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.

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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The 2025 Philadelphia Marathon events will be held this weekend, with races on Saturday, Nov. 22 (half marathon) and Sunday, Nov. 23 (marathon). Both of these events will begin at 6:55 a.m.

As always during this annual event, many roads will be closed to accommodate runners. Streets will be closed in many parts of the city from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23. The closures will be implemented on a rolling basis. Traffic delays can be expected, and motorists are advised to use alternate routes and allow for extra driving time.

The streets and roads impacted by closures in West Philadelphia on Saturday, Nov. 22 include:

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A great West Philly tradition is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The 25th Annual Peoplehood Parade & Pageant, Spiral Q’s hand-made people-powered celebration of solidarity, creativity, and courage, is on Saturday, Nov. 8. It’s a day of participatory theater, live music, giant puppets, and a celebration that reminds us of our collective power and the importance of joining together.

Peoplehood starts with a parade that marches from the Paul Robeson House to Clark Park where the day culminates in a Pageant performance that celebrates the city’s vibrant communities, and collective vision for a more just and joyful Philadelphia. Peoplehood isn’t just a single Parade day, but a month-long art-making and community building process that takes hundreds of artists, organizers, families and students to create.

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