The Free Library of Philadelphia has launched a new club focused on black genealogy, part of The Legacy Lab series. Club events will be held at the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library and the Kingsessing Library and are timed with the nation’s 250th anniversary. The series offers community members opportunities to research, document, and celebrate their own family histories.

“The Legacy Lab demonstrates how libraries can expand access to powerful tools and for learning and discovery,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director, the Free Library of Philadelphia. “By offering free resources, guidance, and welcoming spaces, we are helping ensure that Black families explore their family histories, reclaim their narratives, and pass the knowledge on to future generations.”

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Here are some ways to get rid of your holiday trees in an environmentally and community-friendly way. The City’s Department of Sanitation is again hosting Christmas tree community collection events and offering other tree disposal opportunities. There will also be tree collection events hosted by local non-profits.

City-run drop-off sites

The Department of Sanitation Christmas Tree Recycling Program kicked off Jan. 5 and will run through Saturday, Jan. 17. While the program is running, West Philly residents can bring their Christmas tree to one of the following drop-off locations on specific dates (see below):

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Community voices will come together for candlelit caroling at dusk in Clark Park (45th and Regent) on Sunday, Dec. 21. This West Philadelphia family-friendly tradition of many decades comes with songsheets of familiar carols  – and mulled cider! Meet at 5 p.m. at the shed – with the Christmas tree on top. (Photos by Anthony West)

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Christopher Castagna as Hansel and Maddie Gillespie as Gretel (Photo/Curio Theatre Company)

During this holiday season, Curio Theatre Company is inviting families to their new Make/Partake theatre experience based on a popular children’s tale. Hansel & Gretel opens this Friday at the theatre located at the Calvary Center at 48th and Baltimore, with previews on Wednesday and Thursday.

Curio is bringing another Make/Partake experience following the great success of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Three Little Pigs. It is an immersive experience from the moment it starts. Audience members don’t just watch the show, they take part in the action: making props, sound effects, and shadow puppets and even controlling the weather. This event is fun for the whole family and people of all ages (3 and up) are invited.

The show is written by Curio’s artistic director Paul Kuhn and directed by Mya Flood. It features Philadelphia actors Maddie Gillespie, Christopher Castagna, and Aetna Gallagher.

Hansel & Gretel opens Friday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and runs December 20th to 31st (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.). Previews are December 17-18 at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available here.

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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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.