Shop Locally in Cambridge this Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, the City of Cambridge encourages everyone to support the small businesses that make our city vibrant, diverse, and unique.

Small Business Saturday is November 29, 2025, and it's the perfect time to explore the incredible shops, restaurants, and services across Cambridge in our squares, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Shopping locally gives you the opportunity to get to know the people behind the counter. It's about relationships, not just transactions. Local shopping often means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint. When you shop locally, you're doing more than finding great gifts-you're investing in your community. You can help:

1. Boost the Local Economy! For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the local economy, helping to support our city.
2. Support Local Jobs! Small businesses are major employers. Your purchases help keep your neighbors, friends, and family members working.
3. Strengthen Community Connections! Local businesses are more likely to support local causes, sponsor events, and give back to the community.
4. Small Businesses Thrive! Many small businesses rely on holiday sales to stay open year-round. Your support now helps them grow for the future.

Local shops offer one-of-a-kind items and personalized service you won't find online or in big-box stores. Find thoughtful, handcrafted, and locally made items right here in Cambridge. Shop locally to invest in a stronger, more connected community.

Dine Cambridge. Shop Cambridge. Play Cambridge.

News and Events by District

Check this page for updates. Events will be added periodically. Starred (*) events were supported in part through the City's Holiday Events Grant Program.

Central Square

Central Square Business Improvement District shops & events

East Cambridge & Inman Square

East Cambridge Business Association shops & events (ECBA)

Harvard Square

Harvard Square Business Association shops & events

Harvard Square Holiday Fair - Weekends from December 12 - 21

Kendall Square

Kendall Square Business Association shops & events

Observatory Hill & Huron Village

Observatory Hill Merchants Associations (OHMA) + Huron Village

Porter Square/North Massachusetts Ave.

Porter Square Shopping Center shops & events

Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network

Shops & events

For More Information

Small business owners can contact city staff at [email protected] to share their business' holiday events on this page, or to request the "Small Business Saturday" poster, or the "Shop Local - I'm Local" window decal.

Businesses are invited to use the 2025 Holiday Social Media Toolkit for sample text, graphics, and social media posts to use in your holiday advertisement.