Home for the Holidays is a holiday pop-up shop that first opened its doors in 2016. Now in its 10th year, the locally owned shop has been housed in various locations over the years, each leaving a lasting impression on the community with its unique, locally sourced holiday decor. Only open for the holiday season — from Oct. 10 to Dec. 23 — Home for the Holidays makes a significant impact in the Lakewood community.
One notable aspect is its relocation each year, with continued success at every spot. As a pop-up, it moves to different locations around Lakewood annually, creating a marketplace feel and offering shoppers a new experience each year. This year, the shop is located at the corner of Madison and Morrison Avenues. “The corner is a great spot to be on, and there was a great store here before, so we’re kind of [lucky],” said local jewelry maker Shannon Hogarth.
The layout features more Christmas and holiday-focused items in the front, with more year-round items in the back. The back also showcases the jewelry section with handcrafted pieces. “We worked really hard to make the layout easy to navigate, so I think we did the best job we could with what we had,” Hogarth said. Popular items include mugs and ornaments featuring city locations — perfect gifts for loved ones proud of their hometowns, just as the shop is proud of its community.
The store demonstrates that a holiday shop can be more than just Christmas ornaments and decorations. It features more than 40 small businesses specializing in home goods, food and clothing. They also offer an array of handcrafted items made by local artisans, including handmade art, jewelry and small-batch food. Over the years, the shop has grown from 15 local vendors to 47. The shop offers a vast selection, making it easy to find gifts for everyone.
The shop offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere designed to carry the holiday spirit through the community. It is community-based, sometimes donating to local shops to support local merchants. The store shows immense care for its customers and the community, making it especially special. “You truly can find a gift for anyone here, for any occasion,” said Erin Baker, a loyal customer. “I typically find great ornaments for Christmas gifts. I like the ones that list out places in a particular city,” Baker added.
The employees are the heart of the store, passionate about their work and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere by offering assistance and insight as customers browse. “I was very impressed when I walked in,” said Mike Murphy. “I was greeted quickly and offered help shopping.” Caring employees like these are the root of running a successful store, making Home for the Holidays a special spot to shop this holiday season.
As the holidays approach, Home for the Holidays reminds us that the true spirit of the season lies in community and connection. Here’s to celebrating a decade of spreading joy, one unique gift at a time.
