Shop Locally in Cambridge this Holiday Season

Our small businesses are the heart of our community, and this winter is an important time to show them our support. Local shops and restaurants bring character, creativity, and jobs to our neighborhoods. When you choose to shop locally or order directly from a restaurant, you're shifting your dollars away from chains and delivery apps. This helps local businesses keep more of the money they earn so they can continue to thrive

When you spend at an independent business, most of it stays right here in Cambridge, compared to less than half spent at a national chain. Your purchases protect local jobs and keep your favorite shops open, stocked, and ready to welcome you. Holiday sales can make or break a small business for the entire year and the dollars you spendnow can determine whether their doors stay open through the winter.

Small Business Saturday is November 28, 2026, but our storefronts need us all season long. Here are a few tips on how to make a real impact:

Cut the Fees Hurting Small Businesses

• Order Food Directly: Did you know? Many delivery apps take up to 30% of the sales from the restaurant. Instead of using a delivery app, call ahead, walk in, or use the restaurant's website. Picking up takeout keeps 100% of the bill with the kitchen.
• Pay with Cash or Debit: Credit card swipes cost owners 2% to 4%. Using cash for coffee, pastries, or small goods saves shops real money.
• Pick Up In-Store or Curbside: Skip home delivery to save local shops carrier fees and cut packaging waste.
• Shop Online Locally:Order from neighborhood stores' websites and independent booksellers rather than corporate platforms.

Boost Sales for Neighborhood Businesses

• Buy Gift Cards from the Source: Purchase gift cards directly from storefronts or their websites to provide vital cash flow for slow winter months.
• Book Services Early: Buy class packs and schedule appointments ahead to give stylists, therapists, and instructors dependable income.
• Source Holiday Food Locally: Pick up produce, baked goods, and spices from neighborhood grocers and winter markets.
• Spread the Word: Share recommendations, tag businesses on social media, and leave positive online reviews.

Taking the extra step to order directly, carry cash, or pick up in person may take a little more effort, but it truly helps. These small choices make a meaningful difference for local businesses we care about, helping them stay a part of our neighborhoods throughout the year. Let's make sure our local businesses stay open!

Shop Cambridge. Dine Cambridge. Play Cambridge.

News and Events by District

Check this page for updates. Events will be added periodically.

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

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 stickers and a window decal.