10 Ways to Get Holly Jolly and Support Local Businesses on the South Coast!

Written By Pamela Shwartz

The holiday season is here, and there's no place more charming and full of community spirit than New Bedford and the surrounding South Coast of Massachusetts! Forget the big-box stores and impersonal events—this year, let's celebrate by supporting the incredible small businesses, artisans, and organizations that make our region special.

From twinkling tree lightings to unique shopping experiences, here are 10 ways to embrace the festive cheer, South Coast style!

The 10 Most Festive Local Experiences

1. Ride the Holly Jolly Grinchmas Trolley (FarmCoast Experience)

We are so excited to welcome our new friends in the tour business here on the South Coast! The Holly Jolly Grinchmas Trolley offers a unique, twinkly, tinsel-trimmed ride along the coast, creating a sparkle of joy for all ages. We went this past weekend, and our kids gave it 4 grinchy thumbs up! You can enjoy cocoa and cookies as you take this magical route, which starts at one of our favorite local Christmas tree farms. It's a fantastic way to make memories while supporting local farm businesses. Pro tip: sit near the front of the upper level for the best views, and have your cameras ready to capture the looks of joy on your kids’ faces! FIND OUT MORE 

WHERE & WHEN:

  • Dec. 6 + 7 at Helger Bros Christmas Trees (Tiverton, RI)

  • Dec. 13 + 14 at Pachet Brook Tree Farm (Tiverton, RI)

Image by New Bedford Food Tours

2. See the New Bedford Festival Theater Christmas Show

Support the local arts by catching the New Bedford Festival Theater's holiday show, "My Favorite Things." A ticket to a local theater production not only makes a great gift but also directly supports the performers and the long-term vitality of the arts in our city.  This intimate venue provides a great setting to appreciate local talent. FIND OUT MORE

  • WHERE & WHEN: The Steeple Playhouse (159 William Street, New Bedford) on Saturday, December 13th, performance starting at 4:00 PM.

3. Stroll and Shop the Padanaram Stroll

Get ready for a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie! Padanaram Village is transformed into a picturesque holiday destination with music, food, and merriment. The magic begins with Santa Claus arriving via fire truck at 5:00 PM, leading up to the highlight: the unique Buoy Tree lighting at 6:30 PM - a coastal Christmas tree built from colorful fishing buoys!  (Bonus: the Buoy Tree makes a great backdrop for holiday photos.)  All the local shops offer special treats and cheer: for example, find free animal-themed gifts for kids at, and enjoy complimentary adult beverages at The Padanaram Outfitter. Dockside even reopens to offer a warmer take on their usual offerings! This is the perfect evening to support local businesses while soaking up pure South Coast holiday joy!

WHERE & WHEN: Padanaram Village in Dartmouth, MA, on Thursday, December 5th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Parking at St. Mary’s Church with free shuttle

Photo by Adam Graves

4. Discover Gifts at the Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll

Come experience a festive day in the heart of the city, where you’ll find sidewalks lined with local shops, restaurants offering holiday specials, and fun for the whole family. Kids can enjoy firetruck rides and a visit with Santa, while adults take in the cozy, walkable atmosphere and knock out their holiday shopping in one go. It’s the perfect way to support small businesses, enjoy some seasonal spirit, and soak up everything that makes downtown New Bedford shine this time of year.

5. Witness the Magic of the Downtown New Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting

Gather for the annual New Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting! It's a tradition that brings the community together, featuring music, a parade, and hot chocolate, often provided by local organizations. It's a free, heartwarming way to kick off the season.

  • WHERE & WHEN: Pleasant Street in front of the Main Library (New Bedford) on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 5:00 PM.

New Bedford Chrismas Tree Lighting

Photo by Maggie By The Milimeter

6. Shop the Holiday Greens Market

For a unique touch of handmade holiday elegance, visit the annual Holiday Greens Market hosted by the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay. Here you can find beautiful, handcrafted wreaths, centerpieces, and ornaments made by local members. It’s a gorgeous historic setting and a wonderful way to buy décor with a local touch.

7. Break Up Christmas Break with EPIC Southcoast

Keep the fun rolling after December 25th with this fantastic community celebration by EPIC Southcoast! The event is completely FREE to attend! This event features a barn dance & contradance, old-time fiddle bands, jams & workshops, youth open mics, children's art activities, parades, performance art, a cookie contest, a cake walk, instrument painting, a selfie station, bow lights, food, prizes, and tons of fun for everyone! Never heard of a cake walk? Neither had we 'til we went last year and came home with a homemade cake!

8. Catch the Fall River Children's Holiday Parade & Bright Nights

For some spectacular community spirit, head up Route 195 to Fall River. The annual Children's Holiday Parade steps off at Kennedy Park! After the parade, stick around for the Bright Nights Celebration and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree at Government Center! This large-scale, family-friendly celebration is a vibrant way to experience the holiday decorations of downtown Fall River.

  • WHERE & WHEN: Kennedy Park (Parade starts) and Government Center (Tree Lighting) in Fall River, on Saturday, December 6th. Parade steps off at 1:00 PM. Bright Nights begins at 3:00 PM.

9. Run the Mattapoisett Santa Stampede 5K for MS

Looking for a fun way to work off those holiday cookies and support a great cause? Lace up your sneakers and put on your Santa suit (or just a festive hat!) for the Mattapoisett Santa Stampede 5K for MS. This popular community race sees hundreds of runners dash through the scenic town. It’s a hilarious, high-energy way to get active and give back to charity right here on the South Coast.

Mattapoiset Santa Stampede Logo

10. Go on a New Bedford Food Tour!

What better way to celebrate the season of feasting than by exploring the incredible culinary scene of New Bedford? A New Bedford Food Tour is the perfect experience for groups—whether it’s a holiday party, a family reunion, or just a few friends—or even for yourself! You’ll get to sample diverse local flavors and learn the rich history of the city, all while directly supporting five different local restaurants and businesses in a single, festive afternoon. Not sure when you want to tour?  Buy a gift certificate as a promise for future foodie adventures - a perfect stocking stuffer for that person you’d love to nosh with in the new year.  

Delicious sampling of local food on a New Bedford Food Tour supporting five local restaurants.
Pamela Shwartz https://www.nbfoodtours.com
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Last minute local foodie gifts on the South Coast