If you’re looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day check out the events below happening in West Philly and elsewhere in the city. For more events, check our Events Calendar. Please note that subway trains will run all night for party-goers on New Year’s Eve.

Happy New Year, West Philly!

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Bach Christmas Oratorio
Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 13 S. 38 Street
4 – 8 p.m.
Choral Arts Philadelphia and the Bach Collegium present Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in its entirety on New Year’s Eve. Some Choral Arts members and artistic director, Matt Glandorf, are West Philly residents. Tickets ($45 general admission; $15 students; $30 seniors) can be purchased online or at the door.

New Year’s Eve with Philly Bloco
World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St
10:30 p.m.
Philly Bloco’s 20+ members return with their raucous mash-up of Samba, Funk and Reggae for a very special New Year’s Eve dance party at World Café Live. Get ready to dance! Doors open at 9:30 p.m. 21+. Tickets ($35) and more information are available here.

West Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Blowout + Balkan Feast
Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St
9 p.m. – 4 a.m.
Four bands and a DJ will be performing on the main stage and at the black box theater: West Philadelphia Orchestra, Johnny Showcase & The Mystic Ticket, Mercury Radio Theater, You Do You, and Late Night DJ Set from DJ Lebeet. $30 general admission; $40 VIP. 21+. VIP tickets include Balkan Buffet prepared by WPO! Food will be served at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Underground Arts box office.  Continue Reading

Less than a week to go until Christmas and Hanukkah has already started. So where to go for those local holiday gifts? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Here are some options from our Buy Local for the Holidays Guide:

• Local arts and crafts

The University City Arts League‘s Annual Holiday Crafts Show and Sale supports the work of area artists and crafts people. The show runs through Sunday, Dec. 21 and features hand-made, one-of-a-kind creations by 30 local artists. Open Friday 3 – 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 12 – 6 p.m., 4226 Spruce St. Speaking of local artists, a great spot to find local gifts is VIX Emporium, where you can get everything from locally made West Philly t-shirts to handcrafted bags, jewelry and clothing.

• The gift of grub

Gift cards are always a safe bet. How about a festive brunch gift card? Check out Café Renata (4305 Locust St.). They have a bunch of new gift cards in stock and cookies and cakes for small holiday gatherings. Speaking of holiday get togethers, The Gold Standard Café (4800 Baltimore Ave.) is taking reservations for holiday festivities or just a great meal at 215-727-8247. Aksum Café (4630 Baltimore Ave.) is offering 15 percent off their unique Mediterranean fare for parties of 12 or more during the holidays. The offer is good on dinners Sunday through Thursday.

• Pets and pageturners

Don’t forget your pet (or pet owner) this holiday season. There’s a ton of ridiculously fun and useful stuff for dogs and cats down at Baltimore Pet Shoppe (4532 Baltimore Ave.) This is also a great place to go if the holiday stress has you down. Watch the cats up for adoption for a few minutes and you’ll be back to your old self. Another awesome way to unwind during the colder months is spend time with a great book, one of the all-time great gift ideas. Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th) is an independent locally owned and operated bookstore with great deals going on all kinds of books, from works by local authors and on local topics to cookbooks and everything in between. They currently have 2-for-1 deals and 20 percent off select gift books.

• Memberships

A fantastic way to support the local community is through memberships, which directly help support some of our favorite spots in West Philly. We highly recommend a membership to Bartram’s Garden, one of the true treasures of West Philadelphia. Another gift that keeps giving is a membership to Mariposa Food Co-op, which not only gets you discounts on fresh organic food and other items, but gives you a chance to have a say in how this vital community asset is operated.

• Beer, coffee and tasty treats

The holiday season is a time for food and drink. So if you are looking for anything from quality craft beer, to a delectable bag of coffee or a fine cheese, here are some suggestions. Local 44’s Bottle Shop (4333 Spruce St.) has one of the best bottle beer selections in the city. Great ideas for parties or stock stuffers. One of the most cosy coffee shops in West Philly, The Coffee Market (405 S. 45th) is a good spot to warm up during the winter and they also have a ton of different organic and fair trade roasts for sale by the bag. Gift cards are also available. Also, Milk and Honey Market (4435 Baltimore Ave.) is an all-around holiday haven, with loads of gift ideas for home brewers, hosts and hostesses and even kids. Want a little taste of summer during the holiday season? A gift card from Lil’ Pop Shop (265 S. 44th) might do the trick. The shop is open this winter and, in addition to the crazy good popsicles, is offering a selection of fresh-baked cookies and super-good hot chocolate.

Lastly, local merchants who make up the Baltimore Avenue Business Association would like to thank you for buying local and keeping your hard-earned money in the community. Happy Holidays everyone!

“Whenever possible, I like to purchase the things I need at locally-owned shops. And certainly, from croissants to crescent wrenches, beer to books, we’ve got businesses right here in West Philly where we can buy the things we need.”

– Michael Froehlich, President of Cedar Park Neighbors & Co-founder of the
West Philly Tool Library

“Shopping local is a way to keep more of your dollars in your own community, rather than add more strength to giant multinational companies. Dollars spent at a “mom and pop” directly support a local family, who then support other local businesses… Shopping local is a vote for individualism, creativity, sustainability and independence.”

– Emily Dorn, owner of VIX Emporium

“Shopping locally for the holidays means you can find something truly unique for everyone on your list – while supporting your local community.“

– Annie Baum-Stein, Milk and Honey Market

West Philly Local encourages residents to support local businesses by doing as much of their holiday shopping as possible in their neighborhood. You can buy gifts, locally produced food items, dine/book a holiday party or pamper yourself or loved ones for the holidays at a bunch of West Philly businesses. By shopping locally you keep your money where you live.

West Philly Local is also a local business and this campaign is part of our effort to help other local businesses thrive. But we are a very small part of this. You have the power to make your neighborhood a great place to live.

Our campaign partners share our commitment to sustainable neighborhood businesses. Check out their holiday messages below and please consider shopping local this holiday season.

Check out Events and Holiday Specials on Lancaster Avenue:

http://www.lancasteravephilly.com

Aksum Café (4630 Baltimore Avenue)

Aksum is one of Philadelphia’s favorite BYOB restaurants, featuring a bright Mediterranean menu with an eclectic array of healthful, seasonal and delicious fare for both dinner and weekend brunch. Holiday parties, weekly events, and much more – all located at 4630 Baltimore Avenue.

We are offering 15% off for the holidays for a party of 12 people or larger. This offering is good for Sunday to Thursday dinner.

Baltimore Avenue Business Association

http://www.BABAWestPhilly.org

There’s more to explore on Baltimore Avenue. You never know what’s in store! Find a bookstore, pet boutique, co-op grocery, game store, restaurants, cafés, artisan’s gallery, art gallery, shared office space, studio space, pharmacy, theater, brewery, bicycles, ice cream, tacos, hair styling and more. The Baltimore Avenue businesses invite their neighbors to invest in the future of the neighborhood by shopping the Avenue. BABA, the Baltimore Avenue Business Association, is a group of businesses located on Baltimore Avenue. Start exploring now on www.BABAWestPhilly.org.

Coffee Market (45th and Pine)

Click to enlarge

https://www.facebook.com/Coffee-Market-44964549149/

Whether you come to Coffee Market for a cup of coffee or a bag of beans, we have a wide variety of brewing methods and coffee varieties. We are committed to: small batch roasting, small batch brewing, roasting weekly, providing the best in organic and fair trade, and offering twenty-plus varieties of coffee beans.

We understand that coffee is the most personal thing people consume in a day, and we aim to find your match. This stellar coffee selection is matched by the best of Philly’s pastry and bagel varieties baked daily. Our baristas are casual in attitude and professional about coffee. We are open 7 to 7, 7 days a week and we are open every major holiday.

For the holidays, we are expanding our coffee selection — choosing this premium coffee will make everyone wish you were their Santa. See you at the shop!

Greensgrow West (4912 Baltimore Avenue), Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland Street)

http://www.greensgrow.org/locations/greensgrow-west/

Greensgrow West Customer Appreciation & BLAST Shopping Day! 10% Off 
December 5 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thank you for a wonderful year at Greensgrow West! Enjoy 10% off select greens, wreaths, and winter decorations, complimentary tea, cocoa and cookies. Free trolley shuttle service between Baltimore and Lancaster Avenues!

Subaru Arctic Blast at Greensgrow Farms: December 4th–13th
Monday–Friday • 2–8pm | Saturday & Sunday • 10am–5pm

Join us on the farm for 10 days of fun holiday activities and workshops. The event kicks off with our annual Customer Appreciation Happy Hour and holiday lighting on the farm on December 4. The farm will be stocked with fresh cut holiday trees, wreaths, greens and gifts and we are open till 8 during the week for holiday shoppers. For kids, we are going to be making snow to play in everyday (weather permitting) and offering free make and take activities! Don’t miss the Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar on the weekends for a great array of handmade gifts from local makers and crafters. Plus, live music and ice sculpture!

Hello World (3610 Sansom Street)

Click to enlarge

http://shophelloworld.com/

Spruce Hill Jeweler and Center City Boutique team up in West Philadelphia!

Hello World is proud to offer the jewelry design, restringing and repair services of popular West Philly jeweler Amy Neukrug. In addition to Amy’s jewelry, Hello World in its new location at 3610 Sansom St (in the rear of the Penn Bookstore) has expanded its well-known mix of home and fashion accessories. Stop in Monday through Friday 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. till 5 p.m.

Renata’s Kitchen (4533 Baltimore Avenue)

http://www.renataskitchenphilly.com/

Happy Holidays Friends & Neighbors! During the craze of the holidays, don’t forget to treat yourself! Join us for Brunch & BYOB dinner every day, and while you’re at it, spread some cheer with a gift card for your loved ones for a special brunch or romantic dinner ;).

Contact us for private holidays parties! Check our Faceboook and Twitter page for more specials and events as the Holiday Season approaches.

Lil’ Pop Shop (265 S. 44th Street)

www.lilpopshop.com/

Lil’ Pop Shop’s unique ice pops are hand-crafted in small batches from a seasonal assortment of fresh, natural, locally-sourced ingredients. This winter, in addition to our delicious pops, we have fresh baked cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats to go with the richest hot chocolate in town! Need a stocking stuffer or hostess gift? Pick up a gift card or amazing chocolate from Askinose or homemade confections like marshmallows or meringue kisses. We will be closed from December 24th through January 3rd, reopening January 4th!

Local 44/Bottle Shop (4333 Spruce Street)

www.local44beerbar.com

Holiday Shopping at the Bottle Shop
Obviously, we take an official diplomatic position on BEER being the best gift you can give for just about any occasion… but we concede that there are some good reasons to indulge in other (beer related) giftables! Check out the entire selection of new and unique beer gifts—so much great stuff! Have a really hard to please person on your list? Our favorite liquid solves all shopping needs. Come in to browse the full selection!

Annual Holiday Drive
Help us get into the Holiday Spirit by donating new and unwrapped toys or personal care items for the People’s Emergency Center, a West Philly shelter offering support services to women and children. Drop off your donations in the Bottle Shop now thru December 18! For a list of most needed items, visit http://www.local44beerbar.com/upcomingevents.htm

Santa Visits the Bottle Shop
Grab your kid, grab your camera and come thirsty! This is our favorite event of the whole year! Saturday, Dec. 12 from Noon-3 p.m., hang with your neighbors, grab a beer and let your kiddos discuss their behavior with the man in sassy red satin.

Christmas Eve Eve Open House Happy Hour
Local 44 is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so that we can spend the holiday with our friends and families. But you’re our family too, so what do we do? Join us December 23 (Christmas Eve Eve) for an all day Open House featuring $3 local beers and a whole lot of merriment!

SAVE THE DATE: Local 44 Turns 7 Years Old
January 1, 2016… Something awesome this way comes. Stay tuned!

Mariposa Food Co-op (4824 Baltimore Avenue)

www.mariposa.coop/

Founded in 1971, Mariposa Food Co-op is a neighborhood grocery store that strives to provide residents of West Philadelphia and beyond with access to and information about food, especially healthy, locally-grown or otherwise sustainably-produced products. Open to the public, we are owned and democratically-controlled by our members — your neighbors in West Philly! Learn more about Mariposa membership by visiting www.mariposa.coop/join.

This holiday season, shop our Holiday Shopping Guides for seasonal food items and unique gifts.

Milk & Honey Market (4435 Baltimore Avenue)

http://www.milkandhoneymarket.com

Shopping locally for the holidays means you can find something truly unique for everyone on your list – while supporting your local community.

We have an expanded selection of locally produced gifts for foodies, home brewers, hosts, hostesses and even kids.

Visit us on Saturday, Dec. 5, during the Baltimore-Lancaster Avenue Shopper’s Trolley (BLAST) event. We are offering a children’s violin quartet from noon – 1 p.m. and free coffee and cocoa for the duration of the event (12 – 5 p.m.).

Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th Street)

http://www.pennbookcenter.com

Visit Penn Book Center for the holidays! We are your local, independently-owned bookstore, offering 25% off selected Random House titles including new fiction, biography, history, cookbooks and more. Become a frequent buyer and get a $10.00 credit every time you spent $100.00.

The sale starts on November 30th, Cider Monday. Enjoy hot cider and holiday treats as you spend a cozy Monday buying responsibly by shopping locally.

Check out our website for information about new books, events and much more.

Penn Museum Shop (3260 South Street)

http://www.penn.museum/visit/museum-shop

Penn Museum Shop: Holiday Shopping for a World Heritage City

If you haven’t been to the Penn Museum Shop in a while, you’re in for a surprise. Newly renovated and recently featured in Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine, the Shop boasts a colorful, fresh new look and a wide range of unique gifts from around the world, many via fair trade partnerships for the craftspeople.

International clothing, accessories and jewelry, pottery, statuary, crafts, books, and toys speak to the many cultures in the Museum’s renowned galleries. New for the upcoming exhibition, The Golden Age of King Midas—featuring ancient treasures from Turkey—the Shop offers a selection of colorful Turkish pottery, mini-Oriental rugs designed as elegant mouse pads and coasters, and more.

Entry to the Penn Museum Shop is always free. The Penn Museum is at 3260 South Street, across from Franklin Field. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open to 8:00 p.m. the first Wednesdays of the month. Information: http://www.penn.museum/visit/museum-shop

University City Arts League (4226 Spruce Street)

Click to enlarge

http://www.ucartsleague.org

The University City Arts League is a community arts and education center that offers arts classes for all ages. In addition to weekly adults arts and design classes, and outreach programs in neighborhood schools, the Arts League offers a popular After School Arts Program and Summer Arts camp for school-aged children. UCAL’s contemporary gallery features monthly exhibitions presenting the work of contemporary artists.

UCAL’s annual Holiday Crafts Show features hand-crafted one-of-a-kind gifts by 30 local artists. This year’s show runs from December 4th -20th and and supports the work of local artists and crafts people. Open daily, Monday-Friday 5 – 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 – 6 p.m., with an opening reception on Friday December 4th from 6-8 p.m., and a closing reception on Sunday December 20th from 4-6 p.m.

VIX Emporium (5009 Baltimore Avenue)

http://www.vixemporium.com/

VIX Emporium is West Philly’s go-to spot for unique, locally made gifts and cards. Everything is produced by over 200 independent artists, craftspeople and small businesses, primarily from the Philadelphia area. The mix at VIX includes artisan jewelry, functional handmade ceramics, home wares, art prints, accessories, natural bath & body products, candles, baby gifts, holiday decorations and more. The storefront itself, a former 1940s millinery with original built-in cabinetry, inspired the Emporium’s name — VIX (with a bar over the V) is the Roman numeral for 5009, its Baltimore Avenue address.

Editor’s Note: Go West! Craft Fest is this Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Rotunda and not Saturday as it was originally reported in this post. Also, we have received a note from Play On, Philly! that their holiday concert has been postponed until after the New Year. We will keep you posted on a new date.

There are a lot of things happening in West Philly this weekend and we hope that the cold weather won’t deter you from checking out local holiday shopping events, music, films, theater, Christmas caroling, and other fun stuff. Our Events Roundup is below. For more events or if you want to submit an event, go to our Events Calendar. Also, don’t forget about ongoing events, like Holiday Craft Show and Sale at UC Arts League, and other holiday shopping and giving opportunities. If you need a Christmas tree, check out this post.

Friday, December 13

All day – The Gold Standard Cafe (48th & Baltimore) is donating one third of their total proceeds to Kingsessing library. Your donation will go to serve the library’s reading and educational needs.

5-10 pm – Neighbors are invited to get together to celebrate the season at The Cedar Works‘ first Holiday Party and Sale. 14 artists who call The Cedar Works home will be selling their works for holiday gifting.

5-10 pm – This Friday is a special holiday Second Friday on Lancaster Avenue, with festivities spanning from 34th Street all the way up to 41st. Enjoy great music, fine food, and good vibes.

8 pm – Gender Comedy: A Less Stupid Twelfth Night Gay Fantasia opens at Curio Theatre (48th & Baltimore).

Saturday, December 14

2 pm – International House Philadelphia (37th & Chestnut) invites families for its Family Matinee program, featuring a special holiday screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. The film is a Halloween-Christmas hybrid and audience favorite. Tickets are $5; free for IHP members.

2-5 pm – Neighbors are invited to build their own gift baskets at Milk & Honey Market (45th & Baltimore). Create unique and inspired gift baskets filled with local products and thoughtfully selected books and goods and also enjoy free hot cocoa!

3 pm – University Lutheran Church (3637 Chestnut St) presents harpsichordist Marcia Kravis with her solo program, Dr. John Bull and Company: Music from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.

3:30 pm – Stop by Penn Museum (3260 South St) for “Unwrapping the Mummy: Hollywood Fantasies, Egyptian Realities,” a presentation by Dr. Stuart Tyson Smith, Chair of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Smith explores some modern myths about mummies, and the fascinating insights that can be gained from studying the “equipment” buried with mummies for the afterlife.

Sunday, December 15

All day – Enjoy delicious organic and locally made popsicles at Lil’ Pop Shop before it closes until February 1, 2014.

11 am – 5 pm – The winter edition of Go West! Craft Fest is finally here. VIX Emporium boutique and As the Crow Flies & Co. online are teaming up to bring over 40 vendors – local artists, craftspeople and designers – to The Rotunda (40th & Walnut). While shopping, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy frozen treats from Weckerly’s Ice Cream and vegetarian-friendly fare from Black Orchid Foods.

5 pm – The Friends of Clark Park invite you to come raise your voice with your neighbors in singing traditional Christmas carols around the Community Christmas tree (Clark Park “B”, near 45th & Regent). Refreshments will be served afterwards. This one always seems to work out much better after an Eagles win, so go Birds. For more info call 215-222-2255.

If the loop playing of Wham’s “Last Christmas” at CVS hasn’t given it away already, the holiday season is here, with Thanksgiving just around the corner.

For many locals, the holidays mean planning a vacation or taking a trip back home for family quality time. But for others, the season means staying put in West Philly, be it because of circumstance or because loved ones are coming to you.

Your holiday staycation doesn’t have to turn out boring, though. After all, with all the great restaurants in the area you can embark in a week-long foodie tour that will satisfy your hunger and help you taste new flavors. But our little notch of Philadelphia proper has many other great gems to keep you and/or your family entertained during the season—some popular and historic, others hidden and in need of discovery.

In order to help your staycation take flight, West Philly Local put together a short list of places to play and sleep to help you plan your local itinerary—and discover the unique personality of our neighborhood.

Continue Reading

We recently published information about two school supply drives in West Philadelphia to help local families in need get ready for the new school year. Here’s information on two other back-to-school drives and fundraising efforts happening in the area.

The Nehemiah Davis Foundation (NDF), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works hard to serve our city through efforts such as the Back-to-school Book Bag Giveaway, annual Thanksgiving dinners for veterans, seniors and homeless, an annual Christmas toy drive for youth, and more. On Sept. 1, 2013, NDF will be holding its Fifth Annual “Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway” at Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine). Community volunteers will help to distribute donated book bags filled with schools supplies and clothing to over 300 local children.

During the event, NDF will also provide entertainment, free food and haircuts for all of the families who attend (see flyer for more information).

NDF would appreciate donations of school supplies, book bags, or clothes for the giveaway. Book bags are especially wanted so if you can donate one it would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Myra Herbal Wellness, 666 N. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Monetary donations are also accepted at: www.gofundme/neodaviso.

Families Forward, a local organization that assists homeless families and runs 75 transitional and permanent family residential units in West Philadelphia, is working hard on preparing their children for school as the school bells ring in 2013-2014. In the past, the School District of Philadelphia provided school uniforms vouchers to homeless children and children in transitional housing, but this year they have cut that funding dramatically, according to Families Forward’s Director of Fund Development Grace Hightower. Children K-8 will only receive $20 (previously it was $50) and students 9-12 will only receive $30 (previously it was $75).

Gifts of $50 can help Families Forward purchase two uniform pants, two shirts and a pair of shoes to help a child have a great start to the school year. Gift cards to Forman Mills are also a great way to help with purchasing school uniforms.

Typically, used items are accepted at Families Forward, but this is not the case with back to school. Donors are asked to collect NEW:

• Backpacks (youth and teen)
• Black and white composition books (MEAD)
• Plastic scissors
• Crayons (basic colors)
• Markers (erasable)
• Glue sticks
• Pencils and pencil cases
• Ink pens (Blue or Black)
• Highlighters
• Rulers
• 3 Ring Binders and dividers
• Loose leaf paper
• Folders (with side pockets)
• Index Cards/poster board
• Flash Drives
• Calculators
• Dictionary and Thesaurus
• Tissues/Hand sanitizer

If you would like to organize a drive or have any questions please contact Grace Hightower by phone at 215-240-4828 or email at: ghightower@taphilly.org. Donations can be delivered until August 30, 2013 to 111 N. 49th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19139. Gifts can also be made at www.familiesforwardphilly.org.