Best Christmas Shopping in Philadelphia

Best Shops in Philadelphia to Get Your Christmas Shopping Done


Heading into the holiday season in Philadelphia means there's so much time to shop in the beginning weeks. Time, however, has a habit of slowly creeping by until there's suddenly barely a day left. Whether you're an early bargain hunter or a last-minute whirlwind of accomplishment, it's always helpful to know the very best places to hit up to get the most accomplished. When time is of the essence, or you're just interested in making the best of a one or two-stop shopping trip, 10Best has you covered. Shopping just outside the city limits? Venture over to the King of Prussia Mall for a selection of stores so huge you'll have trouble getting to them all. Interested in shopping, dining and strolling around a quaint town atmosphere? Head to Chestnut Hill and make a day of it. Center City offers up the Shops at Liberty Place for gift-hunters located right in town. Some retail locations offer more of a standard mall experience, while others sport trendy boutiques and outlet stores to explore and discover unique treasures. Most are located near local restaurants or fooderies so that you can grab a bite if your shopping excursion goes long. If the shopping trip and a stay in a hotel makes for the perfect girlfriend getaway or family excursion, there are plenty of hotels with special packages to do just that. Shop away!


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Main Street Manayunk
Photo courtesy of Miles Kennedy for Visit Philly

In this up-and-coming area, shops are situated all along a half-mile on Main Street. More than 65 different storefronts offer shoppers the chance to find unique creations or interesting gifts. The trendy Manayunk section of Philadelphia is perfect for finding something for that special someone. With options ranging from home decor items to art to jewelry to personal beauty items, as well as restaurants and outdoor activity items, there's sure to be something of interest to you or those you care about. Browse, stop in for a sample, purchase a product or two, or just walk about and take in the scenery and vibe of Manayunk.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: This area is a fun and trendy diversion for folks not interested or not located in the center of town.

Sharon's expert tip: Not all interesting gift shops are located in Center City. This area is a fun diversion for folks not interested or not located in the center of town.

Read more about Main Street Manayunk →




This pop-up holiday market mirrors German-style markets and offers shoppers an experience as well as a chance to shop. Individual stores are housed in wooden shed-like houses, and display their holiday wares for shoppers to wander by and peruse. Items vary from decorative to functional, and feature fun things as well as useful items sure to please. Food is also available and you can snap a seasonal photo by the well-known Philadelphia landmark LOVE sculpture located at the top of the plaza. A huge Christmas tree is located in the center area, adding elegance and festivity to the whole experience.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Charming and a fun outing for shoppers, this pop-up market is entertaining and full of unique gift ideas.

Sharon's expert tip: Remember you'll be carrying your treasures, so bring a large, comfortable shopping bag.

Read more about Love Park PopUp Holiday Market →


The area surrounding beautiful Rittenhouse Square, one of five squares designated by William Penn in his original plans for the city, has long been considered one of Philadelphia's most fashionable districts and was once home to many beautiful Victorian homes. Today, the Row features an impressively diverse array of high-end shops, especially along Walnut and Locust Streets, which are perfect for located that hard-to-find holiday gift item. If you need to take a breather from your seasonal shopping, grab a cup of coffee from La Colombe and relax a bit in the festively-decorated square, whose attractive 1913 redesign features diagonal pathways that converge in a central plaza where a decorated tree stands and is a perfect area for photos.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Rittenhouse Row is near many hotels, and is a wonderful option for anyone staying in the city who does't want to venture far.

Sharon's expert tip: Dress warmly, as this is not a mall, but a city street with many exquisite shops located along the route.

Read more about Rittenhouse Row →


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Located in the former John Wanamaker building, this store is a mainstay in the Philadelphia shopping scene. For more than 100 years, it has welcomed shoppers to the area, under several names. Housed in the building is the largest functioning and playable instrument in the world - the grand pipe organ - which was installed in 1904. Also worth noting in this building is the incredible giant Wannamaker eagle statue located in the Grand Court. Today, modern shoppers an take advantage of the usual Macy's products and services in this iconic location. There are also several tours that are available to find out more about this giant in the Philadelphia retail scene.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: For a classic Philadelphia shopping experience, a trip to Macy's offers history, gift options, and the opportunity to see the iconic free light show.

Sharon's expert tip: Visit during the holiday season for an array of seasonal decorations and displays, including the famous holiday light show which dates back to 1955.

Read more about Macy's →


Bargain hunters love the deep discounts available at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets. Located just outside of the city, this mall is home to more than 150 brand name and designer retailers, including Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Coach and the Nike Factory Store, each offering fantastic savings. It is an outdoor mall, so shoppers will be outside for the time that they're walking from store to store. Often, there are additional holiday discounts for shoppers, so keep an eye out for those. Anyone who works up an appetite have access to everything from Starbucks and Subway to Ruby Tuesdays.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Not all shoppers are interested in paying retail prices. This outlet mall is a fun change of pace.

Sharon's expert tip: Wear your walking shoes and know that this mall features some outside walking.

Read more about Philadelphia Premium Outlets →


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Outside the city

This area mall is located just outside the city limits and offers a plethora of shops and restaurants sure to satisfy your holiday shopping needs. The center is not new - it first opened for business in 1928! Now this upscale neighborhood shopping strip located on the Main Line is a solid option for Christmas shopping. Unique and upscale lifestyle shops deliver sought-after retail options for eager shoppers. Parking is easier than in Center City, and there's no shortage of high end stores and eclectic gifting choices. Santa is here for those with little ones in tow, and the center is beautifully and seasonally decorated, too.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Many times, a center with quality retailers located close-to-but-not-in the city delivers on all fronts. This place is that place.

Sharon's expert tip: Exclusive offers, coupons and savings often become available for Suburban Square, so watch for these if you're headed there.

Read more about Suburban Square →


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Outside the city

This Bucks County collection of boutique shops, restaurants and lodging options serves as a scenic getaway or wonderful day trip. Shops are boutique style and there are 60 indecently owned and operated offerings, ranging in variety from toy stores to bookshops to home decor, candles, apparel, and a variety of food options. These shops offer wonderfully unique gift ideas for that someone special, or cute items to spice up your own life. Year round festivals are held here on their 42-acre spread, and the village is lit up an decorated in beauty and splendor for the holiday season. Not only is it a wonderful shopping destination, but it's a scenic drive and an enjoyable destination for the day or even overnight.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Sometimes you need a shopping destination thats also an escape. This village fits the bill on both counts.

Sharon's expert tip: If you're planning on eating here, make reservations early, as places can fill up on weekends.

Read more about Peddler's Village →


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King Of Prussia
King of Prussia Mall
Photo courtesy of Visit Philly

Home to more 400 stores, boutiques and restaurants, King of Prussia Mall is one of the country's largest shopping centers. Recognized as the East Coast's premier shopping destination, this upscale retail complex is anchored by well-known powerhouses like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Sears and JCPenney. Additional retailers located in the center include Lilly Pulitzer, Ann Taylor, Tory Burch, LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, Apple, Banana Republic, Bose and Coach, among others. There are also more than 40 dining options inside the mall, from bigger-name sit-down restaurants such as TGIFriday's, to smaller quick-eats as well as dessert and coffee options.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: This mall is gigantic and well worth the trip for anyone looking for a certain store, or just a lot of stores in one location.

Sharon's expert tip: If you're traveling with a non-shopper, let him/her know to bring a laptop or mobile device to take advantage of the free WiFi.

Read more about King of Prussia Mall →


Shops at Liberty Place
Photo courtesy of M. Fischetti for Visit Philly

Located between the Liberty Place towers in Center City's hotel district, this sleek shopping complex offers an impressive array of over 60 retail tenants, including Fire & Ice, J. Crew, Godiva Chocolatier, Les Richards, Victoria's Secret, Loft and Aveda. Completely enclosed, the center is a pleasant escape from the weather outside (especially in the winter or the heat of summer), and helps its popularity by hosting a wide slate of special events each season. Perfect for a little (or big) treat for yourself, a loved one, or to grab a necessity, Liberty Place is clean and convenient. There's also a food court should you find yourself in need of some afternoon sustenance. Parking is available in the four-level complex located under Liberty Place.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: There's no better large retail experience in Center City for those looking to centralize their shopping experience.

Sharon's expert tip: In the mood for some fun? Stop by the customer service desk to find out if there are any prize give-aways taking place.

Read more about Shops at Liberty Place →


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Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill Shops
Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philly

There are so many great things about coming to Chestnut Hill to do some Christmas shopping. Chestnut Hill is off-the-beaten-path, but not remote. It's funky, but in a way that people over the age of twenty-five can also relate to. It's young, but not off-putting, and it's a cute area to walk around in. The area offers a plethora of restaurants that are perfect to stave off hunger, lodging for those interested in making more than a day of things, and cute shops that offer unique gift ideas for everyone on your list. Lace up your walking shoes and see what this adorable town has to offer you.

Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: When a unique gift from the Philadelphia area is what you're the market for, this store doesn't disappoint.

Sharon's expert tip: If you come here more than a few times, get to know the shopkeepers. Personalized service is what they're known for.

Read more about Chestnut Hill Shops →


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Meet Sharon Nolan

Sharon is a native to the Philadelphia area, but loves to wander from its familiar borders. She has traveled to more than 30 countries, trekked five continents, ventured out with family,...  More About Sharon

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