Middlesex West Regional Holiday Guide 2023
Shop Local This HOliday Season!
Doing Good for the Middlesex West Region
Now is the most important time of the year to support the retail, restaurant and small businesses in our area. Many of these businesses rely on this season to make their year a success.
Fortunately, local groups and business associations make it easy and fun to join in and support these businesses.
Here is a sampling of some local events happening soon. We invite you to show your support and join in the fun. See you there!
Have a magical season!
#shoplocal #smallbusinessaturday #shopsmall
Ongoing
All Season
Acton 2023 Holiday Shop Local Directory
Shop Local throughout the holiday season. Take advantage of promotions and visit a wide array of participating Acton businesses. The Acton Holiday Local Business Directory will be up through the season until January 2024 with many new/offers. Be sure you check back often for the latest offers and happenings.
Weekend of December 1st – 3rd
Fri., Dec. 1 | 1:00 – 6:00 pm
The Umbrella Winter Market
The Umbrella’s Winter Market is an annual three-day show and sale of artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of our beautifully renovated space in Concord, MA. It features dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists, regional Guest Artists, an annual “Off-the-Wall” show with small works under $350, Ceramics Program holiday sale, Arts Education Free Drop-In Family Day info table, prizes drawing, and more.
Fri., Dec. 1 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
4 Day Holiday Market at 20 Meetinghouse
Discover artisanal wonders at Busy Hands Emporium! A pop-up shop for your holiday gift giving needs. Free event and plenty of free parking on Meetinghouse Road and CVS Pharmacy
Sat., Dec. 2 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Day of Merriment at the Acton Woods Plaza – Holiday Open House
Join the businesses of Acton Woods Plaza as the welcome you to celebrate the holidays with them December 2nd. The ABRHS Madrigal Singers will be Caroling at Acton Woods Plaza’s participating businesses between 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
Businesses: Blackbird Cafe, Jo Karen, Boston Bijoux, Precision Vision, Kitchen Outfitters, & Salted Soul.
Acton Woods Plaza – Intersection of Rts 2A & 27 – 340 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720
Sat., Dec. 2 | 9:00am – 3:00 pm
WCUMC Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Please join us for our annual Holiday Fair. We have baked goods, homemade goods, vendor products, kids crafts, and plants all for your holiday gifts and decorations.
Sat., Dec. 2 | 9:00am – 4:00 pm
The Greens Festival
Pick up your pre-ordered Greenery, birdseed, ornaments, and luminaries to bring the holiday spirt to your home. Delicious treats will also be available for purchase.
Sat., Dec. 2 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Umbrella Winter Market
The Umbrella’s Winter Market is an annual three-day show and sale of artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of our beautifully renovated space in Concord, MA. It features dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists, regional Guest Artists, an annual “Off-the-Wall” show with small works under $350, Ceramics Program holiday sale, Arts Education Free Drop-In Family Day info table, prizes drawing, and more.
Sat., Dec. 2 | 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Special Saturday Story Time at The Silver Unicorn
Stop by to hear the award winning author, illustrator Matt Tavares of “Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas” – The perfect holiday gift for your little one this year.
Sat., Dec. 2 | 12:30 – 4:30 pm
West Acton Holiday Stroll
Shopping, a scavenger hunt, carolers, a petting zoo and a tree-lighting in charming West Acton village.
Sat., Dec. 2 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
4 Day Holiday Market at 20 Meetinghouse
Discover artisanal wonders at Busy Hands Emporium! A pop-up shop for your holiday gift giving needs. Free event and plenty of free parking on Meetinghouse Road and CVS Pharmacy
Sat., Dec 2 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm
The Maynard Holiday Stroll
Spend the Evening Strolling through Downtown Maynard, Taking in the Sights and Sounds of the Holidays. Enjoy Live Music, Light Refreshments, Shopping Specials and More! (Free)
Sun., Dec. 3 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Umbrella Winter Market
The Umbrella’s Winter Market is an annual three-day show and sale of artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of our beautifully renovated space in Concord, MA. It features dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists, regional Guest Artists, an annual “Off-the-Wall” show with small works under $350, Ceramics Program holiday sale, Arts Education Free Drop-In Family Day info table, prizes drawing, and more.
Sun., Dec. 3 | 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
True West Winter Wonderland & Verrill Farm
Join the first True West Winter Wonderland @ Verrill Farm for a festive day for the whole family – s’mores, kids activities, wreath decorating, True West Beer, Mac and Cheese flights,True West Food and more. Exclusive festival merch available, click below for more info.
Sun., Dec. 3 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
4 Day Holiday Market at 20 Meetinghouse
Discover artisanal wonders at Busy Hands Emporium! A pop-up shop for your holiday gift giving needs. Free event and plenty of free parking on Meetinghouse Road and CVS Pharmacy
Sun., Dec. 3 | 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade in Concord Center
Don’t miss out on this free event in the Center of Concord. Live music, crafts, vendors, food and a parade with Santa
Week of December 4th & 8th
Fri., Dec. 8 | 7:30 – 9:00 am
Business Breakfast Networking at Concord Flower Shop
Join us for a merry morning of business networking at Concord Flower Shop. Enjoy great company and make lasting connections among the arresting arrangements created by our hostess, Helen Halloran. Drink in the scent of holiday blooms while enjoying coffee and breakfast goodies.
Our Business Breakfast Networking events are a great opportunity to meet local professionals in the area, build relationships, learn about other businesses, and catch up on what is happening in your area.
Weekend of December 9th & 10th
Sat., Dec. 9 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Toys for Tots | Sun Santa Holiday Drive and Drop
The Littleton Police Department, in conjunction with Rep. Jim Arciero, will once again participate in the Annual Toys for Tots collection on Saturday, December 9th, from 10 AM to 12 PM. Additionally, unwrapped toys can also be dropped off between now and then.
Sat., Dec. 9 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The 2nd Annual Christmas Fair
Have some fun and join 40 local artisans and vendors, food by Heavenly Dogs Catering, Raffles, and join in on a Toy Drive. Click below for more information.
Sat., Dec. 9 | 1:00 – 5:00 pm
West Concord Holiday Stroll
Enjoy a Holiday Stroll through West Concord and visit the many unique shops and businesses – all up and down Commonwealth Ave! SANTA and the GRINCH will be strolling around and stopping in shops and will be available for photos…
Sun., Dec. 10 | 1:00 pm
Vintage Holiday & Winter Ceramics
Join Hammer & Stain – Nashoba Valley for an afternoon of creating your very own vintage ceramics. For more information on specific projects and pricing click below.
Week of December 11th – 15th
Wed., Dec. 13 | 1:00 pm
A Celebration of Lights – Concord Celebrates Chanukah
Join A Celebration of Lights, from 5-6 pm at Rideout Park. Featuring a menorah lighting & blessings, joyous holiday music, and interactive songs —as well as delicious latkes from Debra’s Natural Gourmet and craft goody bags for kids from Concord Recreation and Concord Free Public Library.
Wed., Dec. 13 | 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Boutique Crawl
Enjoy special shopping with Home, Wish, and Eve & Murray’s during this special event.
Home . Eve & Murray’s . Wish –
525 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA
Thurs., Dec. 14 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
After-Hours Business Networking –
Holiday Edition!
Join us for a festive evening of business networking at Handworks Gallery.
Handworks Owner Carla Dorato is the consummate curator of fine American crafts and a charming hostess. We’re thrilled to be asked back!
Browse the bounty of beautiful gifts, enjoy refreshments and good cheer with Chamber chums. Bring your business cards and your gift list – there will be plenty of time for shopping!
Week of December 18th – 22nd
Wed., Dec. 20 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
MWCOC Holiday Party – Potluck
Be sure to mark your calendars, dig into your closets and cookbooks because you won’t want to miss this jolly good celebration!
* Delight us all with one of your favorite treats.
* Wow, stun, and amuse us with your best ugly sweater for a chance to win a prize and mad bragging rights! There is no telling what mischief we’ll get up to, so be sure to dash and prance on over to register!
* Bring your little elves, holiday gremlins, or your elf on the shelf – we just ask that you take them home with you at the end of the night. We aren’t the land of misfit toys after all.
We can’t wait to see you lit up with holiday cheer.
Have a Special Event?
The Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that works towards supporting our regional economy. We believe that many organizations, small businesses, community leaders, and interested residents can do so much for the health of our local economy. One of the ways we give back is to showcase all of the amazing organizations, events, and holiday happenings that drive the holiday retail season in our area. While we try to get as many business/community supporting events, we are sure we aren’t seeing everything available in our area. If you’d like to be included on this page, be sure to email us at info@mwcoc.com with a graphic, the date/time of your event, event title, event description, and why people should join you, and most important an address or link for more information.
Thank you and may you and yours have a very merry holiday season, no matter what you celebrate!