10 Unique Places to Shop Small for the Holidays Outside of Philadelphia
Monday, November, 28, 2022
By Sequoia Gawlik
The sound of sleigh bells is just starting to fill the air around us, and it’s the perfect time to step outside of the city and into some small town charm. ‘Tis the season for holiday shopping, and this year we’re shopping small and supporting local businesses. These ten spots just outside of the Philadelphia area deliver the sweetest shops to find the perfect unique gifts for your loved one’s this holiday season.
Located just under an hour from Philadelphia, Lambertville offers adorable shops, incredible art galleries, and scenic views of the Delaware River. Fans of local crafts and plants will enjoy Bye-Way Gardens, a local business specializing in high quality plants and locally made wares. While in the area, be sure to check out other nearby shops like the meticulously curated Sweet Marie Vintage, or enjoy a spiced hot chocolate and browse the local specialty foods at the Lambertville Trading Company.
Bye-Way Gardens, Lambertville
Nicknamed the “Christmas City”, Bethlehem was named on Christmas Eve of 1741 and remained a holiday destination for hundreds of years. While Bethlehem is not necessarily a small town, it offers an appropriate quaintness and beauty conducive to the perfect winter getaway. About an hour and a half outside of the city, Historic Bethlehem is worth the drive with countless incredible sights and holiday experiences, including the famous annual Christkindlemart where artisans gather to showcase their craft. The shopping remains fabulous year round with unique local shops like The Chocolate Lab and the historical Moravian Bookstore lining the charming cobblestone streets. While you’re in town, grab a drink at Fegley’s Brew Works or roll the dice at the Wind Creek Casino in the Steel Stacks.
This village about an hour from Philadelphia offers an enchanting and unique shopping experience. Alongside 65 independently owned specialty shops and boutiques, the village also offers a breathtaking light display and fun seasonal events including a gingerbread house contest and visits from Mrs. Claus herself. Follow the winding brick paths to beautiful home decor and craft shops like The Wooden Duck and Greenology Organic Living, or snag something sparkly at Divine Jewelers.
The Wooden Duck, Peddler’s Village
Skippack is a quaint village located in the heart of Montgomery county about an hour outside of Philadelphia. Every one of Skippack’s vibrant businesses and delicious restaurants are locally owned and operated, meaning this historical town maintains a unique and local charm. Check out the eclectic selection at The Copper Partridge Gift Shop, or the handmade wares at Artisan’s Nest. While you’re enjoying your day in Skippack, take advantage of the 5-Star dining at Parc Bistro, or if you’re feeling more casual, grab a slice at Giuseppe’s of Skippack.
Named by USA Today as having the “Best Small-Town Cultural Scene” in America, Doylestown’s downtown area offers a distinctively quaint yet funky downtown vibe. Characterized by it’s historical buildings and close knit community, Doylestown boasts dozens of locally owned boutiques and restaurants worth the approximately one hour drive from the city. For the book lover in your life, be sure to check out the lovely Doylestown Bookshop and browse the curated staff picks. Before you leave, make sure to stop and browse the eclectic collections at Shop Vintage Alley and Vintage Vibe, or explore the world class Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle.
The Doylestown Bookshop, Doylestown
Just ten minutes across the river from Philadelphia, Haddonfield delivers a wide variety of incredible shops and restaurants while still delivering a distinctly small town charm. Every Friday night from November 25th to December 16th, you can take the PATCO directly into the center of town to enjoy Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping Experience. While enjoying extended shopping at the more than 200 shops and restaurants, you can also hear live music and caroling, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and even visit with Mrs. Clause. For a unique gift, be sure to check out the handmade crafts at Anatolia Art and Craft Studio.
Just North of Philadelphia, Glenside is home to Arcadia University and Keswick village, a buzzing hub of independent businesses located in a cluster of beautiful Tudor style buildings. If you’re looking for small town charm without going too far from the city, Keswick Village seems to recall another time with the historical theater and vintage inspired shops. Penny’s Flowers and Bettie Jack Gallery offer a uniquely curated shopping experience, and if you’re looking for a fun place to grab lunch, make sure to head next door to Humpty Dumplings.
Bettie Jack Gallery (Left and Bottom Right), Keswick Theater (Top Right), Keswick
Just 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, Ambler is the perfect place to escape from the bustle of the city for a day of great shopping and dining in this adorable town. Survey the historical Ambler Theater as you shop down the Main Street, and try something sweet at (the aptly named) Sweet Annie’s. Other must see shops include Main Street Vintage and Antique Garden Cottage. Before you go, head over to Forest & Main and try one of their unique hyper-local brews.
Ambler Theater (Top), Sweet Annie’s (Bottom), Ambler
The seat of Chester County, about 45 minutes from Center City Philadelphia, is the lively and vibrant town home to West Chester University. The Philadelphia Enquirer dubbed West Chester “One of the World’s Most Perfect Small Towns” and we are inclined to agree. West Chester hosts endless local boutiques and shops, restaurants, historical sites, and even the first doggie-ice cream shop in the country- Salty Paws. Enjoy Lights Up Holiday Weekends through January 2nd where the town transforms with dazzling light displays and take part in fun holiday events. Fans of Unique thrifting and gifts should be sure not to miss The G Spot Modern Retro Thrift Boutique and The Green Eyed Lady Boutique.
New Hope tops our list as the must-visit small town for unique holiday shopping. Located on the picturesque banks of the Delaware river about an hour outside of Philadelphia, New Hope provides an unmatched variety of whimsical local stores and gourmet eateries. Start out your day by shopping at Love Saves the Day, a shop delivering a highly curated and eclectic collection of vintage clothes and memorabilia. Next, move to Sunbeam General Store or the Soap Opera company, and grab lunch from one of the incredible vendors at Ferry Market. While visiting, you may want to stop by the Bucks County Children’s Museum or see a show in the highly acclaimed Bucks County Playhouse. For a five star dinner before you go, enjoy the spectacular food and views from Stella of New Hope.
Love Saves the day (Top left and right), Sunbeam General Store (Bottom), New Hope
