Holiday Gift Guide: A sparkling journey down the 23

This route moves from the leafy quiet of Chestnut Hill down through Mt. Airy, into historic Germantown, then pushes on toward the denser North Philadelphia until it reaches Center City. While Philadelphians often describe the city as a city of neighborhoods, the perspective from a long ride on the 23  gives view to a series of connected worlds, stitched together through art, community and everyday life. 

As fall makes its slow creep into winter, window displays change first, with shopkeepers unpacking wreaths and strings of lights. Children press their faces to the bus window, counting the first decorated porches. The season doesn’t arrive abruptly on the 23. It drifts in, street by street, in the same steady rhythm as the bus itself. 

By the time the bus leaves this stretch, the route has woven together everything that makes Northwest and North Philadelphia such vibrant holiday landscapes: artistry, movement, community, culture, and style. From the plant-filled serenity of Chestnut Hill to the bold creativity of Mt. Airy, the historical depth of Germantown, and the community warmth of North Philly, each stop contributes something distinct and memorable. 

Foliage

Address: 8139 Germantown Ave

Hours: Wednesday through Fri, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 to 5 p.m.

Foliage, a plant and lifestyle boutique, sets the tone the moment you step inside. Through the window, soft grow lights illuminate rows of lush greenery. Fiddle leaf figs, ferns, philodendrons, and sculptural succulents arranged with an artist’s eye. Inside, the space is curated with handcrafted pots, botanical accessories, and small home goods perfect for gifting. For plant lovers, new homeowners, or anyone who appreciates slow living, Foliage offers pieces that feel alive in every sense of the word. 

NoName Gallery

Address: 8127 Germantown Ave

Hours: Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Still in Chestnut Hill, shoppers can find NoName Gallery, a contemporary art space known for showcasing emerging and experimental artists. The gallery’s windows often display bold color, mixed-media textures, and striking portraits that catch the eye of pedestrians. Inside, rotating exhibits feature original pieces, limited-run prints, sculptures, and installations. Holiday gift shoppers can find something unique for the person whose taste can’t be boxed into trends. It’s the kind of place where a single piece can tell a story, spark a conversation, or become the centerpiece of someone’s home. 

Dolly’s Boutique & Consignment

Address: 6778 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119

Hours: Wednesday and Thursday noon to 6 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bright coats, sequined tops, statement dresses, and bold accessories fill the racks, reflecting the confident style that defines Philadelphia fashion. The shop buzzes with chatter during the holidays, friends debating outfits, customers modeling looks for strangers, and the occasional burst of laughter cutting through the hum of music. Dolly’s makes gift-buying feel fun, communal, and celebratory. Perfect for finding a standout piece for someone who loves to dress boldly. 

ARTrageous

Address: 6345 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Hours: Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., all other days by appointment

This Germantown art studio re-opened this fall after a January fire threatened the business’ future. Owner and lead artist Moneek Pines says the community brought them back, as donations and messages of encouragement provided support to keep going. ARTrageous, Pines explained, aims to tap into the artist inside everyone. While some neighbors may know them as a space for paint parties, their offerings remix expectations for a paint-and-sip business by offering art therapy and crafting classes— They’re offering more of the latter these days with holiday crafting in mind. Pines welcomes customers who might want to make a holiday gift rather than buy, with upcoming workshops for upcycled denim, earrings and feminine ties.

Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery

Address: 5423 Germantown Ave

Hours: Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Along the 23, old stone buildings sit beside modern storefronts. The energy of Germantown blends tradition with fresh creative momentum. Ubuntu Fine Art, a contemporary photography gallery founded by photographer Steven CW Taylor, is one of the neighborhood’s gems.. The gallery showcases large-scale fine-art photography rooted in African and African-diaspora narratives. Each piece feels intentional. Portraits filled with emotion, landscapes rich with detail, and scenes that celebrate heritage with reverence. Ubuntu offers fine-art prints and collector pieces that hold depth and presence. 

Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books

Address: 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Hours: Monday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Uncle Bobbie’s serves as a cultural anchor, a home for conversation, creativity, lectures, and learning. Its bookshelves center Black authors and thinkers; its café offers warm drinks and pastries that fuel long reading sessions; its seating area often fills with groups discussing everything from art to politics. Uncle Bobbie’s offers books, apparel, journals, merchandise, and curated selections perfect for readers of all ages. 

DeCreed

Address: 2616 Germantown Ave

Hours: Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hours may shift, we recommend calling ahead of time.)

This North Philadelphia boutique caters to the “it girl,” with clean, fitted fashions that are easy to dress up or dress down. Owner Lucretia Russell, who goes by Cree, is a Moore College of Art and Design grad, who built a name for herself through elaborate custom designs for special occasions (think proms, weddings and galas) as well as her off-the-rack offerings. At DeCreed, shoppers can find a selection of shiny shorts and pants reminiscent of American Apparel leggings, as well as a series of sequined garments (dresses, tops, jumpsuits) that might be your look for New Year’s Eve.