Shop Local This Holiday Season

Two Saturdays of Holiday Open Studios

Embrace the giving spirit by shopping local for gifts that everyone will talk about for years to come. With over 100 artists planning to open for this year’s two-day Holiday Open Studios, you’ll find inspiration for all the loved ones on your gift list. The best part is that you get to take the gifts home with you at the time of purchase – no backorders and no shipping delays. Do you need more reasons to shop local this season? Supporting area artists not only helps the local community, but it means you will get something individually crafted and imbued with meaning. Our Holiday Open Studios covers two weekends – our usual First Saturday and the following Saturday.  Join us on December 4th & 11th, from 12-5 pm each day and share in the spirit of the season.

Lowell – City of Lights celebrates the holiday spirit

Come to Lowell and kick off the holiday gift season on Saturday November 27th when Lowell comes alive with the holiday spirit.  Our indoor Small Business Saturday Art Market.  follows the same format as our Open Studios events, but it offers a more intimate experience with fewer artists open and more focused on supporting small businesses. Small businesses need your support more now than ever. This event also serves as a great preview if you are planning to attend our Holiday Open Studios. Join us on November 27th (12-5 pm) as we, along with the Loading Dock Gallery,  celebrate the small businesses of Western Avenue!

Then head on over to the parade and festivities that start at 4:30pm. Lowell City of Lights is an annual tradition and makes for a great end to Small Business Saturday.  Santa Claus is sure to make a debut and help light up City Hall.

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Winter Lights – group show of holiday gifts

December is a festive time at The Loading Dock Gallery, and we invite you to partake in the celebration of the seasons.  The Gallery’s Winter Lights show has become an annual local tradition for holiday shoppers as a source of unique, handcrafted, giftable art presented by more than 30 LDG members and participating artists from Western Avenue.

Browse their three rooms of beautiful artwork, and drink in the spirit of the season. Winter Lights will be open during the gallery’s increased holiday hours: Open every day 12 PM–5:30 PM, December 1–24, and December 27-31. The opening reception is 3 pm – 5 pm during Holiday Open Studios on December 4th.

To feed your feet while you shop at WA!

Chez Rafiki is back to help us close out the year. They are bringing with them mouth-watering Mediterranean food and their signature falafel that has been missing from our Open Studios events.

The weather is getting colder, but Tiny Arms Coffee has just the thing to warm you right up. Their delicious and decadent hot chocolate will give you all the holiday vibes you could want. Need something more robust? Check out their newest dark roast coffee imported from Honduras. The coffee shop is open from 9 am until 4 pm on all event days.

A winter staple makes a return, just in time. Navigation Brewing Company has new dark stouts and porters, rich in flavors that will make you miss summer warmth a little less during these cold New England winter months. The brewery is open 4-10 pm on all event days.

Save the Date : January Open Studios moved to 1/8!

Covid-19 and Event Guidelines

In order to bring you a fun and safe in-person event, we have instituted some safety rules for our events. Safety is our number one concern, and we hope you understand. We can’t wait to see you!

– Guests who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or have been instructed to quarantine by a medical professional should not attend.
– Mask or face coverings are not required but recommended as some studios, and the restrooms, require them. Masks are mandatory to visit the Lofts.
– Please maintain a six-foot distance from others.
– We will have hand sanitation stations at the main entry / exits.

There is no charge for this event. Well behaved and leashed dogs are allowed.