SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS ON CAPE COD...check out specials and dates to mark on your calendar below.

This Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday, dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country...the "Heart Beat" of our communities.  This yearly nationwide event encourages holiday shoppers to spend at our local, independent businesses. The country's 23 million small businesses account for about 54 percent of all U.S.retail sales, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small Business Saturday gives our local businesses the opportunity to really throw out the welcome mat to shoppers with special events and discounts.

 

Unlike other communities with big-box and chain stores that can harness large advertising budgets to attract shoppers, local merchants are mostly on their own. 95 percent of our small businesses are locally owned proprietor run stores. If shoppers want to keep that small town charm, it's important they vote with their dollars and shop locally. If we can keep people shopping here, we can also keep more dollars local and grow jobs.

 

Does Small Business Saturday really work? "The numbers speak for themselves", according to the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses), who report that consumers spent an estimated $5 to $6 billion nationwide on Small Business Saturday last year. "It's a gift of hope that small-business owners desperately needed. It's proving to be more and more effective in reminding consumers to shop local throughout the year."

 

The only way a small business survives is with local support. Many business owners depend on a this and a few other busy times of the year to show their talents and get their business going! 


Here are just a few reasons to buy local:

1) Create Jobs. Small businesses are the nation's largest employers. The more traffic into their shops, the more employees they need. Neighbors helping neighbors is what keeps communities strong.


2) Unique Choices. When you're looking for a gift or product that represents the community, you'll find what you need at local shops, which sell everything from handmade to custom designed items. This further keeps money in the pockets of people who live and work in town.


3) Personal Service. You simply get better service at smaller shops. The owners and employees have a better understanding of the products they sell, and they are more accessible to their customers.


4) Environmentally Friendly. Local businesses make more purchases locally, which require less transportation and therefore, less pollution. Plus, transporting these goods from distant locations puts higher prices on products due to increasing fuel costs.


5) Strengthen Community. Studies have shown that when you buy from an independent local business rather than a nationally owned one, more money stays in the community, strengthening the economic base of the town and county. Plus, nonprofit organizations receive more support from local businesses than from large, non-local companies.

  

Have guests coming and don't won't to cook for the holidays, visit www.DennisChamber.com to check our accommodations and restaurants along with our local businesses for shopping.

 

Happy Holidays from the Dennis Chamber of Commerce

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Here are some specials from our membership....please let us know  
if we can add your specials. TO ADD your holiday information, please email info@dennischamber.com with date, location and brief description and we will add
it to
our Holiday List! 

The Throws of Winter.  Looking for a simple yet effective way to spruce up your living space? Throw yourself into Carpet Barn, 377 Route 28, Dennisport, 508.398.4784, www.carpetone.com, where you'll find throws, pillows, area rugs, runners, and other wonderful decorating pieces for the holiday without spending a fortune.

 

A Moment Captured. It takes a great gift to create a great gift like a Black-Capped Chickadee, made by Wayne Kivi, one of the many local fine artists and artisans represented at the Artisans' Gallery Gift Shop of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, 508.394.7100. The gift shop at the Center is the place to go if you're looking for a beautiful, interesting, unique gifts from art to jewelry and a way to support our creative economy. Spend some time exploring the shop and the four galleries, where gift certificates for art or events are also available, www.cultual-center.org.

 

It's a Natural....Here's to Good Health through the holiday. Is someone on your holiday shopping list committed to living a healthy life? Help them out with a gift card from the Dennisport Natural Market, 640 Route 28, Dennisport, 508.760.3043, www.capecodnaturalmarkets.com, where they'll be able to stock up on delicious organic foods, fruits and vegetables, goodies for bath and body, tasty treats, vitamins, and much more. Dennisport Natural Market has the largest selection of organic produce on Cape Cod and is a full-service Natural Market specializing in helping customers find the products right for them.

 

The gift we'd like to get.  A gift card to Ring Bros. Marketplace, 485 Route 134, South Dennis, 508.394.2244, www.ringbrosmarketplace.com, isn't like giving a gift card to just any store. This is about your family and friends being treated to locally caught lobster from Chatham Fish & Lobster, a favorite wine from Harney's Wine & Liquors, or a piece of sumptuous prime rib from Dark Horse Beef & Deli. For those needing a break from the kitchen, Ring Bros. has sushi from Hissho Sushi, gourmet pizza from Spinners Pizza & Burritos, freshly prepared meals and pasta from Nata's Noodles and decadent desserts from Montillo's Bakery, and let's not forget the best produce, unique grocery items, fresh cut flowers, cookbooks, and an eye-popping assortment of divine and decadent chocolates from Ring Bros. Markets. The possibilities are endless and delicious with a gift card from Ring Bros. Marketplace. Not a gift card, then try one of the party platters and fruit baskets.

 

Some enchanted gift idea...there is nothing quite like an evening at the theatre, especially if it's the Cape Playhouse, 820 Route 6A in Dennis Village, 508.385.3911 www.capeplayhouse.com. Imagine treating someone to a fabulous evening of entertainment featuring some of the finest thespians around! Purchase a season's worth of tickets, or treat someone to a singular event. The choice is yours, but no matter what you choose you'll be giving the opportunity for someone to attend shows at one of the most renowned theatres on Cape Cod. For more than 86 seasons the Cape Playhouse has been the site of summer magic onstage. Past shows that delighted fans include some enchanted evening, Radio Gals, Sweet Charity, and Hello, Dolly! You'll earn a standing ovation with this terrific gift.

 

Blend in, stand out, stay warm! Dennis Equipment, 970 Route 134, South Dennis, 508.385.3275, www.dennisequipment.com, sometimes a man wants to stand out, and sometimes he needs to blend in. The comfortable and functional camouflage sweatshirt from Carhartt will help him do both, whether he's hunting a prize buck or foraging for food at the local grocery store. This handsome hoodie features realtree Xtra� camo and a full front zipper for optimum comfort no matter the weather. Keep him cozy in Carhartt this season. Or weather the storm....Cape Cod weather is far from predictable, especially in winter, but we predict this slick jacket will make an excellent gift for the guy on your list. Made by Carhartt of 4.25-ounce, 100 percent nylon oxford, this rainproof hooded cover-up features a polyester mesh lining in the body and taffeta lining in the sleeves. The hood has a draw-cord, and the sleeves have snap adjustable cuffs, with a draw cord in the hem of the coat for an excellent overall fit. Two chest pockets and an inside pocket offer terrific storage options no matter what Mother nature throws his way. Rain, rain? Whatever... 

 

It's in the bag! We've all got stuff we need to tote around. Put it in a Bungalow bag! These adorable bags come from the "earth happy" company Bungalow 360 and are made in the Usa of 100 percent natural canvas using colorful water-based inks. From peaceful turtles to love-struck jellyfish, and some sweet sandpipers, too, there's sure to be a design to charm the eco-friendliest folks on your gift list. You might even want one for yourself! Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Main Street/Route 6A, Brewster, 508-896-3867, www.ccmnh.org.

 

Purchase a Christmas tree from Hart Farm, 21 Upper County Road, Dennisport, 508.394.2693, www.hartfarmnursery.com and/or Agway of Cape Cod, 686 Route 134, South Dennis, 508.385.8772, www.agwaycapecod.com, they have everything you need to from wreaths to garland. Need to trim a tree, stop by Snow's Home and Garden Center, www.snowshomeandgarden.com. Don't forget to visit our local merchants at Patriot Square Plaza, 500 Route 134, South Dennis.  


DATES TO MARK FOR THE HOLIDAYS...

 

NOVEMBER 29: "CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY!!!" Stop in and buy unique and beautiful American made products for the Holidays at American Point of View, 276 Main Street, Corner of Route 28 & Church St., West Dennis MA 02670 between 10am~4pm, 508 619-4855, www.jewelryinspirationsworkshop.com.   Everyone who shops at American Point of View from 11/22/13 to 12/22/13 will have a chance. The winner will be drawn 12/22/13 at the First West Dennis Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting ceremony on December 22, 2013!  Many of our artisans are saying "Thank You" by placing their work on sale for the holiday season with discounts up to 30%. So stop in and buy unique and beautiful American made products for the Holidays!    First, THANK YOU to all our friends, family, neighbors and customers who have supported our "All American Made Artisan Shop" in West Dennis during the last 6 years!!! Your enthusiasm for the rediscovery of American creativity and innovation has generated great excitement amongst our local artisans! We want to celebrate and invite you to join us for a special Holiday party and sale on Friday November 29th. Stop in for some mighty savory munchies & hot drinks. Our raffle will also begin on 11/29 for a Professional "Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner" and a $50 Gift Certificate!
 
NOVEMBER 29:  Cotuit Center for the Arts will host a "Moya Brennan Irish Christmas" Benefit Concert. Ticket price is $38.50 for those wishing to attend the show and the meet and greet cocktail reception with the artists after the concert, and $28.50 for the show only. Proceeds benefit the A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. a non-profit dedicated to raising funds to help local patients and their families living with Lou Gehrig's Disease. For tickets or information on sponsorship opportunities, www.cotuitcenterforthearts.org or call 508-759-9696.
 
NOVEMBER 29:  Celebrate the holidays with Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museum and Garden. Gardens www.http://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org are transformed into a winter wonderland and sparkle with seasonal warmth and merriment between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This glorious festival of lights includes live performances, demonstrations, carousel rides and Santa sitting in a classic Model A Ford.

DECEMBER 1:
Celtic Solstice Celebration at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in Yarmouthport. Harpist and singer Aine Monogue will perform a blend of music and story telling that's symbolic of the winter season. For more information, www.cultural-center.org, 508-394-7100.

DECEMBER 4: Barnstable Village Holiday Stroll, 6 to 8 p.m, www.barnstablevillage.org.

 

DECEMBER 5 TO DECEMBER 22: Celebrate Christmas in Cotuit at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Theater Under the Stairs will present an original holiday celebration with Cape Cod charm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

 

DECEMBER 6: Chatham Chorale joins Cape Cod Symphony at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main St, Hyannis at 4 and 8 p.m, www.chathamchorale.org.    

 

DECEMBER 6 through JANUARY 5, 2014: Harwich Jr. Theater presents 'Twas the Night Before  Christmas, A Musical Friday evenings at 7:30, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2. Saturday evening December 28 at 7:30 and added matinee Thursday December 26 at 2pm, www.hjtcapecod.org. 

 

DECEMBER 6: This date marks the opening of the 12th Annual Cape Cod Enchanted Village at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa, which runs through January 2, 2014. Visits from Santa and caroling by the Cape Cod Surftones on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through December 22. Surftones Holiday Concert is Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a gift or non-perishable food item to place under the Giving Tree.

 

DECEMBER 7: Christmas in Cotuit starts with children's crafts at the Dottridge Homestead from 10 a.m. to noon and continues around the village until Santa's afternoon arrival at the town dock for a reception on the village green.

 

DECEMBER 7: The Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll will be along Hyannis Main Street. The day kicks off with Breakfast with Santa. Following that, Stroll attendees can enjoy the always popular horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, an international food tasting put on by some of the best restaurants on Main Street, holiday arts & crafts, strolling carolers and high school choruses and bands, and a Cookie Stroll. Hyannis Main Street will be introducing a European style Christmas market to the Stroll this year. Featuring 10 Main Street businesses, this Christmas market will evoke the look and feel of the classic and historic holiday market. Also new this year will be an ice sculptor on the street in front of British Beer Company. Following the Stroll is the Hyannis Harbor Boat Parade and a tree lighting on Hyannis Main Street, www.hyannis.com.     

 

DECEMBER 7: Mashpee Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, A Salute to the Military, at Mashpee Commons at 5:30 p.m, www.mashpeechamber.com. 

 

DECEMBER 7: Chatham Chorale joins Cape Cod Symphony at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main St, Hyannis 3pm and 8 pm, www.chathamchorale.org

 

DECEMBER 7: The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first Santa Stampede 5k and Family Fun Run through East Orleans, beginning and ending at Joe's Beach Road Bar and Grille at the Barley Neck Inn. Registration for the race is open and entries will be accepted until race day. The race will begin at 11 a.m. The Chamber has added a Mini Claus run for children younger than 12 years old. The course will be a shorter, age appropriate distance and will precede the main race. Runners are encouraged to create a festive costume to wear during the race; awards will be given for the most creative costumes. Registration fee for the race is $20 and the first 200 registered runners will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. For more information call (508) 255-7203 orvisit www.orleanscapecod.org.

 

DECEMBER 7: Holiday Fair at Cobb's Hill Unitarian Church of Barnstable Route 6A, Barnstable, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Annual holiday fair with fresh greens and wreaths, books and toys, jewelry, silent auction, handmade treasures and sweets. White elephant sale downstairs and food available upstairs.

 

DECEMBER 7: Dennisport Christmas Stroll.

Face painting, gifts, refreshments, special sales with the Dennisport Businesses and enjoy many holiday activities. Also, pick up a raffle ticket at participating merchants to be drawn at the Dennis Public Library. Visit www.http://dennisportrevitalization.org  

DECEMBER 7 and 8: Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouthport holds a Holiday Festival with trees, wreaths, crafts and farm products on display and for sale. Refreshments and haywagon rides. www.taylorbrayfarm.org.

 

DECEMBER 7 and 8: The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen in East Sandwich is hosting a Country Christmas Open House. 508-888-6870 www.thorntonburgess.org 

 
DECEMBER 7: Holiday Open House at Cape Abilities Farm on Route 6A in Dennis. Live music, refreshments and more. Enjoy a festive time as you select your Christmas tree - wreaths, swags and kissing balls also for sale! Cape Abilities Farm employs people with disabilities. Hours 10-6 Sunday-Thursday, 10-7 Friday & Saturday.

 

DECEMBER 8: The Centerville Christmas Stroll will be held on Sunday December 8 from 4 to 7 p,m. Located on Main Street, with white lights decorating every house, the event will again feature a variety of food and entertainment including photos with Santa. Main Street will be closed to traffic and parking. The event is sponsored by the Centerville Civic Association and is free to the public. For more information and volunteering contact volunteer@centervillecivic.org.

 

DECEMBER 8: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll, Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. 1p.m. to 4 p.m, www.yarmouthcapecod.com.   


DECEMBER 8: West Barnstable Annual Tree Lighting at the Village Green on Route 149 at 5 p.m. Santa will help light the 40-foot Christmas tree. Follow the luminaries to the Living Creche scene before entering the West Parish Meetinghouse for a telling of the Christmas Story. Bell ringing and food. Please bring a non-perishable food item for Cape Codders in need Sponsored by West Barnstable Village Association and West Parish of Barnstable, www.hyannis.com.    

 

DECEMBER 8: Dennis Village Green in Dennis Village. Hay rides, trolley rides, Christmas Tree lighting, face painting. Stroll through the village and visit the shops. There is a silent auction and petting zoo. Also food sampler and Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Village Green with music played on the bandstand.

 

Help support the NICHOLAS XIARHOS MEMORIAL FUND which was designed to support local military families in need of financial assistance, wounded warriors and their families.  Nicholas died on the battlefield in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan on July 23, 2009 while going to the rescue of his fellow Marines in combat. Nicholas fought for the freedom of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. He chose to make a difference in the world and was a true American Patriot. Two weeks prior to his death, his last words to his mother were, "Don't worry about me Mom...I'm living the dream."  For more information please visit www.facebook.com/NicholasGXiarhosMemorialFund. EAST DENNIS OYSTER FARM is again teaming up with CHAPIN'S RESTAURANTto raise funds for the Nicholas Xiarhos Memorial Scholarship. So don't forget to stop by on Sunday, December 8th between 12-3pm at Borsari Gallery, 542 Main Street, Route 6A during the Dennis Christmas Stroll "Visions of Christmas" with ALL PROCEEDS of $1.25 RAW BAR will go the scholarship fund honoring Corporal Nicholas Xiarhos who lost his life in Afghanistan during combat. 

 

DECEMBER 8: 1736 Josiah Dennis Manse Museum, 77 Nobscussett Road, Dennis Village. Costumed docents will greet you throughout the festively decorated historic home of Rev. Josiah Dennis. Enjoy holiday refreshments, then join in the Dennis Visions Stroll along Route 6A.

 

DECEMBER 8:  Special Olympics Jolly Jaunt 5K Hyannis, presented by New Balance. Come for a day of fun, friendship and family - with a lot of good food - benefiting your local Special Olympics athletes! This 5K race course//2K fun walk travels through beautiful, scenic Hyannisport. T-shirts and lunch guaranteed to the first 300 participants at $35/registration fee. $40 for day-of registration. The after-event party includes a silent auction, raffle and other great prizes! Junior Jaunt for kids 3-10! $20 registration fee starting at 11:30 a.m. Race division winners receive a free pair of shoes thanks to Hanlon Shoes. Volunteers also needed. For more details visit:

www.jollyjaunt.org and click on "Hyannis".

   

DECEMBER 8: Chatham Chorale joins Cape Cod Symphony at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main St, Hyannis 1p.m. and 5 p.m, www.chathmchorale.org 

 

DECEMBER 8: The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce 50th Christmas Parade starts at noon from the Falmouth Mall parking lot, www.falmouthchamber.com.    

 

DECEMBER 12: Holiday Pajama Story Time at 6 p.m. Stop by Highfield Hall in your pajamas to enjoy stories and songs celebrating the holidays. Sponsored by Coalition for Children, Falmouth Public Library and West Falmouth Library. For more info call 508-457-2555 ext. 2925

 

DECEMBER 13: The 44th Osterville Annual Christmas Open House and Stroll. All day and evening throughout the traditionally decorated village. Ecumenical Cr�che Services in the Village Center at 6 p.m., followed by hayrides, trolley, music and refreshments. Sponsored by the Osterville Business and Professional Association. For more information, log onto www.ostervillevillage.com

 

DECEMBER 13 and 14: Osterville Historical Museum presents the 5th Annual Festival of Trees, including a silent auction of spectacular holiday trees decorated by local artists and merchants to benefit the Osterville Historical Museum. Held during the Osterville Village Stroll, the weekend festivities are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

 

DECEMBER 14: Historic Bass River Annual Open House and Cookie Stroll 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Purchase tickets at the South Yarmouth Library. Photo by Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times.

 

DECEMBER 14 and 15: The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen in East Sandwich is hosting a Country Christmas Open House. 508-888-6870 www.thorntonburgess.org

 

DECEMBER 14: At 4 and 7 p.m,, enjoy a program of holiday music by the Chatham Choral Chamber Singers including works by Poulenc and Rutter, with classical guitarist Joseph Scott. First Congregational Church, Harwich Center and December 15 at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Yarmouth.

 

DECEMBER 22: West Dennis First Annual Christmas Stroll. Christmas spirit will be in the air when you stop by and enjoy West Dennis Village, bring tradition through the holiday season. Put on by the West Dennis Businesses who will open their doors and offered treats, coffee, drawings and specials on in-store merchandise.

 

DECEMBER 21 and 22: The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen in East Sandwich is hosting a Country Christmas Open House. 508-888-6870 www.thorntonburgess.org

 

DECEMBER 31: First Night Sandwich. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. at this non-alcholic family event that features hands-on activities, musical performances, a Mardi Gras style parade at 6 p.m., and Grand Finale at 9 p.m. Buttons will soon be available for sale at local banks and other outlets. For more information or to volunteer visit www.firstnightchatham.com

 

DECEMBER 31: Chatham First Night is one of the largest First Night events on the Cape, with festivities including a celebration of the arts, noise parade, fireworks display and the popular "Dropping of the Cod" at midnight. For more information: www.firstnightchatham.com

Dennis Chamber of Commerce

238 Swan River Road, P.O. Box 1001, West Dennis, MA02670

508.398.3568      info@dennischamber.com      www.DennisChamber.com