As the holiday season approaches, Cape Cod comes alive with a special kind of magic. While many coastal destinations hibernate during the off-season, the Cape remains a vibrant and enchanting place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Take a journey through the heart of Cape Cod, where holiday shopping becomes an immersive experience in charming villages, community spirit, and unique boutiques.
Whether you're planning an afternoon out, a day trip or a weekend getaway, the festive events and local businesses make Cape Cod an exceptional place for your holiday shopping adventure.
Local strolls and popup events provide the perfect backdrop for a shopping spree, as well as the opportunity to make memories and new winter traditions. The Hyannis Holiday event is New England’s destination and takes place both Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2, when downtown will be bustling with holiday cheer. Adults can get into the holiday spirits during First Fridays Sip ‘n Shop and the lighting of a new nautical themed light display and a holiday sing-along. On Saturday, the littles will delight in the petting zoo, pony rides, games and Santa sightings during the Main Street Stroll, and attendees can gather gifts from the 120 local makers, brands, and eateries at the Love Local Fest. At sundown the Boat Parade will illuminate the waterfront with boats aglow in a spectacle of lights not to be missed!
Community events are only part of the attraction to the Cape during the holiday season, and if checking items off your gift giving list is your aim, you will find something for everyone on said list at the unique gift shops across Cape Cod. Queen of Swords in Mashpee Commons offers unique products from women-owned brands and small batch makers, Osterville Mercantile in Osterville is where you will find intentionally curated gifts, home goods and lifestyle items, 1856 Country Store in Centerville has everything from penny candy to toys and gifts that are meant to spark joy, and Just Picked Gifts in Yarmouth Port has all the classics for under the tree or on the tabletop. Another not-to-miss spot is Snow’s Home & Garden in Orleans, where the department store has a seemingly endless supply of gift ideas, as well as everything you’ll need to wrap them up.
Local specialty shops are stocked with something special for that someone special. To add a little bit of sparkle to your person and the season, look no further than Sachs Jewelers in Mashpee, Jewelcraft in Hyannis, Ross Coppelman in Dennis and Chatham Jewelers in Chatham.
Gustare Gourmet in Chatham has options for the aspiring Michelin Star chef, Cape Cod Beach Chair in Harwich offers ideas and items for the beach lover, Cape Cod Lavender Farm also in Harwich is stocked with goodies for the nature lover and Marine Specialties on Provincetown has something for everyone in between.
If you are searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or hostess gift, look no further than the sweet treats at Cape Cod Chocolatier in Centerville, Kandy Korner in Hyannis, or Stage Shop Candy in Dennis Port. Or pick up a rich, velvety bottle of wine at Dunn & Sons in Yarmouth Port or Cape Cod Package Store in Centerville. Time it with one of their in-store events and you might get to taste for yourself.
Keep your loved ones cozy and fashion-forward with a scarf, sweatshirt or jacket from Puritan Cape Cod in Chatham, Falmouth, Hyannis or Mashpee, Country Soul in Hyannis, Cape Life Brand and Chatham Clothing Bar in Chatham, Sickday in Wellfleet, or Anchor 2 Anchor in Provincetown.
Last stop on the holiday shopping tour of Cape Cod: pick up your tree or other seasonal décor at Hyannis Country Garden in Hyannis, Mahoney's in Osterville, Harvest of Barnstable in Yarmouth Port, or Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis.
Whether you are exploring Cape Cod’s many Main Streets and downtowns or finding special spots and less frequented nooks and crannies, you will find many opportunities to shop unique local business. And shopping local is not only part of experiencing the Cape’s sense of place, but it is also good for the Cape Cod economy, as local businesses reinvest much more of their profits right back into the community.
Tis’ the season to embrace the spirit of giving, support local artisans and businesses, and create cherished memories against the backdrop of the Cape's natural beauty.