Under the El Bazaar goes full Christmas in July on Saturday, July 18, noon to 6pm, beneath the Market-Frankford El on the 1700 block of North Front Street. The Fishtown District is bringing holiday cheer to the middle of summer — free, family-friendly, and genuinely built out: local artisans, vintage vendors, food, drinks, games, and enough holiday decoration layered over summer décor to make the whole thing feel like a real seasonal mashup rather than a gimmick.

What to Expect Under the El

Under the El Bazaar has become one of Fishtown’s signature community events, and the Christmas in July edition leans fully into the bit. Photos with Santa run 1 to 3pm — a specific two-hour window, worth building your visit around if that’s the draw. The soundtrack is festive island-inspired holiday music, which is a genuinely fun left-turn from standard carols and fits the whole premise better than a straight holiday playlist would. Add holiday decorations against summer décor, games, family-friendly activities, and what the event promises as “seasonal surprises throughout the day,” and Under the El Bazaar has built a real afternoon out of a one-line concept.

The shopping itself is the other half of the draw — local artisans and makers alongside vintage vendors, genuinely useful for getting a head start on holiday gift lists five months early, or just finding something one-of-a-kind on a Saturday afternoon. Either way, it’s a good excuse to shop local under the El instead of online.

Where to Eat and Drink While You Shop

Six Fishtown regulars are running food and drink specials all afternoon, all within a couple blocks of the bazaar itself: Evil Genius Beer Company at 1727 N Front St, Percy Diner & Bar and Pure Green both at 1700 N Front St, LMNO at 1749 N Front St, Mecha Noodle Bar at 1700 N Front St, and International Bar at 1624 N Front St. Beer, diner food, wellness bowls, noodles, and cocktails all in walking distance of Under the El Bazaar — that’s a genuinely good crawl on its own, holiday shopping or not.

Admission to Under the El Bazaar is free and open to everyone. It’s exactly the kind of event the Fishtown District has built its identity around — small businesses, local makers, and a neighborhood that shows up for both. Come for the Santa photos, stay for the noodles, and don’t be surprised if you leave with your holiday shopping further along than you expected in the middle of July.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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