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Sips, Sweets, & Small Biz Saturday Treats 🛍️

Sips, Sweets, & Small Biz Saturday Treats 🛍️

Get in the spirit with Small Business Saturday highlights, festive local events, a scoop on Wright’s music-inspired ice cream club, + more!

November 25, 2025

Insert Mariah Carey singing “It’s time” here, because the mad dash into the holiday season has officially begun. In the chaos of it all, it feels especially important to pause and think about what we’re thankful for with Thanksgiving on the horizon. And at the top of our list? Our readers, our advertisers, and our ever-loyal newsletter family. We also can’t help but hope you’re a little thankful for this newsletter too. Think of it as your five-minute escape hatch from the holiday whirlwind.

6 Small Business Saturday Events in Rhode Island to Kick Off Holiday Shopping

Small Business Saturday is shaping up to be a celebration across Rhode Island, with everything from coastal artisan markets to Main Street giveaways and pop-up parties. Whether you’re grabbing wine in Providence or candles in Bristol, there’s no shortage of creative ways to support local and make a serious dent in your holiday list. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Craftland}

RI Spirits Launches Big Gay Christmas Holiday Pop-Up in Pawtucket

RI Spirits is turning its Rhodium Room into a glitter-drenched holiday escape with 103 disco balls, nearly 1,000 feet of lights, and cocktails as bold as the decor. Dubbed Big Gay Christmas, the festive pop-up offers a joyful, inclusive space for chosen family and community celebration all season long. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of RI Spirits}

Presented by Federal Hill House

Feeding Families Fundraiser in Providence Serves Up Good Times for a Great Cause

Thanksgiving leftovers are great, but you know what feels even better? Helping support the 3,900 households Federal Hill House has served so far this year while enjoying live music, local bites, and a brag-worthy raffle lineup. On Thursday, November 28, McBride’s Pub and The Moonlight Ramblers team up with FHH for a night that mixes community spirit with cozy, feel-good fun.

Hosted at McBride’s expanded Wayland Avenue pub, the Feeding Families Fundraiser supports the Swiss Street Food Pantry, which has already served 3,900 households over more than 21,000 visits in 2025. Each month, the pantry provides up to a week’s worth of fresh produce, dairy, meat, and staples to individuals and families at no cost. The impact stretches far. Every five dollars donated can become as much as 150 dollars in groceries for local households.

Festivities begin at 7:30pm, with The Moonlight Ramblers taking the stage at 8. Whether you're ready to dance off your Thanksgiving meal or relax with a pint in hand, the vibe is equal parts festive and laid-back. Guests can enter raffles to win a variety of prizes, including a 750 dollar Amazon gift card, gift card bundles from West End restaurants, wine and spirits baskets, book lover bundles, golf and home improvement gear, and even a few crisp one-hundred-dollar bills.

Can’t make it in person? Raffle tickets are available now at all Federal Hill House locations and through staff and board members. Winners do not need to be present, so you can still support the cause from the comfort of your couch. Ready to be part of the fun? Head to Eventbrite to reserve your spot. To support the cause with a donation or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit federalhillhouse.org.

Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.

Date	Event
Wednesday 11/26	Thanksgiving Eve Bash at Medici Lounge Kick off the holiday weekend at Medici Lounge’s Thanksgiving Eve Bash, a high-energy night of dancing, drinks, and DJ-spun beats that’ll have you partying straight into turkey day. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Nutcracker Ballet at Rosecliff Step into the magic of the season with Newport Contemporary Ballet’s Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff, where the holiday classic unfolds room by room inside one of Newport’s most enchanting mansions. From November 26 through December 5 (select dates), follow Clara on a dreamlike journey that begins throughout the mansion and concludes with reserved seating in the Grand Ballroom. Learn more online
Thursday 11/27	Friendsgiving Pop-Up Thanksgiving Lunch at Dolce Salato Swing by Dolce & Salato from 11am-2pm for the 2nd Annual Friendsgiving, a free community Thanksgiving lunch that brings neighbors together for good food and good vibes. Learn more online ⸻ Powerful Voices Open Mic Show Make your way to East Providence for the Powerful Voices Open Mic Show from 8-9:30pm, a high-energy night of live music, comedy, poetry, and more where the audience gets to vote, performers compete for a cash prize, and the vibes are off the charts. Learn more online
Friday 11/28	Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo From November 28 to January 4, the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence transforms into a twinkling wonderland with over 3.5 million lights, glowing displays, festive snacks, and even Santa visits on Thursday nights - perfect for a magical stroll through 40 acres of holiday cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Illuminated Boat Parade Newport Harbor lights up with holiday cheer as the Annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade sets sail at 6pm, with festively decked-out boats cruising the waterfront and spreading nautical joy all along the shoreline. Learn more online ⸻ Crafted Hope Brewing’s First Anniversary Bash Crafted Hope Brewing in East Greenwich is throwing down for its very first birthday with beermosas, special brews, bottle releases, live music, giveaways, and food from Hank’s Down South. Learn more online ⸻ Golden Hour Geology Hike Lace up your boots for the Golden Hour Geology Hike at Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, where you'll trek the scenic Hanging Rock Ridge with an expert guide, learn about glacial history, and catch a stunning Aquidneck Island sunset from one of the best views around. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Illuminated Boat Parade Cruise Aboard Coastal Queen Hop aboard the Coastal Queen at 5:30pm as she sails from Jamestown Village to join the sparkling Newport Illuminated Boat Parade, where decorated vessels light up the harbor for a festive night you won’t forget. Learn more online ⸻ A Christmas Carol – The Musical From November 28 through December 21, the Granite Theatre in Westerly brings some Broadway sparkle to the holiday season with A Christmas Carol – The Musical, a magical retelling of the Dickens classic featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens that’s equal parts heartwarming, haunting, and full of holiday cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Federal Hill House’s Annual Feeding Families Fundraiser Celebrate a good cause from 7:30pm to midnight at McBride's Pub in Providence, where Federal Hill House hosts its annual Feeding Families Fundraiser, complete with live music, raffles, food, and drinks to support the Swiss Street Food Pantry. Learn more online ⸻ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at The Preserve Bundle up and head to The Preserve in Richmond for a sparkling night of holiday fun that begins at 5pm featuring a tree lighting, Santa visit, sweet treats, festive entertainment, and a grand fireworks finale - with good cheer and toy donations lighting the way. Learn more online ⸻ Adams Farm First-Ever Barn Lighting Kick off the season at Adams Farm in Cumberland at 6pm for their first-ever Barn Lighting, a festive night of twinkling lights, fresh Christmas trees, handcrafted wreaths, and cozy holiday cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Winter Market at Butterfly Farm Shop local and soak up the cozy vibes at Butterfly Farm’s Winter Market in Lincoln, happening Black Friday plus Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5pm, with Santa, vendors, and hay rides popping in for the first two festive weekends. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Craft Show at CCRI Swing by CCRI’s Warwick Campus on November 28 and 29 from 9am-4pm for a two-day Holiday Craft Show packed with more than 75 artisans, handmade gifts, plenty of food options, and easy parking, making it the perfect spot to shop local and get a jump on your holiday list. Learn more online ⸻ The Yellow House One-Year Anniversary Weekend Celebrate The Yellow House turning one with a full weekend of treats, author signings, special discounts each day, and a festive wreath-making workshop on Sunday, making it the perfect time to stop by, shop around, and join in on the fun. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Shop and Stroll at West Place Animal Sanctuary Stroll the farm grounds on November 28 and 29 from 9:30am-3pm at West Place Animal Sanctuary in Tiverton, where you can meet the animals, shop handcrafted gifts, and enjoy interactive tours that run every 30 minutes, rain or shine. Learn more online ⸻ Al Keith Quartet Ease into your weekend with smooth sounds and good vibes from 7-10pm at Pump House Music Works in Wakefield, where the Al Keith Quartet takes the stage for a night of jazz, drinks, and all-ages fun. Learn more online ⸻ Nutcracker Trail Kickoff Event Westerly’s getting a supersized dose of holiday cheer as a crew of 6-foot-tall, hand-painted Nutcrackers takes over town - and it all kicks off with a festive celebration featuring music, lights, and community fun outside the United Theatre from 3-7:30pm. Learn more online ⸻ Doug Key at Comedy Connection Catch East Providence’s own Doug Key live at the Comedy Connection, where this fast-rising funnyman brings his sharp wit and Mother of the Year material to the stage for a night of big laughs, good vibes, and zero heckling (you’ve been warned). Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Market at Blackstone River Glass Center Wander through a wonderland of handmade gifts, festive snacks, and twinkle lights at Cumberland’s Holiday Market from 11am-5pm, where you can sip cocoa, support local makers, and maybe even win a $50 gift card while you check off your shopping list in style. Learn more online
Saturday 11/29	Lights in the Village Spend the afternoon in Historic Downtown Wakefield from 1–5pm for Lights in the Village, a festive Small Business Saturday celebration with horse-drawn carriage rides, local shopping, and plenty of holiday magic. Learn more online ⸻ The Irish Tenors Catch the legendary Irish Tenors live from 8-10pm at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, where their soaring vocals, holiday classics, and Celtic charm promise a night of music that’ll give you chills (in the best way). Learn more online ⸻ Clark Farms Holiday Market Step into the holiday spirit at Clark Farms in Wakefield on November 29 and 30 from 10am-4pm to, where festive trees, local makers, cozy treats, live music, and surprise Santa moments turn their greenhouse into a full-on seasonal playground. Learn more online ⸻ DM Cafe Grand Opening Celebrate the grand opening of DM Cafe from 8am-3pm, where fresh coffee, in-house donuts, and a sweet opening-day free-donut deal make this Cranston debut the perfect weekend stop. Learn more online ⸻ Cookies with Santa Event Join The Nerdy Baker in Rumford from 11am-1pm for Cookies with Santa, a sweet and silly holiday hangout where kids decorate giant gingerbread cookies, sip hot chocolate, snap photos with “Santa Steve,” and even meet a special guest, Jack Skellington. Learn more online ⸻ Christmas on the Hill Federal Hill is celebrating the season with two cheerful Saturdays, November 29 and December 6 from 2-6pm, featuring carolers, trolley rides, light displays, and a festive tree lighting across DePasquale Plaza and Atwells Avenue. Learn more online ⸻ Wishing for Tomorrow: Annual Country Dance Head to Mishnock Barn in West Greenwich for the Wishing for Tomorrow Country Dance, a feel-good night with dancing, lessons, raffles, and a cash kitchen, all supporting Children’s Wishes and The Tomorrow Fund. Learn more online ⸻ The Search RI Semi-Finals: Night 1 Catch the first round of Semi-Finals from 7-9:30pm at Medici Lounge in Providence, where standout singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, and creatives hit the stage for an inspiring night of local talent, community energy, and light bites from Davina Cucina. Learn more online
Sunday 11/30	Not Your Grandma’s Comedy Bingo Brunch Get ready to laugh, brunch, and bingo like never before from 10:30am-1:30pm at the VFW Post in Middletown, where DJ KY and the Not Your Average Events team serve up cheeky comedy, wild prizes, and a buffet that’s anything but boring. Learn more online ⸻ Santa’s Mobile Workshop: The Ultimate Elf Training Experience Little elves-in-training can join the festive fun at M Rose Artistry in Lincoln, where hands-on toy building, keepsake aprons, and cheerful moments with Santa himself create a magical holiday experience for kids ages 3-10. Learn more online ⸻ The Magic of Christmas at National Gold & Diamond Step into a wonderland of holiday cheer at National Gold & Diamond in Warwick, where Santa’s ready for selfies, the food trucks are rollin’ in, live music fills the air, and kids can enjoy activities while parents knock out gift shopping and score some free giveaways. Learn more online ⸻ Jan Brett at The United Theatre Join The United Theatre in Westerly at 10am for a festive morning with beloved author and illustrator Jan Brett, complete with storytelling, live drawing, a book signing for The Christmas Sweater, and photos with Hedgie the hedgehog and her beautifully wrapped tour bus. Learn more online ⸻ RI Women’s Expo Grab your besties and make a day of the RI Women’s Expo from 11am-3pm at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, where shopping, tastings, beauty treats, prizes, and inspiring speakers turn self-care and holiday prep into a full-on fun outing. Learn more online ⸻ Wreath Workshop with Newport Life Magazine Join Young Designs Floral Studio in Newport at 10:30am for a festive wreath workshop, complete with seasonal sips, Winter Market vibes, step-by-step guidance, and a full year of Newport Life Magazine included with your ticket. Learn more online ⸻ Sip & Savor: An Evening of Tequila, Taste, and Elegance Unwind at Strive Kitchen & Bar in Providence from 3:30-9pm for Sip and Savor, a chill evening of tequila cocktails, live music, a speakeasy-style vibe, and an optional guided tasting with bites to match. Learn more online ⸻ Black Leaf Tea Blending Workshop From 3:30-4:30pm, join Black Leaf in Providence for a cozy, hands-on tea blending workshop where you’ll sip, swirl, and mix your way to a custom blend you can enjoy on the spot and take home in your own pouch. Learn more online ⸻ EMPOWER: Women’s Healing Circle Step into Soul Sanctuary in Coventry for EMPOWER, a peaceful women’s healing circle with sound baths, aromatherapy, guided meditation, and energy work designed to help you recharge, release, and reconnect with your inner power. Learn more online

Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!

Wright’s Creamery Launches Music-Inspired Test Batch Club for 2026

Wright’s Creamery is calling all flavor fanatics to join the 2026 Test Batch Club, where music-inspired ice cream meets community-powered creativity. From January to March, members get exclusive weekly pints and the chance to vote on which experimental scoops should become Creamery staples. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Wright’s Creamery}

⭐ Ready for new reasons to bundle up and stroll the zoo after sunset? Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Holiday Lights Spectacular, opening on 11/28, is debuting fresh weekly highlights, like $5-off Discount Tuesdays, special Frozen meet-and-greets on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Thursday nights with Santa. Round it out with nightly storytime featuring Roger the Red Panda, and you’ve got a whole new way to experience the magic.

⭐ Ready to hear the holiday season hit a high note? Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love brings her iconic Love for the Holidays Tour to Uptown Theater, filling the stage with her powerhouse vocals and classics like “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Catch her live on December 16 at 7:30pm for a night of pure festive magic. Learn more online.

⭐Looking for an easy way to spread a little holiday goodwill? From November 28 to December 21, Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery is inviting customers to Round Up for Rhode Island, with every extra cent supporting the Rhode Island Food Bank. Even better, Wright’s will match all donations, making your small gesture go twice as far in the fight against hunger.

Meet November’s Rhody Pets of the Month

Bailey the Husky, Hazel the Catahoula mix, and Toast the snuggly tabby are just three of the adorable adoptables waiting for forever homes in Rhode Island. Whether you're after a playful pup or a sun-loving cat, these shelter stars could be your next best friend. Read more online.

^{• By Karen Kalunian}

Save 30% for Black Friday at Medik8!

Did you hear Medik8 is having a Black Friday Sale? Grab your skin saviors at 30% off, plus some free gifts to pamper yourself!*

Shop Now

_{*Terms & Conditions Apply}

#HeyRhodyPhotos

Barrington after dark: where the harbor turns into a mirror and the town lights up like a quiet holiday card.

Photo by @paigeacheson

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