A person with gifts purchased at Cape Cod shops.

A Cape Cod Holiday Shopping Day | Shops, Restaurants & More

Are you the type of holiday shopper who starts working on your list in September, or are you more of the last-minute type? Whichever type of shopper you are, add a bit of extra fun to checking things off your gift list this year by planning a Cape Cod holiday shopping day. While this New England region is known as a prime summer vacation destination, there’s still plenty to explore in the off-season. To help you make the most of your shopping day, the Lighthouse Inn team has put together a guide of what to do and where to visit, including charming Cape Cod shops filled with gifts for everyone on your list.

Make Sure You’re Properly Fueled

Before hitting up any shops, start your day at a local coffee shop. Pop into Harbor Fox Coffee Bar or Three Fins Coffee Roasters to see what specialty and seasonal drinks they’re pouring. Another great option is Bread + Roses, found inside a bookstore in Hyannis, where you can sip coffee while browsing the bookshelves.

Organize Your List

One of the quickest ways to ruin a shopping day is to leave a shop and realize you forgot someone on your list. While enjoying your coffee, organize your list by interest and store. For example, if you have multiple people who love books, list them together under the stores I Cannot Live Without Books or Bread + Roses. For the fashionistas in your life, create a section with all their names and stores, like Mermaids on Cape Cod or Cathy’s Place. Other popular stores to visit include Bass River Mercantile, Cuffy’s of Cape Cod, and T. Jazelle Boutique. See what each store offers and list the people you think you’ll find something for there. Before visiting any store, we recommend checking the hours of operation as they may change during the winter.

Celebrate a Successful Day with a Delicious Meal

Once you’ve crossed everyone off your list, it’s time for some of your own holiday cheer at a Cape Cod restaurant. While our exceptional restaurant is closed for the season, there are countless other options to choose from. Dig into a cheesy pizza from Austin’s Pizza Cape Cod or enjoy traditional pub fare at O’Shea’s Olde Inn. For an elevated dining experience, try Clean Slate Eatery, which offers a six-course surprise tasting menu. Again, restaurants on Cape Cod can have different hours during the winter season, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.

The Perfect Gift That Can’t Be Found in a Store | A Cape Cod Vacation

The front of a Cape Cod resort close to local shops.Sometimes, the perfect gift isn’t something you can find in Cape Cod shops. This year, give the experience of time together with loved ones by purchasing a gift card for a stay at Lighthouse Inn, dining at the Waterfront Restaurant, or both. Found on the sandy shoreline in West Dennis, our oceanfront resort has welcomed vacationers for over eight decades. With well-appointed accommodations, incredible on-site amenities, and stunning views, we are the perfect place for your next vacation. Visit us online to learn more about our resort.