November 21, 2026
Northampton’s Premier Holiday Shopping Tradition
Since 1988, BagDay has served as Northampton’s official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.
Held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this beloved local tradition brings together
community members, regional visitors, independent retailers, and local eateries
for a full day of downtown festivities and exclusive savings.
What to Expect
At the heart of the event is the signature commemorative BagDay canvas/paper shopping bag.
Each year features a freshly designed bag that doubles as your official pass to event-wide
discounts and a physical map of participating businesses.
Community-Wide Savings:
Dozens of local shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurant across Northampton
offer unique, single-day promotions, discounts and gift cards exclusively to BagDay participants.
Support Local:
BagDay keeps holiday shopping dollars directly within the local economy,
supporting Northampton’s vibrant small business community.
Festive Atmosphere:
Downtown comes alive with early holiday spirit, making it a social,
full-day experience rather than a typical shopping trip.
How to Participate: Step-by-Step Instructions
Pick Up Your Bag
Head downtown early on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Commemorative bags are available
for free at Thornes Marketplace as well as at participating retail locations throughout downtown
Northampton. (Bags are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last).
Bags will also be available November 16 - 20 from 10am to 2 pm
at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the
Daily Hampshire Gazette office at 23 Service Center Road.
Use the Bag as Your Guide
Check the business directory printed directly on the bag, or reference the official
online participant list below - to see all participating stores, restaurants, and their featured
BagDay discounts. Use it as your personal shopping checklist as you explore Northampton.
Shop Small. Save Big. Experience Everything Northampton.
Present your official BagDay bag at check-out at any participating location to redeem
their unique event discount. Be sure to take breaks at participating local cafes and restaurants
and pick up a gift card while you're there!!
2026 BagDay participants include:
A2Z SCIENCE AND LEARNING STORE
GOMBO NOLA KITCHEN & OYSTER BAR
INDIA HOUSE
INSPIRIT CRYSTALS
MULINO'S RESTAURANT
TUNIC COFFEE
Bag Day is a registered trademark of H.S. Gere & Sons, Inc.