Holidays in Philly: Seven Ways to Support Black- & Brown-Owned Businesses

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, Philadelphia City Council announced a resolution to declare each Friday in December of 2023 “Shop Black Business Friday.” The resolution — introduced by Councilmember At-Large Katherine Gilmore Richardson in partnership with Visit Philadelphia — encourages visitors and residents to support the many businesses owned by diverse people in Philadelphia.

Through Sunday, January 1, 2024

Shop small right by City Hall. This locally sourced holiday market in Dilworth Park features more than 40 local vendors — with a special emphasis on Black-, Brown- and women-owned businesses. After shopping, check out the rest of the wintertime fun at Winter at Dilworth Park, which includes a large ice skating rink and cabin, a scenic wintergarden and special events throughout the holiday season.

Find high-quality merchandise and explore a vibrant tapestry of Black entrepreneurship at The Black Mall Experience: Pop-Up Shop. This free-to-attend indoor market — on the edge of Philly’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood — showcases a wide range of products and services just in time for Small Business Saturday.

The Asian Arts Initiative’s annual community fair returns with an afternoon packed with food, fun and shopping. The event includes a live DJ, pay-as-you-go bites, family-friendly activities, and a full arts and crafts market featuring jewelry, prints, candles and more by Chinatown area creatives. Entry is pay what you wish and RSVPs are encouraged.

Celebrate Black excellence (and snag some fantastic artwork) at this elegant winter-themed multimedia art show. On top of works by Black and African artists, look forward to live music and performances, pay-as-you-go food and drink, and free snowflake and ornament crafts. Tickets are required and include two drink tickets.

December 2-17, 2023 (Saturdays and Sundays)

Experience seasonal celebrations with an international twist at Lemon Hill Mansion’s multicultural Winter Around the World series. In partnership with local cultural orgs, each day highlights a different culture, like Mexico (December 3) and Southeast Asia (December 10), and features pay-as-you-go food, festive live music, kid-friendly crafts and activities, and superbly decked halls. Tickets are required and prices range from $5 to free.

Christmas comes early in North Philly during the annual Christmas in the Barrio at Esperanza Arts Center. This family-friendly community tradition features an evening of Latin music, dancing, festive snacks from local shops, face-painting and other special activities. General admission is free, but tickets are required. Want to spread the Christmas cheer? Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a family in need.

Illustrating the Kwanzaa principle for wealth, generosity and economic self-reliance, Black-owned shops and vendors set up throughout historic Franklin Square for this outdoor Kwanzaa celebration. While you explore the curated family-friendly market, enjoy food trucks, music and a game of Kwanzaa-themed Quizzo. Entry is free.

Learn about Asian cultural traditions and scoop up some holiday treasures at the Lunar New Year edition of Penn Museum’s CultureFest! The event includes live music, dance performances, family-friendly activities (like storytelling and make-and-take art), and a packed vendor marketplace. And don’t miss the grand finale: the Lion Dance. All CultureFest! Lunar New Year activities are included with admission to the Penn Museum.

Philly is a hub for Black- and Brown-owned businesses, offering great deals this holiday season and all year round:

• Dozens of brick-and-mortar and online Black-owned businesses call Philly home, spanning bookstores, apparel shops, spas, farms and so much more.
• The city’s Latino-owned shops and boutiques range from creative libations at Mural City Cellars (the city’s first urban winery!) to the explosively colorful handcrafted carvings at ChocoArte.
• Asian-owned stores in Philadelphia include beauty and wellness shops, international food markets and several specialty shops (featuring herbs, candles, board games and more).

It’s no surprise: Philly knows food. But our award-winning culinary scene goes beyond just pretzels and cheesesteaks with delicious bits at various culturally diverse eateries. Celebrate the season with a meal — or several — at some of the city’s top Asian-owned, Latino-owned and Black-owned restaurants.

Want to find an exclusive gift while seeing how the magic happens? Black and Brown creatives throughout Philly offer studio tours at various locations, including:

• Bok: A renovated school, this South Philly staple now houses over 250 businesses, artists, makers and more, including Black-owned retailers like Amazulu Collections and popular eateries like Irwin’s and Bok Bar. Many shops are open to the public, but others are private or by appointment only.
• Cherry Street Pier: This waterfront studio hosts events year-round and is home to several creatives and nonprofits (with studio hours varying by artist). Shop online or keep an eye out for the Holiday Artist and Artisans Market (November 25 to December 23, 2023).
• Crane Arts: Crane Arts is a community of both emerging and established artists, performers and entrepreneurs in Philly’s Olde Kensington neighborhood. The building’s first-floor galleries are open to the public most Saturdays or by appointment.

Visit Philadelphia’s Love + Grit podcast captures the authentic stories behind the local businesses, residents and natives that make Philly what it is today. The latest season interviews national performers like Jill Scott and DJ Jazzy Jeff, critically acclaimed restauranteurs like Chad Williams of Friday Saturday Sunday and Dionicio Jimenez of Cantina La Martina, and local entrepreneurs like Delivery Guys’ Victor Tejada and Grant Blvd’s Dr. Kimberly McGlonn.