Newport’s Thames Street district is gearing up for an expanded ThamesGiving event in 2024, offering nearly a month of holiday shopping, socializing, and community giving.
The event runs from November 8-30, 2024, involving about 80 local businesses and stretching beyond Thames Street to include nearby areas and wharves.
Michele Gallagher, who founded City-by-the-Sea Communications and organizes the event, says this year’s focus is on bringing the community together and creating connections between Newport’s residents, visitors, and local merchants.
“We’re reaching out to neighboring counties and states to promote Newport as a great place for holiday shopping and dining,” Gallagher explains.
New for 2024 is a digital version of the Copper Pumpkin Passport scavenger hunt. People can collect virtual stickers by scanning QR codes at participating spots and answering quick questions about their experiences.
The event is also introducing the ThamesGiving Artisan Market, a Costume Dog Parade hosted by The Black Dog, and a Copper Pumpkin Extravaganza pop-up on Bowen’s Wharf.
Throughout ThamesGiving, visitors can enjoy special deals, discounts, and gifts with purchase from various shops and restaurants. Many businesses are including a charitable component in their promotions.
Bars, hotels, and restaurants will offer live music, themed menus, and other entertainment. Street musicians will add to the festive mood with impromptu performances around the shopping district.
The event wraps up on Small Business Saturday, November 30, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses during the holiday shopping season.
For more details about ThamesGiving, including a full list of participating businesses, special offers, and charitable promotions, check out www.thamesgiving.com or follow @ThamesGiving_npt on social media.
