There is something to be said about holiday shopping—it truly is an experience. The team at Visit Watertown gives 605 a few highlights on how locals and visitors alike can enhance shopping small this year.
“Watertown has a delightful, small-town vibe that really comes alive during the holiday season,” said marketing coordinator of Visit Watertown Emily Johnson.
Festive decorations and lights create a warm and majestic atmosphere in the community, which Johnson says makes it perfect for strolling through town or around Lake Kampeska.
Watertown has a wide range of shops, which Visit Watertown has noticed have become frequented for the special inventory.
“I have noticed more people shopping locally, because our local shops often carry unique, handcrafted items you won’t find in larger retail chains, making your gifts more special,” said Johnson.
Visit Watertown executive director Anjelica Uthe agrees, saying anyone could easily make a weekend out of it.
“I believe shopping local is important because it helps support small businesses, which are vital for the local economy.” -Emily Johnson
Some of the team’s recommendations include a stop at Redlin Art Center, which has a gift shop with paintings, puzzles, décor, and homemade/local goods.
“I usually try to get an ornament of one of Redlin’s prints and also a puzzle for the family to complete during the holidays,” said director of business development Lindsay Stangl.
Grandma’s House also made the list, with items like candies, sodas (in glass bottles), and nostalgic toys.
“I would head over to Grandma’s House to shop for the kids on my Christmas list,” said Johnson. “After that, I would make my way to the mall to visit Santaland for a bit of festive fun.”
Santaland by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce is much more than just a photo opp with Santa Claus himself—it’s a full walk-through experience of the “North Pole.” The event runs from November 29 until December 21 at the Watertown Mall | West End and admission is free.
Speaking of kids, Visit Watertown suggests shopping for “fur babies” at Happy Tails, which sells items like dog toys, bones, harness/leashes, swag, and snuffle mats.
“If you love your fur babies as much as I do, you have to hook them up with toys, outfits, treats, and accessories from Happy Tails pet supplies,” said Stangl.
Maud’s Mercantile, connected to The Goss Opera House, is also a must by the team, which Uthe says is full of unique gifts and art. Stangl says this is also a great time to take a break and stop in for a drink and/or bite at Maverick’s Steaks & Cocktails next door.
There are plenty of pit stops along the way, including Gather coffee shop, The Juice Bar, and Dempsey’s Brewery, Restaurant & Pub.
Shoppers can continue with DDR Books for book lovers, Trav’s Outfitter for over 30,000 styles of shoes, jeans shirts, hats, belts, and more, and Rosabella and AMJ Style for women’s gifts and apparel.
Thinking about jewelry? Makepeace Jewelers is a full-service jewelry store specializing in diamonds and fine jewelry that also has a gift store with items like Goodr sunglasses and an estate case.
Once the shopping list is complete, Stangl recommends a fun activity with friends or family, like a game of bowling at Tommy’s Lanes, or an hour on the golf simulators at the 19th Hole.
“The entire community truly embraces the holiday spirit, making it feel like a scene from A Hallmark movie.” -Anjelica Uthe
Uthe says a great time to visit is November 29 for the 28th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade.
“The parade is the kickoff to the season, and things just get crazy from there,” said Uthe. “One of the best weekends to visit this year will be the first weekend in December.”
“Watertown is full of cheer this time of year! We have a lot of one-of-a-kind events you won’t want to miss.” -Anjelica Uthe
Holiday Shoutouts
A few other Visit Watertown recommendations:
Curated
Furniture and home décor boutique.
Raise the Bar Boutique
Baby clothes, men’s, women’s all sizes. Gifts and home décor, and more.
Timberbloom
A thoughtfully curated home and lifestyle store featuring goods from American artists and makers.
This weekend includes the Christmas Carnegie Market, Charlie Brown Christmas at The Goss Opera House, and the Optimist Club Winter Wonderland.
“With plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in between, it’s a perfect weekend to come stay and play in Watertown,” said Uthe.
