Spend December in Downtown Amherst
Photo: Amherst Downtown
Downtown businesses are inviting shoppers and diners to partake in the many activities downtown during the holiday season. There is free parking every Saturday from November 30 through December 28.
The holiday shopping season kicks off with Small Business Saturday on November 30, followed by Shop Local Week from December 1 through 7. On December 6 and 7, the Amherst BID is sponsoring a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza with 20% off on select items at many downtown stores, as well as savings on restaurant gift cards (see event flyer below).
The Emily Dickinson Museum is holding an open house for Emily’s 194th birthday on Saturday, December 7 as well. Also, that evening, the Drake is presenting A Very Slambovian Christmas with the Slambovian Circus of Dreams.
The annual lighting of the Merry Maple will take place on the North Common from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6. Details are forthcoming, but there is sure to be music, goodies, and hot chocolate.
The Amherst Community Band is holding its holiday concert on Saturday, December 14 at the St. Brigid Parish Hall.
Finally, the Business Improvement District’s (BID) third annual Sip and Shop Stroll will take place on Thursday, December 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Take a horse-drawn carriage through town and support local shops and restaurants. In addition, there will be a beautifully curated Makers and Artisans Market at the Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street, overflowing into the lobby of the adjacent CAIA Association at 11 Amity Street.
For one day only, Thursday, December 5, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will be selling Amherst matching gift cards at the Visitors Information Center, 35 South Pleasant Street, beginning at 9 a.m. For $25 plus a $1 processing fee, purchasers receive a $50 gift card good at many Amherst businesses. There is a limit of two cards per person.
Maybe downtown businesses would like to make suggestions about a place to park? Tongue in cheek with a nod to Nick Seamons…..