This weekend provides a smorgasbord of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your community! There are also plenty of opportunities to support your local businesses by shopping small this weekend – not to mention a whole host of holiday activities to make it merry and bright.
Seeking out a more musical way to celebrate the season? Check out our Weekly Entertainment report for live music and lively arts in and around Southern NH.
Multi-day Events:
Nov. 28-30
Shop Small Weekend, Mall of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH – Beyond some great deals, give a gift with purpose. Shop Small Weekend is your chance to give twice, once to someone you love, and again to the local artists who created it. Early holiday shopping helps our makers get paid before the New Year, keeping creativity alive in our community, and winter expenses covered before the season ends. Find 260+ New England area artists, authors and small businesses in our expansive space inside the Mall of NH. Looking to give gifts of experience? Purchase class tickets to explore creativity, make memories, and meet new people!
Nov. 28-29
The Great New England Holiday Market, LaBelle Winery, Derry, NH – Join us at LaBelle Winery Derry for The Great New England Holiday Craft Market! This two-day holiday craft fair runs from 9:00am-4:00pm on Friday, November 28, 2025 & Saturday, November 29, 2025, and fills three event spaces: the Vineyard Ballroom, Terrace and Harvest Room. With no admission fee and free parking, the Holiday Craft Market is full of fine handmade artisan items that make excellent Holiday gifts for everyone on your list! Lunch, snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the event. After the Craft Market, stay to enjoy a winter wonderland with a stroll through the LaBelle Lights outdoor holiday light show! See all event details and register here.
Christmas Tree Spree, Charmingfare Farm, Candia, NH – Come select your PERFECT Christmas Tree at our special event on Nov. 28 & Nov. 29. Let’s face it, its no fun going to the gas station parking lot to pick out your tree! So Charmingfare wants to make it a fun, family tradition! The Christmas Tree Spree is a great event. You can spend the day at the farm…. exploring all the farm animals! The Hands on Petting Zoo, Pony Ride*…. a cozy warm campfire, roasting marshmallows*, making S’mores*! More info here.
Nov. 27
Dartmouth Health | Fisher Cats Thanksgiving Day 5K Wobble, 1 Line Drive, Manchester, NH – Before you gobble up all that turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving morning. Join us for our annual Dartmouth Health | New Hampshire Fisher Cats Thanksgiving Day 5K. More information and registration here.
Thanksgiving Brunch, Nashua Luxe Events, Nashua, NH – Let’s gather for a delicious Thanksgiving Brunch together to enjoy good food and great company! This event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 27 from 11 am – 2 pm. Get tickets here.
Quills FriendsGiving!, 131 Armory St, Manchester, NH – The Quill is hosting a FriendsGiving event where all are welcome to come. This potluck dinner will include a turkey provided, but other dishes are welcome! If you are looking for a community to share the day and a meal with, come on down and let’s celebrate. Doors open at 3pm. FriendsGiving dinner begins at 5pm. Here’s the link to sign up for a dish.
BYO Vinyl Night, To Share Brewing, Manchester, NH – Vinyl Records are our jam! Join us every 4th Thursday of the month, from 4 pm – 8 pm and bring your favorite vinyl from home to share with others over a pint. The queue is first come first serve so get in early. Share your record. Share your beer.
Nov. 28
Plaid Friday, Downtown Nashua, NH – Skip the mall and shop small this Plaid Friday, Nov. 28 from 10 am – 5 pm in downtown Nashua. Celebrate our local businesses on one of the biggest shopping days of the year by heading downtown and supporting the stores, restaurants, and makers who make Nashua unique. Start your day at Fortin Gage to meet the Great American Downtown team and pick up your commemorative Plaid Friday tote bag — available to the first 100 shoppers. Each tote is filled with goodies and special offers from participating businesses. From there, grab a map and explore exclusive deals, seasonal treats, and festive experiences throughout downtown. Wear your plaid, show your support, and make this holiday season a local one. More info here.
Thanksgiving Soap-Making Workshop, Stark Brewing Company, Manchester, NH – Stark Brewing Company – 500 North Commercial Street in Manchester. This workshop will take place on Friday, Nov. 28 from 6 pm – 8 pm. $43 per person. Get tickets here.
Noir Nights Black Friday, MCAC – 340 Granite St, Manchester, NH – Each year, the BWINH Collective reimagines Black Friday—not as a day of overconsumption, but as a celebration of Black culture, community, and joy. Noir Nights Black Friday is a free, family-friendly gathering where we come together to honor the many Black cultures and traditions that make up our community in New Hampshire. Join us on Friday, Nov. 28 from 6 pm – 9:30 pm at Manchester Community Action Coalition. This event is free and open to the Black community (children of all backgrounds are welcome with their caregivers). RSVP here.
Black Friday Knight Fights, The Knights Hall North, Nashua, NH – Friday Night Knight Fights Black Friday Special! Did you not get enough fighting over the Thanksgiving Dinner table or at the store Friday morning over low prices? Come watch us duel it out at The Knights Hall! Full medieval combat coming to you in the modern era. There will be big hits, punches and throws. Let us entertain you with hard hitting action. Friday, Nov. 28 from 7 pm – 9:30 pm at The Knights Hall North. $15 tickets online. $20 Front row seating online. $20 day of at the door. Proceeds from this event go to the number 1 travel team in New England, The Executioners! Get tickets here.
Nov. 29
Small Business Saturday, Manchester, NH – With the holiday season upon us, the Greater Manchester Chamber is committed to supporting the local small business community. Each year, the Chamber rallies the community to participate in Small Business Saturday, celebrating the unique offerings of our area small businesses. To kick off the day, join the Greater Manchester Chamber and the Manchester Economic Development Department from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at The Bookery, located at 844 Elm Street. Guests will enjoy refreshments (while supplies last), handouts detailing all the day’s deals, and other giveaway items. For more info about participating business special promotions, click here.
30th Annual Winter Stroll, Nashua, NH – For the 30th year the city will gather for the Annual Nashua Winter Stroll on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 5 – 9 pm, the city’s most beloved tradition and the largest community celebration of the year. The evening begins with the candlelit procession from the Nashua Center for the Arts, led by Santa and the Mayor and driven by a special guest. From there the procession will stroll to the newly completed Riverfront Pavilion, where a 25-foot tree will be lit to officially launch the night’s festivities. For more info and the full schedule of events, click here.
ABLE NH Friendsgiving Dinner, Nashua Senior Activity Center, Nashua, NH – This dinner is an opportunity for community members to connect, raise awareness of disability issues, and raise funds for events, trainings, and more to support inclusivity and access. Please register in advance to receive additional details. The dinner will take place at Nashua Senior Activity Center at 70 Temple Street in Nashua on Saturday, Nov. 29 starting at 12:30 pm. Register here.
5th Annual Merry & Bright Holiday Stroll, Stark Park, Manchester, NH – Join us for our 5th Annual Merry & Bright Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 5 pm – 6:30 pm. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and cookies while you stroll through over 100 holiday inflatables. Take a picture with our special visitor. Sponsored by our nonprofit NOT JUST HORSING AROUND, NH INC. Our mission is to connect special needs individuals, inner city youth and veterans to farm life for recreation and education. This is a free event however donations are gratefully accepted to support our cause.
Bishop Brady’s Annual Galloping Gobbler, Bishop Brady High School, Concord, NH – The 27th Annual Galloping Gobbler. Work off that turkey with your family, friends and neighbors at the 27th Annual Galloping Gobbler. It is a 4-mile USA Track & Field certified course, open to runners and walkers of all levels. There is also a 2 mile fun run. The course begins and ends at Bishop Brady High School in Concord. You can call Paula Scrivens at 224-7418 ext. 223 for more information. The race begins at 9:30 am with registration starting at 7:30 am. Register here.
Pop Punk Pop Up: Live Music & Arts Market, Terminus Underground, Nashua, NH – Join us for an unforgettable night of music at our Pop Punk Pop Up on Saturday, Nov. 29 starting at 7 pm at Terminus Underground! This event promises to bring together some of the most exciting bands in the pop punk scene for an evening filled with energy, nostalgia, and great vibes. Get tickets here.
7th Annual Wicked Women Holiday Makers Market, Marshfield Fairgrounds, Marshfield, MA – Join us for the 7th Annual Wicked Women Holiday Makers Market! Discover over 50 talented local artisans, makers, and crafters offering unique, handcrafted gifts just in time for the holidays. Celebrate creativity, shop local, and support your community’s small businesses at this one-day event. Enjoy coffee, tacos, wine, sweets, and more while you browse and connect with local creators! The market will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 am – 3 pm. More info here.
Pictures with Santa, Nashua High North, Nashua, NH – SANTA IS COMING!! Join us for an afternoon filled with holiday fun! Carols, coloring pages, games, bake sale and a visit with Santa, Mrs. Clause & their elves!! Only $20 for all the family photos you can take with our amazing Santa & Mrs. Clause! Perfect timing for those holiday cards! This event benefits musical theater at Nashua North and will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 12 pm – 3 pm. Can’t make it? You can help support our young performers anytime via Venmo @TMA-NHSN.
Free Santa Pictures, Chik Farm Woodworking & Gift Shop, Litchfield, NH – Join us on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 am – 3 pm for our 3rd Annual Free Santa Pictures! Bring your camera, or a cell phone, and grab an adorable picture- for FREE! We will also have local vendors, food trucks, and more! More info here.
Nov. 30
Ho Ho Ho Paint and Sip, Fuse Bistro, Lowell, MA Grab your besties and get festive with us! We’ll be painting Wine Glasses — a fun gift for yoursef or a gift to give ! Led by CTG DESIGNS. Kick off the cozy holiday season with a festive Paint & Sip experience at Fuse! We’ll be painting holiday-themed wine glasses (think: glowing Christmas light bulbs, snow-kissed holly, candy cane stripes, etc.) — the perfect touch for your holiday table or a one-of-a-kind gift. Whether you’re an artsy queen or haven’t held a paintbrush since preschool — this night is beginner-friendly and all about fun, laughs, & sipping something delicious. This event will take place on Sunday, Nov. 30 from 4 pm – 7 pm. Get tickets here.
High School Reunions
Nov 28: NHS North and South Class of 2005 20 Year Reunion, Nashua, NH
Nov. 28: Class of 2015 Nashua North 10 Year Reunion, Nashua, NH
Nov 29: Manchester West High School Class of 2000 25th Reunion, Manchester, NH
Nov 29: Class of 2015 Central High School Reunion, Manchester, NH
Planning Ahead?
Dec 6: Jim Gaffigan at SNHU Arena, Manchester, NH
Dec 6: Light Up the Village 2025, Hooksett, NH
Dec 6: 10th Annual Holiday Fair, Nashua, NH
Dec 6: Warren Miller 2025, Nashua, NH
Dec 7: Boston Pops: Holiday Concert, Manchester, NH
Dec. 11: Kimball Jenkins 1st Annual Jingle and Mingle Fundraiser, Manchester, NH