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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The Spruce Hill community lost a champion of civic engagement recently with the death of Barry Grossbach, a longtime resident and community advocate, who passed away December 18 at the age of 86.

Barry lived in the neighborhood for over 50 years and was actively involved in the community for decades. He participated in and supported several local organizations, including the Spruce Hill Community Association, where he was a board member and served as the zoning committee chair for many years. He was also a founding board member of the University City District (UCD) and co-founder of the Friends of Clark Park.

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SEPTA workers and trolleys participating in test runs seen near the Trolley Tunnel at 40th and Woodland on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Photo West Philly Local)

UPDATE (1/1/2026): SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel will remain closed through early January until the necessary repairs are complete and test trolley runs are successful, according to a Dec. 31 announcement by SEPTA. The repairs in the tunnel are expected to be completed by the end of this week, after which SEPTA will begin running test trolleys. A target re-opening date for the tunnel has not been announced yet, but is expected to be announced shortly, according to SEPTA.

12/13/2025: SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel closure is expected to continue until the end of December, as more testing is needed before the tunnel can reopen for regular service, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA.

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Here is some information on holiday hours and closings at some popular local stores and supermarkets. This post will be updated as more information becomes available. Businesses are also welcome to post their holiday hours in the comment section below. For information on SEPTA’s holiday service go here. Just a reminder that SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel will remain closed and trolleys will be on diversion at least until Dec. 31, so plan your holiday trips accordingly.

For holiday events, please visit our Events page. Happy Holidays!

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A new eatery specializing in halal chicken shawarma, Barakat Chicken, is in the works for the northeast corner of 43rd and Walnut. The space was previously occupied by a Chinese restaurant. While more details are currently not available, it looks like the new restaurant should open soon as the signage is already there.

The area around Walnut between 43rd and 45th Streets is known for halal food, featuring Muslim-owned food markets and restaurants. We hope that Barakat Chicken will be a great addition to the local halal restaurant scene.

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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