Dartmouth’s Spirit Christmas Opens, Decking the Halls with Holiday Joy

Get ready to deck the halls and hang the stockings.

Dartmouth welcomed a new holiday hotspot on Tuesday, November 12 as the Spirit Christmas shop officially opened its doors, transforming the former Spirit Halloween location into a festive winter wonderland.

Shoppers from across the SouthCoast and beyond (some as far as New Hampshire) lined up for the grand opening at 10 a.m., eager to get a first look at the holiday treasures inside.

Turning the Halloween-themed space into a Christmas wonderland in just nine days was no small feat, but Associate Director and Zone Manager Dawn Martin and her dedicated team rose to the challenge. With nearly four decades of experience at the company, Martin was confident in her crew’s ability to pull off the transformation.

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Dartmouth's Spirit Christmas is one of only eight test stores across the country, but Martin said she never doubted they’d make it happen.

Upon stepping inside, it was clear that the store captured the true spirit of the holidays as I found myself smiling from ear to ear. Although the shop is more compact than expected at 7,500 square feet, it’s packed with an impressive array of items.

From nostalgic ornaments to modern decor, holiday outfits for pets, and even an unbeatable selection of ugly sweaters (a nod to parent company Spencer Gifts), the store has something for everyone.

Martin reflected on the excitement of opening day:

“It was magical; the customers were excited and instantly drawn in,” she said. “It’s an experience when you walk in, and that’s exactly what we were aiming for.”

Adding to the holiday cheer, Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance for photos and meet-and-greets on November 29. According to Martin, there may be other surprise visits from Santa throughout the season, potentially as early as the first weekend.

Lastly, Spirit Christmas also carries forward the company's charitable efforts with its Spirit of Children fundraiser. Every penny donated goes directly to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, supporting physical therapy programs, respite care, and even hiring additional staff.

“We’re very proud of the program,” Martin emphasized. “Every penny goes to the kids.”

For those looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit, Dartmouth’s Spirit Christmas is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Happy Holidays and happy shopping!