Newton Stores, Artists Encouraging Residents to Shop Local Dec. 13-15

Shop locally from Dec. 13-15 and you can win prizes, enjoy arts and music and get special deals during the Shop Local event sponsored by groups in Newton and Needham.

The Newton-Needham Chamber, Newton Cultural Alliance and Needham Merchants Association are collaborating on three days of Shop Local events designed to promote both the local arts scene and shopping, dining and banking locally, according to the event announcement.

The Shop Local Weekend includes special events in three Newton Villages and in Needham Centre.

“We looking to turn our communities into a vintage Main Street, buzzing with shoppers, diners, musicians and artists, for the holidays,” said Kara Robbins, program director at the Newton Cultural Alliance and chairman of the Chamber’s Shop Local Committee.

To get shoppers in the spirit, the Chamber will be distributing Shop Local Weekend cards, which will offer participants chances to win prizes, including an iPad Mini and gift cards from local merchants and restaurants.

First Commons Bank signed on as the exclusive sponsor of the Shop Local Card, and additional support has been provided by Needham Bank.

The Newton Cultural Alliance will present its Third Annual Arts Stroll & Shop held in Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre and West Newton. This event is a collaboration between Newton’s local arts and business communities while encouraging visitors to “Shop Local. Eat Local. Art Local.”

The Arts Stroll & Shop events include pop-up art galleries in empty storefronts, spontaneous performances, special store discounts, restaurant tastings, giveaways, and more. Each participating village has its own signature look – visit all three for the full experience. 

The Arts Stroll kicks off on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at The Street with a grand community party sponsored in part by Boston Magazine, according to the announcement. Other highlights include the Second Annual Celebrations! performance by the New Philharmonia Orchestra, Boston Ballet School, and Newton’s All-City Chorus in Newton Centre and the first ever Stroll in West Newton. For a full list of participants, performance schedules and more information, visit www.ArtsStrollandShop.com.

Shop Local Weekend Schedule:

Friday, Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m.
The Street (Chestnut Hill)

Saturday, Dec. 14, noon-6 p.m.
Needham Center (noon-5 p.m.)
The Street
West Newton Square

Sunday, Dec. 15, noon-6 p.m.
Newton Centre
The Street