
City Cast Philly
🛍️ A guide to holiday shopping in Philly
November 18, 2025 · — Adrian González
Good morning! It’s City Cast editor (and devout lover of food) Adrian González filling in for Siani this week.
Will Philly get its very first Michelin-starred restaurant when the awards are announced tonight? I’m still not sure how I feel about the Michelin Guide, but the promotional boost and financial gain for winning restaurants is undeniable. So, I have an important question: Which restaurants do you think should receive the prestigious award?

What's CITY Talking About
🤐 Krasner Uncharacteristically Mum on Cop Case
District Attorney Larry Krasner has made a name for himself by loudly going after police misconduct, but he has been unusually hush about the Nov. 7th charges against nine officers who allegedly stole more than $40,000 from a taxpayer-funded youth boxing program. Given that this the highest number of officers charged together for misconduct in decades, why? [🔒 The Inquirer]
🚍 Could SEPTA Screech to a Halt?
Members of SEPTA’s largest union voted to authorize a strike as they continue to negotiate a new contract. The president of Transport Workers Local 234, which represents nearly 5,000 transit employees, said talks have been productive and a work stoppage is not imminent. [Metro Philadelphia]
- The agency’s general manager told us SEPTA’s going to be okay, despite ongoing union negotiations, funding shortfalls, and technical troubles. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🏨 Philly’s New Hotel Trend
Boutique hotels are booming around the city since the short-term rental crackdown, offering more options if you have guests visiting this holiday season. So, what are some of the top boutique hotels in Philly? [🎧 City Cast Philly]
🙀 A $25,000 Cat Fight in Court
Pets in Pennsylvania are viewed as property, which is leading to a rise in disputes over who gets to keep the pet after separations and divorces. In a recent case that took a year to resolve, two roommates spent thousands of dollars arguing over custody of an exotic (and adorable) shorthair cat named Gary. [🔒 The Inquirer]
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Philly's Best Holiday Markets

Local markets are the perfect place to shop for everyone on your list. From crafts to last-minute ideas, here are some of the best upcoming holiday markets around Philadelphia.
Liberty Flea
🗓️ Nov. 21-22
📍 Bok Building
This two-day event has a stacked lineup of vendors selling artisan goods, vintage clothes, antiques, and more. There’s probably something for everyone on your list.
Miracle On American Street Holiday Gift Market
🗓️ Nov. 22
📍 NextFab
The fifth installment of the gift market promises to be bigger than ever with over 80 vendors and its first interactive zone where you can “make and take” your own crafty gift. Bonus points for the great food and drink lineup.
Bazar Navideño Latinoamericano
🗓️ Nov. 22
📍 Taller Puertoriqueño
Shop holiday decor, books, and handmade accessories from local Latine makers. Plus, you just know the food is going to be delicious.
Small Business Saturday Market
🗓️ Nov. 29
📍 Bok Building
Bok is celebrating Small Business Saturday with an expanded lineup of in-house vendors and makers from around the city. You’ll find vintage goods, holiday crafts, and other local goodies.
Made at Black Hound Winter Market
🗓️ Dec. 5
📍 Black Hound Clay Studio South
For those of us with a pottery obsession, buying ceramics as gifts is the best way to indulge without overfilling the cupboards. The studio will also have a hot cocoa bar to go with your guilt-free shopping.

Lucia & Christmas Market
🗓️ Dec. 6
📍 American Swedish Historical Museum
This is the outdoor holiday market of the season, featuring deli items, live music, and holiday treats from the Swedish Christmas Café. Don’t worry, the outdoor tent will be heated.
Vintage Design MRKT
🗓️ Dec. 6-7
📍 Crane Arts
If you’ve ever daydreamed about owning an Eames Lounge Chair, you’ve come to the right place. Pinterest doesn’t hold a candle to the vintage pieces you’ll find at this market.

What To Do
Tuesday, Nov. 18
- ♻️ Just Don't Build: The Case for Imaginative Reuse at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia (Society Hill)
- 🏞️ Hike & Sit: A Community Hike + Climate Justice Conversation Series at Black Lotus Holistic Health Collective (West Mt. Airy)
- 🩺 Navigating Health Insurance For Solopreneurs and Freelancers at Indy Hall Clubhouse or Virtual (Northern Liberties)
- 🪡 Intro to Sewing at Slow Fashion Academy (Germantown)
- 🎤 MISSION Story Slam 13: Braver Today at National Mechanics (Old City)
- ❤️🩹 Mending 101 at The Arts League (Spruce Hill)
- 🥟 Dumpling Workshop at Charles Santore Library (South Philly)
Wednesday, Nov. 19
- 🛍️ Makers Market at the Rotunda (University City)
- 🫂 Phunemployment Meetup at the Spruce Hill Community Association (Spruce Hill)
- 🚴 Spring Garden Connector Project at School District of Philadelphia (Spring Garden)
- 💘 Speed Dating with a Twist at Twisted Tail (Headhouse Square)
- 🎶 Philly Music Industry Career Summit at Drexel University (University City)
- 🖋️ Calligraphy Workshop at Haraz Cafe (Fishtown)
Before I go, I want to shout out my friend Michelle Angela Ortiz, who just finished a beautiful 30-foot mural honoring the immigrant workers of the 9th Street Market. 💚
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