©Images Courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Looking for distinctive, artisan-made holiday gifts? MetroWest Massachusetts offers charming downtowns filled with unique boutiques, cultural attractions, and festive events for a delightful escape from online shopping.
CHARISMATIC HUDSON
Begin in Hudson, named “Best Main Street in America,” where you’ll find a walkable downtown brimming with personality. Don’t miss Serendipity for handcrafted jewellery, pottery, and art. Stop by Harvard Sweet Boutique for amazing gift baskets filled with fresh cookies and brownies, or Hudson Art & Framing for beautiful wall art.
Nearby Duck Soup offers gorgeous handmade cutting boards and unique kitchen gadgets, plus Goodnow Farms Chocolate, winner of more international chocolate awards than any other maker in North America—perfect for stocking stuffers. End the day at the Wayside Inn. America’s oldest inn decorates beautifully for the holidays, and you can enjoy a sumptuous fireside meal, then snuggle into one of its charming historic rooms for the night.
VIBRANT MARLBOROUGH
Just minutes south, downtown Marlborough sparkles with boutiques and weekend Pop-Up Shops featuring regional artists and makers. Take a stroll along Lake Williams’ floating boardwalk, then explore the city’s “Museum in the Streets” plaques to uncover local history.
A little snowy out? Hit Jericho Hill for terrific sledding or go snowshoeing at Callahan State Park. When it’s time to unwind, visit Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company for phenomenal coffee to warm up or delicious craft brews to cool down.
ARTSY NATICK
Continue east to the Natick Cultural District, with galleries and shops offering everything from clothing to jewelry, art to décor. Don’t miss H Brandt Jewelers for holiday sparkles, Five Crows for local pottery, fibre arts, jewelry and more, or Uni-T for eco-friendly, locally designed t-shirts and gifts.
Shop artisanal foods at Dates & Olives or Vivilicious Chocolates, then catch a live performance at TCAN. Enjoy a sustainable stay at Natick’s Residence Inn or Courtyard, both leaders in green hospitality.
CHARMING FRANKLIN
Head south for a wander through 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 Market on December 13. After a day of 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
A short drive west brings you to Southwick’s Zoo. New England’s largest zoo is open evenings until December 29 for Winter Wonderland, an enchanting display of more than four million lights. From glowing polar bears to delightful singing penguins, live entertainment, and fantastic gifts for all the animal-lovers in your life, this is a lovely way to make family memories.
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
Wrap up your weekend with Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, through December 30, where 1800s charm comes alive with carolers, live demonstrations, holiday treats, and artisan-made goods. Starting January 16, delightfully costumed historians and exhibits will commemorate America’s 250th birthday.
For more retailers, restaurants, hotels, and events to plan your trip, visit metrowestvisitors.org and download the free Visitors Guide.
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Known for our innovation, this forward-thinking region focuses on the future while treasuring the best of our New England past. The intersection of the oldest and newest, MetroWest Boston offers the best of both worlds, just a 20- to 40-minute drive from Boston or Worcester. With major arteries crisscrossing our region, you’re never far from what you like: recreation in all seasons, sophisticated amenities and services, upscale shopping and dining, a range of cultural attractions, and traditional New England town commons.