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.

The Soapbox exhibit at Knockbox Cafe (Instagram photo).

The Soapbox, the West Philadelphia-based community print-making studio and zine library, is moving from 47th and Kingsessing to a new space on the 4500 block of Baltimore Avenue, according to a recent announcement on social media.

To support the relocation, which is expected to take place in the spring, the non-profit arts organization has launched a fundraising campaign. As part of this campaign, community members are invited to stop by Knockbox Cafe (45th and Pine) now through the end of the month to check out a fundraising art show by Soapbox artists.

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Burrito Feliz, an award-winning Philadelphia food truck business, is about to open its first brick-and-mortar location serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The storefront at 4403 Chestnut Street has been secured by the owners since Spring 2024, and it looks like the opening is going to happen this winter, as soon as some issues with PGW are resolved.

Burrito Feliz, founded by Mexican natives Miguel Nolasco and his wife Leticia Jolapa, began its operation as a food cart in 2017 and was upgraded to a truck in 2019. Since then, the green food truck serving Mexican favorites has gained huge popularity and won the Best in Philly award in 2021 for its birria. Burrito Feliz is also known for its flavorful chicken tinga and Baja shrimp tacos, and more. Burrito Feliz also has vegan options and offers catering.

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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.