On Saturday, December 9, celebrate the holiday season with events and deals across University City and West Philadelphia! Get into the holiday spirit by shopping at local vendor markets, enjoying one-day offers from restaurants and small businesses, and enjoying festive events throughout the neighborhood.

Cocoa, Crafts, Holiday Plants, and Photos with the Grinch Presented by UCD

Trolley Portal Gardens • 40th and Baltimore • 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Join UCD at Trolley Portal Gardens to enjoy family-friendly crafting activities, a visit from the Grinch, SEPTA Holiday Trolleys passing through, and complimentary hot chocolate from Renata’s Kitchen.

Want some beautiful plants to celebrate the season? We'll be welcoming Freebird Greenery to the space to help spruce up your homes for the holidays! You can place pre-orders for poinsettias or miniature Alberta pine Christmas trees until December 1st and pick them up between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Freebird will also be holding a pop-up plant sale at the space.

Our friends from The Workshop School will join us with an array of handcrafted goods for sale, ranging from intricately laser-etched ornaments to stylish 3D-printed planters. Explore our diverse selection of student-crafted products! Receive a free handmade Workshop School keychain with every purchase.

If you're planning to join us, consider bringing an unwrapped gift to contribute to 3rd District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier's 3rd Annual Toy Drive. The Councilmember's team will be onsite collecting new, unwrapped toys for children and families in our community. You can easily view and select toys from their Amazon and Target wishlists.

The uCity Square Holiday Fest

The Lawn at uCity Square • 37th and Cuthbert • 2 PM to 8 PM

From 2 PM to 8 PM, enjoy the second of two festive days at the Lawn at uCity Square! Stop by for shopping, crafts, pictures with Santa, crafts, pop-up ice rink, uCity Square Beer Garden, and more! RSVP here.

West Craft Fest at The Rotunda

The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut Street • 10 AM to 4 PM

The West Craft Fest returns to The Rotunda on Saturday and Sunday, December 9th and 10th, from 10 AM to 4 PM each day. Two DIFFERENT days of local wares handmade with care, like artisan jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, art prints and originals, homewares, clothing, cozy hand knits, natural body care, candles, stationery, toys, and all sorts of unique holiday gifts. Read more here.

Holiday Shopping and Photos with Santa at Freebird Greenery

Freebird Greenery • 4711 Pine Street • 10 AM to 1 PM

Head to local Black-owned Freebird Greenery to shop for holiday plants and gifts! From 10 AM to 1 PM, you can enjoy free refreshments while you browse. Plus, bring the kids (or yourself!) to snap a photo with Santa to bring home! Check out more about Freebird Greenery via their Instagram account.

Playology Kids' Whoville Wonderland

Playology • 218 S. 45th Street • 2 PM - 4:30 PM

Welcome to Whoville Wonderland! Immerse yourself in a Grinch-tastic experience at Playology. Join us for a delightful adventure filled with games, s'mores, tasty snacks, and warm hot chocolate. Whether you're a fan of Dr. Seuss or simply seeking a unique and festive experience, Whoville Wonderland is the perfect choice. Prepare to be enchanted by the whimsical atmosphere and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. Book your spot now and let the holiday spirit come alive at our Whoville Wonderland! Enjoy 10% off at checkout with the code UCDHOOPLA!

Dorrance Dance Presents The Nutcracker Suite at Penn Live Arts

The Annenberg Center • 3680 Walnut Street • Performances at 2 PM and 8 PM

Tap superstar and MacArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance “is a virtuoso, both as a dancer and choreographer." (The New York Times) In this Philadelphia premiere, tap dance meets holiday favorites from The Nutcracker Suite boasting boogies, slides, struts and dives into Duke Ellington’s intoxicating interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic. Get ready to enter a world of jazz, swingin’ syncopation and vernacular sugar, persuading us all to be a little more soulful this holiday season.

Plus, deals, discounts, holiday gifts, and more, at the following businesses and restaurants:

Alif Brew and Mini Mart - 10% off new brand coffee, $1 hot chocolate and baklava, $5 wraps
Booker’s - Free hot coffee or tea with purchase of an entree
Campus Copy Center - 10% off all holiday card and envelope printing
Chili Garden - $1 Spring roll, $3 Dan Dan noodles, $5 lo mein
CO-OP Restaurant and Bar - One complimentary mimosa from 7am to 2pm on Saturday, December 9th with the purchase of an entrée. Limit one per guest.
Copabanana - 10% off your check if you mention the promotion
Dahlak - 10% discount on all meals
Doro Bet - Half priced sides.
Goldie - Free Shake With Purchase Over $20
Grant BLVD - 15% Student Discount and Complimentary Belt Bag With Purchases Over $150
La Pearl Beauty Emporium - $25 off next service (expires 1/6) and 15% off hair products, free 15 minute Scalp Clinic consultation
Landmark University City - 20% off brunch breakfast with mention of Holiday Hoopla, excludes drink orders
Manzanita - 10% off any three items with mention of the Holiday Hoopla
PHilthy Paws - Free dog bag dispensers with purchase of any service, $1 pet bandannas, and free card punches for Loyalty card members
Playology - Receive 10% off the Whoville Wonderland Event on 12/9 with code UCDHOOPLA
Pod - Your choice of a free dessert with purchase. Guests can choose between Mochi (your choice of flavor) or our Oishii Strawberry Dessert.
The Post - Free $25 gift card with purchase of $100 or more gift card
Renata’s Kitchen - All Habibi Shirts are $5 off (in store only)
The Silk Tent - Up to 40% OFF everything in-store (restrictions apply)
Spruce Hill Provisions - Receive a $10 gift card with purchase of $100 or more
Sunset Social - Free $25 gift card with purchase of $100 or more gift card
Triple Girl Treatment Candles - 5 small jar candles for $35, Buy 1 Medium candle get one half off, Buy 3 Tin Candles get a small jar candle free
VIX Emporium - Free calendar with purchase.