Old City District, America’s most historic square mile hosting a dynamic collection of retail, restaurants, services, and more, has officially announced the return of its annual jam-packed lineup of holiday events titled Historic Holidays, beginning with Small Business Saturday on November 30, kicking off the holiday season with a show of support for neighboring small retailers, services, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and everything in-between.
Historic Holidays is designed to bring the community of Old City together in the spirit of the holidays to partake in shopping and supporting local, as well as partaking in various family-friendly and fun-filled ceremonies and activations such as the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting. Locals and visitors alike are invited to Philadelphia’s most historic district to revel in the all things holiday from November 30 through the December 30, and to mark their calendars for the following can’t miss events:
Small Business Saturday
Saturday November 30 — An afternoon boasting live entertainment, carolers, sidewalk sales, discounts and deals, featured food & drink, and more from dozens of local businesses.
Historic Holidays Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 4 from 6pm – 6:30pm (located at the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street) — The eighth-annual Historic Holidays Tree Lighting features a bevy of musical and dance performances, special guest speakers, a holiday tree by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville, and even appearances from Santa Claus himself.
Community Menorah Lighting
Monday, December 30 from 4pm – 4:30pm (located at the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street) – Celebrate Hannukah with the Old City Jewish Arts Center at the Betsy Ross House. Festivities begin at 4pm. In addition to the traditional lighting ceremony, the festivities will include Hannukah favorites and music.
Kicking off on Saturday, November 30,Small Business Saturday brings an afternoon of live entertainment, sidewalk sales, discounts, and deals, all aimed at encouraging locals and visitors to shop local. Home to over 300 small businesses, Old City District’s Small Business Saturday offers special discounts and promotions from retailers, art galleries, design showrooms, museums, restaurants, bars, and more, including:
● 48 Record Bar (48 S 2nd Street, https://www.48recordbar.com)– Vinyl pop-up starting at noon, ending at 5 pm Regular programming will resume at 5 pm
● American Vegan Center(17 N 2nd Street; https://americanvegan.org/AVC/) – Vegan books and merchandise, as well as vegan snack items for visitors and 5-minute vegan history presentations at the bottom of each hour.
● ANIMA Natural Pet Products(304 Arch Street; https://www.animapets.com/products/shop) – Enjoy a day of sales and fun! Get the coolest gear, toys, great chews, and treats at unbeatable prices.
● Arch Enemy Arts (109 Arch Street; https://www.archenemyarts.com) –In addition to regularly scheduled exhibitions and programming, a collection of “Small Wonders” (original artworks priced $300 or less) will be on-view and available for cash and carry through the storefront boutique.
● Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium(116 N 3rd Street; https://www.blokesbarbershop.com) – 10% off select retail items, plus special additional sales.
● Cuba Libre(10 S 2nd Street; https://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/philadelphia) – From noon to 5pm., Cuba Libre will offer a buy one get one free of their Cafe Cuba Libre signature latte made with a double shot of traditional Cuban-style espresso, raw sugar, steamed coconut milk.
● Dafina Company (47 N 3rd Street; https://dafinacompany.com/) – Shoppers will receive a free handmade scarf/shawl with their purchase. They will also get the opportunity to RSVP and enter the raffle for their Holiday Collection Debut event on December 7th which has a limited guest list.
● Elektra Vintage(53 N 3rd Street; https://elektravtg.com) – Sip and shop with Art in the Age and small vendors in support of other small vintage sellers.
● Evolve Fitness PHL(126 Race Street; https://evolvefitnessphl.com/) –Evolve Fitness PHL will host a free community functional fitness workout class at 9:30 am! The class will last 1 hour.
● Hitched(67 N 2nd Street; https://tryhitched.com/pages/philadelphia) – A selection of discounted and complimentary jewelry as well as one-day-only promotions such as 20% off all Fine Jewelry, 10% off Lab Diamonds (excluding live finished pieces), $250 off Signature Setting Engagement Rings, one pair of 4mm Ball Studs when spending $500 pre-tax, and so on.
● Kick Axe Throwing Philly(232 Market Street; https://www.kickaxe.com/philly) – Drink Specials include $9 Spiked Hot Cocoa, $15 Apple Cider Maple Old Fashioned, $15 Orange Cranberry Moscow Mule; food specials include $13 ‘GOBBLER’ Sliders served with French fries and turkey gravy sauce; and gift card promo: receive a FREE $20 for every $100 spent.
● Las Bugambilias(15 S 3rd Street; https://lasbugambiliasphilly.com) – 10% off meal (cannot be combined with other discounts or specials, including happy hour).
● Mari Mi Bridal (323 Race Street; https://www.marimibridal.com) – Discounts on all accessories, clearances on off the rack bridal gowns.
● Museum of Illusions Philly(401 Market Street; https://moiphilly.com) – Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale: 50% Off All Gift Cards (online at moiphilly.com or in-store at 401 Market Street).
● Nick’s Bar and Grille (16 S 2nd Street; https://nicksroastbeefbarandgrille.com) – Stop by for Thanksgiving Egg Rolls, the Thanksgiving All Year Long Sandwich, and Bloody Mary’s.
● Oishii(138 Chestnut Street; https://www.oishiisr.com) – Oishii will offer a discount of 15% valid for Small Business Saturday only.
● Omoi Life Goods(41 S 3rd St; https://omoionline.com) – Follow on @omoionline on Instagram for weekend specials
● Paradigm Gallery + Studio (12 N 3rd Street; https://www.paradigmarts.org) – Paradigm Gallery features original artwork from local and international artists as well as small gifts, books, and home decor. They will be offering Cash/Credit and Carry Options throughout their galleries.
● PENTIMENTI(145 N 2nd Street; https://www.pentimenti.com)–Discounted price on “Coach’s Playbook”, works on paper in the solo exhibition “Reconstructs: Brandon J. Donahue-Shipp.”
● Philadelphia Independents(35 N 3rd Street; https://philadelphiaindependents.com)– Free shipping on online orders $25 or more Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
● Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti(212 Walnut St 2nd Floor; https://www.positanocoast.net) – For all $100 gift cards purchased at the restaurant, guests will receive a bonus $20 gift certificate to be used between 1/2/25 and 2/28/25.
