Written by Nick Simard on 23.11.23
It’s the time of year when holiday flea markets pop up all over town. You can get your holiday jollies all over Philly, from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Here’s a rundown on some of the markets happening around the city.
For holiday shopping with an international flair, stop by this open-air maze of pop-up shops in LOVE Park. It is modeled after the traditional Christmas markets in Germany, this annual month-long market features dozens of vendors in wooden booths selling ornaments, crafts, treats, clothing and more from all over the world. There are festive events including live music, wine tastings, weekly story times and more. There’s also great food — from brats to raclette to strudel to mulled wine (buy the commemorative mug for discount refills!) — and rides.
November 24th-December 24th (preview weekend November 19th-20th), LOVE Park and City Hall courtyard.
Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market
A local counterpart to Christmas Village, this market focuses only on Philly-made gifts, from jewelry to artwork to candles. You can go skating on Rothman Rink, frolic through the Wintergarden maze of reindeer topiaries and twinkle lights, and grab some après-skate eats in the cabin. At night, catch the Deck the Hall light show projected onto City Hall. It’s even open on Christmas Eve, so you can go for last-minute shopping.
November 19th-January 1st, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.
Find unique holiday gifts handmade by dozens of local makers and artists, including accessories, jewelry, art, toys and more. The fair runs all weekend, and there are different vendors on Saturday and Sunday (130 total!), so check the schedule to make sure you get what you want (or just go both days, why not?).
December 3rd & 4th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street.
Bartram’s Garden’s Handmade Holidays
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, vendors will be there so you get some gift shopping done, too. The event also includes craft activities, a photo booth, a pie-baking contest, kids’ activities, a campfire with free snacks, garden tours and more.
December 3rd, noon.-5 p.m., Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard.
HANDMADE x El Mercado Cultural
This market includes unique and affordable gifts by over 20 artists and craft vendors, curated by artist Cassie Renee Peña. Another reason to feel good about supporting this local artists’ market: It’s a collaboration with El Mercado Cultural, a Fleisher initiative focused on sharing creative and marketing resources with Latinx entrepreneurs.
December 3rd, 11 a.m.-5 pm Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine Street.
Shop for Swedish food, crafts, decorations and more at this outdoor holiday market. Plus, enjoy Lucia processions at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and live holiday music throughout the day by the Last Chance Duo.
$5 (free for museum members and kids under age 12), December 3rd, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave.
Awbury Arboretum’s Holiday Farm Party and Greens Sale
Shop for holiday greens like wreaths and evergreen branches (pre-orders are recommended). Plus, there will be food vendors, crafts, a campfire and visits with the goats!
December 4th, noon-4 p.m., The Farm at Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh Street.
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