photo by In Between Rivers
Old City District, America’s most historic square mile hosting a dynamic collection of retail, restaurants, services, and more, has officially announced the return of its annual jam-packed lineup of holiday events titled Historic Holidays, beginning with Small Business Saturday on November 30, kicking off the holiday season with a show of support for neighboring small retailers, services, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and everything in between. Historic Holidays is designed to bring the community of Old City together to shop and support local, as well as partaking in various family-friendly and fun-filled ceremonies and activations such as the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting (December 4) and Menorah Lighting (December 30), and new this season, the HolidayShopping Sip & Stroll (December 7).
“Historic Holidays is one of the most anticipated times of the year in Old City,” says Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director of Old City District. “Our events are designed to bring the community together in celebration, while also supporting the vibrant small businesses that make Old City unique. Whether shopping local on Small Business Saturday, enjoying live entertainment at our Tree Lighting, or exploring new offerings during the Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.”
Kicking off on Saturday, November 30, Small Business Saturday brings an afternoon of live entertainment, sidewalk sales, discounts, and deals, all aimed at encouraging locals and visitors to shop local. Home to over 300 small businesses, Old City District’s Small Business Saturday offers special discounts and promotions from retailers, art galleries, design showrooms, museums, restaurants, bars, and more, including:
● 48 Record Bar (48 S 2nd Street, https://www.48recordbar.com) – Vinyl pop-up starting at noon, ending at 5 pm Regular programming will resume at 5 pm
● American Vegan Center (17 N 2nd Street; https://americanvegan.org/AVC/) – Vegan books and merchandise, as well as vegan snack items for visitors and 5-minute vegan history presentations at the bottom of each hour.
● ANIMA Natural Pet Products (304 Arch Street; https://www.animapets.com/products/shop) – Enjoy a day of sales and fun! Get the coolest gear, toys, great chews, and treats at unbeatable prices.
● Arch Enemy Arts (109 Arch Street; https://www.archenemyarts.com) – In addition to regularly scheduled exhibitions and programming, a collection of “Small Wonders” (original artworks priced $300 or less) will be on-view and available for cash and carry through the storefront boutique.
● Ari Blanc Medical Spa (7 N Christopher Columbus Blvd Suite 302; https://ariblancmedicalspa.com)
● Art Star (599 Market Street; https://www.artstarphilly.com) – 15% off all purchases.
● Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia (30 Bank Street; https://bellabridesmaids.com/pages/bella-bridesmaids-philadelphia) – Sips and sweets, a raffle, and 15% off any dress over $200 purchased on Small Business Saturday.
● Betsy Ross House(239 Arch Street; https://historicphiladelphia.org)
● Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium(116 N 3rd Street; https://www.blokesbarbershop.com) – 10% off select retail items, plus special additional sales.
● Boxbar (241 Race Street; https://boxbarphilly.com/)
● Café Tolia (26 N 3rd Street; https://www.cafetolia.com)
● Claudia Mills Handwoven Rugs(133 N 3rd Street; https://www.claudiamills.com)
● Cuba Libre(10 S 2nd Street; https://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/philadelphia) – From noon to 5pm., Cuba Libre will offer a buy one get one free of their Cafe Cuba Libre signature latte made with a double shot of traditional Cuban-style espresso, raw sugar, steamed coconut milk.
● Dafina Company (47 N 3rd Street; https://dafinacompany.com/) – Shoppers will receive a free handmade scarf/shawl with their purchase. They will also get the opportunity to RSVP and enter the raffle for their Holiday Collection Debut event on December 7th which has a limited guest list.
● Elektra Vintage(53 N 3rd Street; https://elektravtg.com) – Sip and shop with Art in the Age and small vendors in support of other small vintage sellers.
● Elfreth’s Alley Museum(126 Elfreth’s Alley; https://www.elfrethsalley.org)
● Evolve Fitness PHL(126 Race Street; https://evolvefitnessphl.com/) – Evolve Fitness PHL will host a free community functional fitness workout class at 9:30 am! The class will last 1 hour.
● Fireman’s Hall Museum(147 N 2nd Street; https://www.firemanshallmuseum.org) – 10% off gift store purchases.
● Hitched(67 N 2nd Street; https://tryhitched.com/pages/philadelphia) – A selection of discounted and complimentary jewelry as well as one-day-only promotions such as 20% off all Fine Jewelry, 10% off Lab Diamonds (excluding live finished pieces), $250 off Signature Setting Engagement Rings, one pair of 4mm Ball Studs when spending $500 pre-tax, and so on.
● Khyber Pass Pub (56 S 2nd Street; https://www.khyberpasspub.com/) – Discounts on gift card purchases made on Saturday, November 30.
● Kick Axe Throwing Philly(232 Market Street; https://www.kickaxe.com/philly) – Drink Specials include $9 Spiked Hot Cocoa, $15 Apple Cider Maple Old Fashioned, $15 Orange Cranberry Moscow Mule; food specials include $13 ‘GOBBLER’ Sliders served with French fries and turkey gravy sauce; and gift card promo: receive a FREE $20 for every $100 spent.
● Las Bugambilias(15 S 3rd Street; https://lasbugambiliasphilly.com) – 10% off meal (cannot be combined with other discounts or specials, including happy hour).
● Mari Mi Bridal (323 Race Street; https://www.marimibridal.com) – Discounts on all accessories, clearances on off the rack bridal gowns.
● Minima(131 N 3rd Street; https://www.minima.us) – Up to 30% off select brands.
● More Than Old(144 N 3rd Street http://www.morethanold.com/joomla/index.php)
● Muse Gallery (52 N 2nd St; https://musegalleryphiladelphia.com/) – Works of art for sale and some prints/smaller pieces at affordable prices.
● Museum of Illusions Philly(401 Market Street; https://moiphilly.com) – Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale: 50% Off All Gift Cards (online at moiphilly.com or in-store at 401 Market Street).
● Nick’s Bar and Grille (16 S 2nd Street; https://nicksroastbeefbarandgrille.com) – Stop by for Thanksgiving Egg Rolls, the Thanksgiving All Year Long Sandwich, and Bloody Mary’s.
● Oishii(138 Chestnut Street; https://www.oishiisr.com) – Oishii will offer a discount of 15% valid for Small Business Saturday only.
● Olivier Cafe (50 S 3rd Street; https://www.oliviercafe.com)
● Omoi Life Goods(41 S 3rd St; https://omoionline.com) – Follow on @omoionline on Instagram for weekend specials
● Paradigm Gallery + Studio (12 N 3rd Street; https://www.paradigmarts.org) – Paradigm Gallery features original artwork from local and international artists as well as small gifts, books, and home decor. They will be offering Cash/Credit and Carry Options throughout their galleries.● Paris Fit Studios (221 Vine St Suite; https://getparisfit.com)
● Parisa Rugs and Decor (33 N 3rd Street; https://www.parisarugs.com)
● PENTIMENTI (145 N 2nd Street; https://www.pentimenti.com)–Discounted price on “Coach’s Playbook”, works on paper in the solo exhibition “Reconstructs: Brandon J. Donahue-Shipp.”
● Penzeys (233 Market Street; https://www.penzeys.com/)
● Philadelphia Independents (35 N 3rd Street; https://philadelphiaindependents.com) – Free shipping on online orders $25 or more Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
● Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti (212 Walnut St 2nd Floor; https://www.positanocoast.net) – For all $100 gift cards purchased at the restaurant, guests will receive a bonus $20 gift certificate to be used between 1/2/25 and 2/28/25.
● Red Parasol Cafe (220 Market Street; https://www.instagram.com/redparasolcafe)
● Royal Boucherie (52 S 2nd Street; https://www.royalboucherie.com) – Royal Boucherie will be offering a special gift card promotion.
● SuitShop (35 N 2nd Street; https://suitshop.com)
● The Link Studios (213 Arch Street; https://www.instagram.com/thelinkphilly/)
● The Papery (18 N 3rd Street; https://www.paperyofphilly.com/) — Enjoy sips and bites throughout the day! Purchase BOXED HOLIDAY cards and receive FREE personalization. Note: turnaround time is three business days.
● The Wellness Refinery (216 Church Street; https://www.wellnessrefineryphl.com) – The Wellness Refinery will offer a FREE Detox Shot with every Infrared Sauna session & Tonic Bar Drink order, 25% OFF all retail, and Community Wellness Office Hours with local mental health counselor, Ahyana King.
● Unique Photo (28 S 2nd Street; https://www.uniquephoto.com) – Various sales! Visit Unique Photo’s website or social media the week before for more details.
Shoppers can easily locate where to find discounts and deals on Small Business Saturday by visiting stores with balloons positioned in front of each brick-and-mortar. The first 25 customers at select locations will go home with a complimentary Old City tote bag (available while supplies last). In addition to a bevy of discounts and deals at retailers and storefronts in Old City, attendees can enjoy live entertainment from 12pm – 3pm including the following:
● 3rd & Arch Streets: LB Entertainment Jazz Duo
● 3rd & Market Street: Saxophonist David Puryear
● 2nd & Church Street: Singers from Settlement Music School
● 2nd & Arch Street: Emily Drinker
Following, Old City District is set to revive its annual Historic Holidays Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 4 from 6pm – 6:30pm held at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street). The eighth-annual Historic Holidays Tree Lighting features a variety of musical and dance performances including Settlement Music School, Philadelphia Dance Academy, Upper Darby Encore Singers, special guest speakers, a holiday tree by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville, and even appearances from Santa Claus himself.
Returning this year with some new features and fun surprises is the Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll on Saturday, December 7 from 12pm – 5pm. This district-wide event boasts exclusive discounts and specials at various businesses in addition to seasonal cocktails, hot chocolate, and more from neighboring bars and restaurants. Third Street from Market to Arch Streets will be temporarily closed off to vehicular traffic allowing strollers and shoppers free reign to enjoy shopping, sipping, eating, live entertainment.
Locales throughout Old City District will boast various activations, events, and specials. From Elfreth’s Alley’s annual “Deck the Alley” fundraiser and the Betsy Ross House’s “Historic Holiday Open House” to the premiere of “Peter Pan” at Arden Theatre Company, the neighborhood will be full of seasonal celebrations.
Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll participants include:
● 48 Record Bar (48 S 2nd Street, https://www.48recordbar.com) – 48 Record Bar will host a holiday themed vinyl pop-up starting at noon.
● American Vegan Center (17 N 2nd Street; https://americanvegan.org/AVC/) – AVC will have free vegan snack foods available for visitors as well as free books and magazines. They will also offer a 10% discount on bottles of Seraphim champagne alternative.
● ANIMA Natural Pet Products (304 Arch Street; https://www.animapets.com/products/shop)
● Arch Enemy Arts(109 Arch Street; https://www.archenemyarts.com) – Inaddition to regularly scheduled exhibitions and programming, a collection of “Small Wonders” (original artworks priced $300 or less) will be on-view and available for cash and carry through the storefront boutique.
● Arden Theatre Company (40 N 2nd Street; https://ardentheatre.org) – Enjoy a day of family fun before the opening of Peter Pan! The show starts at 4pm. Before the show, the Arden will have a variety of child-focused holiday activities for children and their families.
● Ari Blanc Medical Spa (7 N Christopher Columbus Blvd Suite 302; https://ariblancmedicalspa.com)
● Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia (30 Bank Street; https://bellabridesmaids.com/pages/bella-bridesmaids-philadelphia) – Bella Bridesmaids will offer sweet treats and 15% off any dress $200 or more purchased that day (Saturday, December 7).
● Betsy Ross House(239 Arch Street; https://historicphiladelphia.org) – The Betsy Ross House will open the House and courtyard for extended hours, until 7 pm. During the Historic Holiday Open House, guests will be treated to candlelit holiday House tours, colonial chocolate making demonstrations and seasonal sounds by live performers and the chance to have a holiday photo taken in the picturesque, festively decorated space. Visitors who purchase a ticket to tour the House will be treated to a seasonal beverage, available with or without “holiday spirit.”
● Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium(116 N 3rd Street; https://www.blokesbarbershop.com) – 10% off select retail items, plus special additional sales.
● Boxbar (241 Race Street; https://boxbarphilly.com/)
● Café Tolia (26 N 3rd Street; https://www.cafetolia.com)
● Carpenters’ Hall (320 Chestnut Street; https://www.carpentershall.org) – Free tote bag with purchase (Old City and America250).
● Claudia Mills Handwoven Rugs (133 N 3rd Street; https://www.claudiamills.com)
● Cuba Libre (10 S 2nd Street; https://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/philadelphia) – From noon to 5pm, Cuba Libre will offer a buy one get one free of our Cafe Cuba Libre signature latte made with a double shot of traditional Cuban-style espresso, raw sugar, steamed coconut milk.
● Dafina Company(47 N 3rd Street; https://dafinacompany.com/) – Dafina will have an event for their Holiday Collection Debut. They will offer drinks, personal styling sessions, and all guests will enter a raffle to win a $100 Dafina Co. gift card.
● Elektra Vintage (53 N 3rd Street; https://elektravtg.com) – Sip and shop and other surprises! Stay tuned for details.
● Elfreth’s Alley Museum (126 Elfreth’s Alley; https://www.elfrethsalley.org) – Deck the Alley, Elfreth’s Alley’s iconic holiday fundraiser, returns to Philadelphia’s most historic street on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. The Elfreth’s Alley Association invites the public to get a glimpse of contemporary life inside 18th and 19th-century houses as residents open their homes to the public, tour the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, and immerse themselves in seasonal decor and song. Buy tickets today to support the work of preserving this special place and sharing its history with visitors near and far!
● Fireman’s Hall Museum (147 N 2nd Street; https://www.firemanshallmuseum.org) – Santa will be in the museum at 1 pm.
● Fork (306 Market Street; https://forkrestaurant.com) – Specialty holiday cocktail/mocktail.
● Hitched (67 N 2nd Street; https://tryhitched.com/pages/philadelphia) Bands: 30% Off Tungsten Bands; Receive (1) Free Cleaning Jar w/ purchase (For Diamond Bands and Precious Metal Bands)**Delivery by 12/23 if placed by 12/9; Fine Jewelry: 20% Off All Fine Jewelry, Receive (1) Free Cleaning Jar w/ purchase **Delivery by 12/23 if placed by 12/9.
● Khyber Pass Pub (56 S 2nd Street; https://www.khyberpasspub.com/) – Discounts on gift card purchases made on Saturday, November 30.
● Kick Axe Throwing Philly (232 Market Street; https://www.kickaxe.com/philly) – $9 Spiked Hot Cocoa.
● Las Bugambilias(15 S 3rd Street; https://lasbugambiliasphilly.com) – A special sip & stroll happy hour!
● Mari Mi Bridal(323 Race Street; https://www.marimibridal.com) – Champagne, lite bites, flower bar, photo booth.
● Minima (131 N 3rd Street; https://www.minima.us)
● More Than Old (144 N 3rd Street http://www.morethanold.com/joomla/index.php) – Enjoy drink samples, refreshments, and a gift certificate lottery.
● Muse Gallery (52 N 2nd St; https://musegalleryphiladelphia.com/) – Beverages, snacks, and works of art for sale.
● Museum of Illusions Philly (401 Market Street; https://moiphilly.com/) – Enjoy 20% off all retail in their Smart Shop (gift shop).
● Oishii (138 Chestnut Street; https://www.oishiisr.com) – Enjoy mocktails like passion fruit punch, dragon fruit punch, Thai iced tea, and Thai green iced tea.
● Olivier Cafe (50 S 3rd Street; https://www.oliviercafe.com)
● Omoi Life Goods (41 S 3rd St; https://omoionline.com) – Complimentary gift wrapping upon request for items purchased at their shop.
● Paradigm Gallery + Studio (12 N 3rd Street; https://www.paradigmarts.org/) – Cash/credit and carry options throughout their galleries for instant art collecting gratification — including new releases from artists all over the world.
● Parisa Rugs and Decor (33 N 3rd Street, https://www.parisarugs.com) – Spend more, save more on home decor.
● Philadelphia Independents (35 N 3rd Street; https://philadelphiaindependents.com) – Free gift bag with purchase upon request.
● Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti (212 Walnut St 2nd Floor; https://www.positanocoast.net) – Featured holiday cocktail, Solstice Spritz: Limoncello, Prosecco, Rosemary, Cranberry, at a special price of $12.
● Red Parasol Cafe (220 Market Street; https://www.instagram.com/redparasolcafe) – 10% off coffee beverages.
● Royal Boucherie (52 S 2nd Street; https://www.royalboucherie.com) – Royal Boucherie will be offering a discounted holiday cocktail.
● Suit Shop (35 N 2nd Street; https://suitshop.com) – A selection of holiday gift ideas and expert styling for all holiday special events!
● The Link Studios (213 Arch Street; https://www.instagram.com/thelinkphilly/) – 10% off all in store products and deals.
● The Papery (18 N 3rd Street; https://www.paperyofphilly.com/) — Enjoy sips and bites throughout the day like hot chocolate and peppermint brownies! The Papery will have extended hours until 7 pm, giving patrons extra time to trim their trees, embellish packages with beautiful wrap and ribbon, pick up hostess gifts, and find the perfect presents for friends and family. Patrons will also receive free gift wrapping with a purchase at The Papery.
● The Wellness Refinery (216 Church Street; https://www.wellnessrefineryphl.com) – FREE gift with each retail purchase. They will be featuring their Chai Spiced Hot Cocoa!
● Unique Photo (28 S 2nd Street; https://www.uniquephoto.com) – 40% off their photography class, Understanding Your Camera 1, for that weekend only.
Rounding out this year’s Historic Holidays in Old City is the Community Menorah Lighting on Monday, December 30 from 4pm – 4:30pm located at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street) presented in collaboration with the Old City Jewish Arts Center.
To stay up to date on Old City District, visit www.oldcitydistrict.org or follow along on Instagram at @oldcityphilly. Full information on Old City District’s Historic Holidays 2024 can be found at oldcitydistrict.org/holidays.
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