Holiday Shopping Meets Winter Magic in the Heart of Massachusetts
Combine shopping with amazing holiday events and attractions for a weekend getaway that’s a delightful break from the ordinary.
Garden in the Woods gift shop. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Looking for interesting, unusual, and artisan-made gifts for the holidays? Tired of online shopping? We’ve compiled a slew of fantastic boutiques just across the Rhode Island border that offer distinctive presents for everyone’s wish list. Combine shopping with amazing holiday events and attractions for a weekend getaway that’s a delightful break from the ordinary.
Wayside Inn during the holidays. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Charismatic Hudson
Begin in Hudson, named Best Main Street in America, whose walkable downtown is full of personality. Don’t miss Serendipity, where everything is handcrafted by the best local artisans—from jewelry to wall art and pottery to handbags. Stop by Harvard Sweet Boutique for amazing bakery gift baskets brimming with fresh cookies, brownies, and more, or Hudson Art & Framing for beautiful wall art. Grab a gorgeous cocktail at Less Than Greater Than, then head down the road to Sudbury’s Duck Soup who offers not only stunning handmade cutting boards and fun kitchen gadgets, but also Goodnow Farms Chocolate, winner of more International Chocolate Awards than any other maker in North America, perfect for stocking-stuffers the family will rave about. In the evening, visit the Wayside Inn. The oldest inn in America decorates beautifully for the holidays, and you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in front of a roaring fire before snuggling down in one of the historic inn rooms for the night.
Vibrant Marlborough
Paradise City Arts Festival. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
A few minutes south of Hudson, you’ll come to downtown Marlborough, with its quaint Main Street and lovely stores, including a series of decorated sheds that serve as the city’s Pop-Up Shops on weekends, featuring local artisans’ work. If the weather is nice, take a stroll along the Lake Williams floating boardwalk, then explore the many Museum in the Streets plaques that provide interesting tidbits about Marlborough’s history. A little snowy out? Hit Jericho Hill for terrific sledding or go snowshoeing at Callahan State Park. Need to rest your feet? Pop in to Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company. This family-owned, local favorite makes phenomenal coffee to warm you up or delicious craft brews to cool you down. And don’t miss the amazing Paradise City Arts show from November 21-23. This award-winning festival showcases curated art and design from 175 visionary New England artists and makers in an unforgettable show with live music, two cafés, and a vibrant creative atmosphere.
A Boroughs Collective display. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Festive Westborough
Drive southwest to kick off the holidays in Westborough style! A walk through downtown reveals beautifully decorated storefronts that sparkle with festive spirit, each telling a story created by local shop owners. Look for the “Shop & Dine Local” placards in shop windows to discover exclusive holiday promotions, unique finds, and delicious local flavors. Don’t miss BORO Sugar Shack, a charming candy company that has a great mission, or The Boroughs Collective, an artists cooperative that includes antiques, upcycled treasures, and handcrafted gifts. Visit on November 30 for the town’s dazzling parade and tree lighting celebration, where local businesses “light up” their rides and spread holiday cheer. Relax after a long day with a cozy meal at Cold Harbor Brewing or Central House Tavern.
Artsy Natick
Natick Mall during the holidays. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Head east to the Natick Center Cultural District, with galleries and shops showing clothing to jewelry, art to décor, specialty foods to artisanal products. Don’t miss H Brandt Jewelers for holiday sparkles, Five Crows gallery for handcrafted pottery, fiber arts, jewelry and more, Helen’s Handbags for beautiful handcrafted blankets and bags, or Uni-T for eco-friendly locally-designed t-shirts and gifts. Shop artisanal treats at Vivilicious Chocolates, then catch a live performance at The Center for Arts in Natick. Don’t miss a stop at the Natick Mall—New England’s largest mall is home not only to luxury brands, but also a ton of activities and hosts the wildly popular Santa’s Elevator Express. Take the magic elevator to the North Pole to meet Santa, take photos, and make lasting family memories. (Please note, advance purchase tickets are already sold out for the season, but don’t worry, walk ups are welcome!)
Charming Franklin
Ben Franklin statue at the Franklin Public Library. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Head south for a wander of the Franklin Cultural District’s shops showcasing great games to home décor. The town transforms for the holidays with its “A Wreath of Franklin” displays, kicking off with a Holiday Pop-Up indoor artisan marketplace on Dec. 13. Hungry after all that shopping? Dine at GlenPharmer Distillery, where their award-winning spirits—crafted with local cranberries, honey, and botanicals—make amazing gifts for the hard-to-please.
Brilliant Southwick’s Zoo
Winter Wonderland at Southwick’s Zoo. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
West of Franklin you’ll come to Southwick’s Zoo. New England’s largest zoo is open in the evenings from November 22 until December 28 for Winter Wonderland. This beloved festive tradition is set to shine brighter than ever before, featuring over 4 million illuminated lights. From enchanting polar bear displays to delightful singing penguins, live shows and entertainment, plus fantastic gifts for all the animal-lovers in your life, this is a lovely way to make family memories.
For more exceptional retailers, plus restaurants, hotels, and events to plan a trip to MetroWest MA, visit metrowestvisitors.org or download the free digital Visitors Guide!
