The Philadelphia Rare Book Fair Returns to Rittenhouse Featuring Rare Books, Prints, and Historical Documents From 20+ Exhibitors
Bookworms and collectors alike will once again gather this winter for The Philadelphia Rare Book Fair, taking place December 4–5, at Trinity@22nd (2212 Spruce St.), near Rittenhouse Square. The highly anticipated event will showcase a remarkable collection of rare books, prints, manuscripts, historic documents, and other works on paper, uniting some of the country’s most respected antiquarian dealers under one roof.
This year’s fair promises an exceptional opportunity for guests to browse and purchase treasures spanning centuries and genres—from fine press editions and first printings to maps, photographs, and ephemera. Whether you’re an experienced collector, a curious reader, or simply drawn to history, The Philadelphia Rare Book Fair offers an intimate glimpse into the enduring world of print culture. Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite.
Preview Night: December 4
The fair opens with an exclusive Preview Night on Thursday, December 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy wine, beer, and first access to the full range of exhibitors before the fair opens to the public.
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Preview Tickets: $40 (includes entry on Friday and Saturday)
Book Fair Hours and Admission
Friday, December 5 | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
General admission is $15, with discounted $10 tickets for students and free admission for visitors under 16. Tickets are valid for multiple entries throughout the weekend, encouraging guests to return and explore at their own pace.
Beyond sales, The Philadelphia Rare Book Fair provides an engaging space for discovery and conversation. Visitors can meet dealers directly, discuss provenance and preservation, and learn about collecting practices. Many exhibitors are also scholars and historians, eager to share the stories behind their most remarkable pieces.
Set within the elegant surroundings of Trinity@22nd near Rittenhouse Square, the fair continues Philadelphia’s longstanding tradition of literary and cultural appreciation. From illuminated manuscripts to 20th-century first editions, it serves as both a marketplace and a celebration of the book as art.
