Written by Amy Cahillane, Executive Director of the Downtown Northampton Association

There’s something magical about the holiday season in Downtown Northampton – twinkling lights, cozy stores with beautifully-decorated windows, a light coating of fluffy snow (ok, and a few snow piles lining the center of Main Street!). We look forward to this season all year long, and it’s finally here. Why worry about shipping delays or braving the mall – head downtown and you’ll find everything you need, while supporting a community of business owners, employees, artists and performers who call the Valley home.

We’re sharing some great downtown spots – whether you’re feeling nostalgic and want to visit a long-time favorite, or excited to explore the newest downtown has to offer, there’s something for everyone.

Music & Performing Arts

Our holiday mood isn’t complete until we throw on our favorite tunes – and what would December be without the Nutcracker? Looking to add a few favorites to your album collection (or spend an afternoon browsing bins to see what you find)? Turn it Up is a sure bet, from Frank Sinatra to Modest Mouse and more, and one of Northampton’s newest storefronts, beautifully gracing Market Street – Joe’s Albums – can help fill out your collection. If you’d rather catch a live show, downtown is full of venues whose doors are open again and ready to welcome you!
• Turn it up, 5 Pleasant Street or turnitup.com
• Joe’s Albums, 5 Market Street or joesalbums.com
• The Nutcracker makes a return to the Academy mid-December – watch aomtheater.com for ticket information
• The Parlor Room, 32 Masonic Street reopens their doors this December, and celebrates the winter season with Heather Maloney on December 17 & 18. Visit signaturesoundspresents.com for more information.

Holiday Shopping

Whether you started in October, or you wait until the last minute, the small businesses of downtown Northampton are ready to welcome you. For one-stop shopping (park in the garage, and you never have to set foot outside!), Thornes Marketplace can’t be beat – long-time favorite Jackson & Connor has an impeccably curated selection of menswear, while Little Blue offers clothes and gifts for the little ones in your life – and three floors worth of local favorite stores and restaurants.

Venture onto Main Street, and you’ll find a downtown full of options. Looking to spruce up your wardrobe? Pop into Miranda’s on Main or 25 Central for a multitude of choices. Hoping to grab the perfect thing for the cook in your life? The Baker’s Pin has you covered. A unique, fair-trade housewarming present to bring to that holiday party? Ten Thousand Villages can help you find a beautiful gift.
• Thornes Marketplace, 150 Main Street or thornesmarketplace.com
• Jackson & Connor, 2nd floor, Thornes or jacksonandconnor.com
• Little Blue, 1st floor, Thornes or thebluemarble.biz
• Miranda’s on Main, 263 Main Street or mirandasonmain.com
• 25 Central, 162 Main Street
• The Baker’s Pin, 34 Bridge Street or thebakerspin.com
• Ten Thousand Villages, 82 Main Street or tenthousandvillages.com/Northampton

We’ve only scratched the surface of what downtown has to offer, especially during the holiday season. For more information, including entertainment listings, as well as retail and restaurant offerings, visit Northampton.live and check out the Downtown Northampton Association on Facebook and Instagram.