Here’s a list of holiday markets, fests and community celebrations happening this month in West and Southwest Philadelphia. We’ll update the list as we get more information. Please feel free to post your event in the comments below.

Holiday Makers Market at the Container Village

4862-4870 Parkside Ave.

Through Jan. 1, 2026

The West Philly Container Village is hosting a Holiday Makers Market on the following days and hours: Tuesday-Friday 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Day). “Shop local, discover unique gifts, enjoy food vendors, and experience festive cheer all season long. From handmade crafts to wellness products and artists’ creations, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit!” More info on the vendors is here. UPDATE: The market will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 14 due to inclement weather.

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UPDATE (12/8/2025): The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue through at least Sunday, Dec. 14, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA: “We know this closure has been frustrating, and we appreciate your continued patience. We are making good progress and hope to have more detailed news soon.”

UPDATE (11/30/2025): The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue through at least Sunday, Dec. 7 as additional testing of the overhead wires in the tunnel must be completed, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA. All trolleys will remain on diversion to 40th and Market during this time.

UPDATE (11/24/2025):  The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue for another week – through at least Sunday, Nov. 30 – according to a recent announcement by SEPTA.

(11/20/2025): The SEPTA Trolley Tunnel remains closed this week while crews continue repairing an overhead wire.

The problems with the wire began in October, soon after new “sliders” (the part that connects the trolley to the overhead wire) were installed on most trolleys. Outages in the tunnel caused some 450 passengers to be evacuated.

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Books make a great holiday gift. The annual Walnut West Library Friends’ Huge Holiday Book Sale will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 12 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are invited to browse from a large selection of gift-quality used children’s books as well as general fiction and nonfiction for the grownups.

Prices range from $1.00 to $3.00. This year, in addition to the usual offerings, large collections of math books and classical music LPs will be available!

Proceeds from the sale are used by the Friends of the Walnut Street West Library to support programs, supplies and repairs at the library.

The Walnut Street West Free Library of Philadelphia branch is located at 40th and Walnut. Check out more upcoming events and holiday hours here.

The annual 3rd District Toy Drive is underway and this is a great opportunity to make holidays brighter for local families and children in need. The Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents the 3rd District, is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys through Thursday, Dec. 18. Here’s how you can participate in the drive:

• Bring your donation to the 3rd District Office located at 606 S. 52nd St. or Room 316 at City Hall. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday during office hours.

• Contribute online via one of the wishlists.

Toy giveaway will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the 3rd District Office (606 S. 52nd St) and families are asked to register by Dec. 19, 12 p.m.. Check out the flyer below for more details.

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Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) has kicked off its annual Holiday Baskets campaign. In collaboration with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, CPN will prepare and distribute food baskets for neighborhood residents in need during the holiday season. As always, to make this campaign successful, CPN is asking for community support.

This year, a suggested donation is $50, which will help feed two families, but any amount is appreciated. Please use this link to submit your donation: https://donorbox.org/cpnholidaybaskets

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As always on #GivingTuesday, we’re encouraging our readers to show their appreciation for West Philly-based non-profit organizations. Throughout the day, we’ll be posting messages from West Philly non-profits in this post and on our social media. Please consider supporting a local cause today with your donation or volunteering. Also, please visit our Civic Life/Neighborhood Resources page where you can find information on many other West Philly non-profits.

Kicks for Kids: Giving Tuesday with HopePHL

Giving Tuesday, which falls on Tuesday, Dec. 2 this year, is a global day of generosity where everyone can give back to their communities through donations, acts of kindness, or spreading awareness. In 2024, more than 50,000 children and youth in Pennsylvania experienced homelessness, with over 10,000 of them right here in Philadelphia. These are not just numbers; they are children whose futures are impacted by housing instability and trauma. HopePHL believes that every child deserves a safe place to call home, and is on a mission to turn these statistics around. Details for participating in Kicks for Kids with HopePHL can be found here.

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