What To Do This Weekend
NoLibs Holiday Shopping Spree
Sat., Dec. 2 and Sun. Dec. 3, 11am-7pm
Having roamed NoLibs yesterday in search of items for PW’s annual Gift Guide, I can assure you that this is one shopping event you won’t want to miss. If you’re not familiar with how it works, allow me to explain: At the first participating story and you’ll receive 10 percent discount as well as a spree card with a sticker. Head to another store and you’ll get 15 percent off your purchase + 1 sticker. At the third participating store, you’ll score 20 percent off your purchase + 1 sticker. Once you’ve got three stickers, you’ll receive 25 percent off at any participating store thereafter. It’s sorta like an awesome shopping game—one that allows you to cross several people off your shopping list while getting a few goodies for yourself. Participating stores include Once Worn Consignment, Bloom, Art Star, Swag Boutique, Duke & Winston and Arcadia Boutique. Oh, and did I mention you’ll find holiday treats and refreshments at each location?
Sat., Dec. 3 @ Arcadia Rittenhouse // Sun., Dec. 4 @ Arcadia NoLibs
In addition to taking part in the NoLibs Shopping Spree, Arcadia Boutique has invited designer, Kelly Lane to showcase her full winter collection of incredibly chic, colorful and somewhat futuristic tops, skirts, holiday dresses and jackets all weekend. They’ll also be serving up cocktails and offering free gift-wrap.
Sat., Dec. 3, 11am-5pm @ The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.)
On Sunday you’ll find 40 of Philly’s finest artisans under one roof selling all sorts of handmade wares—from jewelry, ornaments and hand-stitched woolens to ceramics, soaps and candles. This includes Fitbliss Organic’s line of organic skincare and bath products and Amy B’s cool, custom laser-cut acrylic jewelry (see right).
University City Arts League Annual Holiday Craft Show & Sale
Fri., Dec. 2-Dec. 15 @ UCAL (4226 Spruce St.)
Tomorrow, the U.C Arts League is kicking off its annual Holiday Craft Show & Sale featuring the work of more than 30 local artisans as well as UCAL facu
lty members. You’ll find plenty of unique and affordable gifts—all 100 percent handmade, including jewelry, hand-painting silk scarves, pottery, small paintings and prints, fine art, clothes and hand-made gift cards. Best of all, 60 percent of the proceeds will go to the artists while the remaining 30 percent will help the league continue it’s many community arts programs.
Celeste Giuliano’s Magazine Release Party
Sun., Dec. 4, 7pm. @ The Troc Balcony (10th & Arch sts.)
Philly’s “Queen of the Pin-up,” Celeste Giuliano has just released a special edition of Retro Lovely Magazine and to celebrate, she’s throwing a full-blown pin-up extravaganza. While mingling with the beautiful pin-ups gracing the 88 pages of the mag, guests will be treated to complimentary samplings of Sailor Jerry’s rum and classic drink specials as well as a show featuring Philly’s finest burlesque performers. And just in case that wasn’t enough, you’ll have a chance to win some amazing door prizes and raffles and with every purchase (or pre-order) of the magazine, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a complimentary pin-up photo shoot with Celeste herself—perhaps the greatest prize of all. Be sure to come in your sexiest 1950s-inspired attire. You may not fit in otherwise. Tickets are just $10 bucks. 
Sun., Dec. 4, 4pm-7pm @ South Street Headhouse District (2nd St. b/w Pine & Lombard)
For their annual tree lighting event, the South Street Headhouse District is hosting a day full of holiday festivities. What might these festivities entail exactly? Well, live music, free horse and carriage rides, a caroling sing-a-long, a hot chocolate and tea tasting, holiday craft-making, a Nutcracker mash-up performance and free holiday photo booth station, just to name a few. If you have kiddies or young relatives, bring them along. There’s going to be plenty of activities for them too.