don’t just take our advice on places to go – see what some of our friends have to say! This holiday season, we’ve partnered with several in-the-know creators to highlight different neighborhoods and show how they do the holidays, their way. Discover each of the curated itineraries below, and check out their days on Instagram:
📍 @jasminewiin’s day in Rittenhouse Row
📍 @pancakes.and.protein.shakes’s day in Midtown Village
📍 @kait_touch_this’s day in Market East
📍 @josheatsphilly’s day in the West Market Parkway District
📍 @ellelevi’s day in Jewelers’ Row
A Day Out, Next Year!
If your December is a little too packed to make more plans, why not save some fun for 2023? In the coming year, there’s a full slate of landmark shows, mouthwatering dining experiences, and memorable moments to be had across the city! Check out a sneak peek of a few below, and be sure to follow us across social channels for any news and updates.
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 for $40 and lunches for $25. Reservations available now through OpenTable.
Broadway Blockbusters, Here at Home: Who needs to travel to New York, when iconic tours are coming right to the Kimmel Cultural Campus? From the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on the music of Alanis Morrissette, Jagged Little Pill (January 3-15), to the direct-from-Broadway Sondheim classic Into the Woods (April 4-9) and A Soldier's Play (January 24-February 5), which was penned by a Philadelphia-born playwright, you won’t want to miss next season. Tickets available now.
London’s Mystery Artist: Known for his satirical takes on politics and culture, Banksy Was Here: An Unauthorized Exhibition brings over 80 of his original works, brought to life by a multisensory artistic installation & VR experience. Tickets available now.
Classics at America’s Oldest Theater: Coming up, the Walnut Street Theatre has classics like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers, along with family favorites like Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville. 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 Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s 2023 Flower Show, returning once again to the Convention Center from March 4-12. 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.
Movie Magic in the Heart of Philadelphia: Immerse yourself in the stories of Mickey and friends at the world premiere exhibition of Disney100: The Exhibition at the Franklin Institute, debuting February 18, 2023. Tickets available now.
Need More?
Still looking for more inspiration for gifts around the city? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletters for year-round inspiration!