Open Door Welcomes Community to Support Local this Christmas

Open Door Community Christmas graphic

Open Door is excited to be looking ahead to the festive season by launching its very first Community Christmas pop-up shop on Monday 27 November, which will be open until the New Year.

Their café space will host a marketplace of locally sourced goods so that visitors can support local this Christmas whilst giving back to the community. Everyone is invited to come and browse a selection of cards, decorations, produce and gifts from local artisans – perfect for gift buying, supporting both small and local business as well as Open Door.

There will also be a special Christmas shopping evening on Wednesday 29 November 6.30-8.30pm to which everyone is welcome – no need to book – come and have a browse of the lovely items with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie!

The Community Christmas pop up shop will feature local artisans and makers such as Jackie Bennett’s needle felting, Maria Oliver from Boxmoor Yoga with her children’s yoga books, local honey from SpinneysHarvestHoney, Bergin & Bath’s crafty kits, The Chiltern Recipe Book, crochet items from Rima Barrett of crochetlaneboutique, NATRL cosmetics and lots more.

The shop is hosted in Open Door’s café where visitors can also stop for a bite to eat and a drink, in exchange for a donation which helps fund Open Door’s running costs. The community café offers a warm welcome to all and during December will be decorated with festive decorations handmade by volunteers, which customers can enjoy whilst enjoying a toastie or perhaps a homemade cake or mince pie. More information and café menu at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/community-food.

Alongside Open Door’s usual offering of wellbeing and creative activities and classes, in December they are hosting three Christmas lunches for those who may need connection or community – Tuesdays 5, 12 & 19 December – find out more and book at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/community-food. Also a reminder that the Community Pantry out the front of the building stores essentials for those in need to help themselves to, and the Community Fridge is open Tuesdays 10am-12noon every week (apart from 26 Dec & 2 Jan) to help fight food waste in Berkhamsted, whilst keeping people fed.

Sarah Osborne, Exhibition Manager at Open Door said: ‘We’re excited to be bringing a new offering to the community this Christmas with our pop up shop. As a creative based organisation, it’s important that we support local makers and artists, and we can’t wait to show customers what we have in store. The shop adds another element to Open Door’s community café where everyone is welcome to come and be warm, eat and drink in exchange for a donation of any amount. We look forward to showing you our shop and showcasing the amazing talent we have locally!’

  • The Community Christmas Pop up shop opens Monday 27 November-Saturday 6 January 2024 (closed for a few days over the Christmas & NY period, see website for dates). Usual opening times are Mon-Fri 10.30am-3.30pm and Saturday 10.30am-1pm.
  • Late opening for Christmas shopping evening on Wednesday 29 November 6.30-8.30pm
  • Open to all – no need to book, no entry charge, donations welcome for refreshments in the café
  • Find out more at www.opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk/exhibitions