PHILADELPHIA, PA — Northern Liberties is gearing up for a holiday explosion unlike anything the neighborhood has ever seen. On Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, the city’s fastest-growing district will unleash a sprawling lineup of more than a dozen festive events, markets, parades, pop-ups, parties, and family attractions in what officials are calling the biggest holiday weekend in its history.
The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, backed by support from Amazon Fresh, will headline the action with the return of the Northern Liberties Holiday Shopping Stroll and the Holiday Pop-up Market, running both days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than a dozen shops will participate, each offering punch-card rewards, discounts, treats, and giveaways. Visitors collecting six punches can enter prize drawings, while purchases of $20 or $100 unlock bonus punches.
The Pop-up Market, taking over 914 N. 2nd Street, will feature artists, makers, and merchants offering gifts for all ages — including pets. Amazon Fresh will provide free ornament-making for the first 100 children each day and holiday souvenirs for the first 200.
“This is our largest holiday weekend line-up ever,” said Northern Liberties BID Executive Director Sydney Rexroad. She noted the stroll, market, and a slate of additional events “when our entire Northern Liberties community comes together to share the spirit of the season.”
Beyond shopping, Northern Liberties will host a Winter Wonderland at LaserPhilly with Santa photos and letter-writing stations; a special holiday edition of the Northern Liberties Farmers’ Market at The Piazza; and the return of the Parade of Spirits, an eccentric lantern-lit procession featuring Krampus, faeries, ghosts, and costumed revelers. The parade assembles at Liberty Lands at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and follows an expanded neighborhood route at sunset.
Newsroom Philly will debut a first-ever North Pole Speakeasy, an immersive holiday pop-up offering themed cocktails, décor, and seasonal dishes. Tickets are $25 and include a signature drink, a holiday mug, a Santa hat, and dessert discounts.
Yards Brewing will host a family-friendly Pajama Party with Santa on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by an evening fundraiser featuring festive drinks and a toy drive benefiting Cradles to Crayons.
Throughout the weekend, Mamajuana Cafe Philly will spotlight a 25-foot Christmas tree and outdoor light display alongside holiday cocktails and brunch offerings. STUMP will present a Holiday Market with makers, treats, and hot cocoa, and the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association will hold gift-wrapping fundraisers at two locations.
Additional highlights include Random Tea Room’s “Blend Your Own Adventure” tea-blending experience; Jerry’s Bar’s Brunch with Santa; and milestone celebrations at Tula Yoga, marking its sixth anniversary with $6 classes, and Future Days Brewing, observing its first anniversary with barbeque, live music, game-day specials, and beer releases.
Organizers say the weekend is designed to support local businesses, draw regional visitors, and ignite holiday energy across every corner of Northern Liberties.
Full event details, maps, and updates are available at explorenorthernliberties.org.
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