Thanksgiving week is usually pretty quiet. But even during a pandemic, you can still find some noise.
Wednesday, November 25
Hosted by Kiki Lucia and starring Robin Fierce, Barbra Joan Streetsand and Frank Borrelli, a Mask-querade Drag Show at Olives and Oil (124 Temple St, New Haven; 203-891-5870) promises COVID-conscious “pre-Thanksgiving festivities with some delicious food and drinks” to benefit the New Haven Pride Center. Naturally, “all guests and performers will be expected to wear masks,” at least when not eating or drinking. 6:30 p.m. Free to attend. Reservations encouraged.
sponsored by
Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving
Fate has flipped over our Thanksgiving tables. If you’re zooming and not Zooming to spend time with your loved ones, be safe.
Friday, November 27
It’s Black Friday. But it’s also Record Store Day, meant to celebrate and encourage participation in record store culture. You can celebrate and participate at a number of local spots: Elm City Sounds (24 Fountain St, New Haven; 203-387-8293), Replay Records (2586 Whitney Ave, Hamden; 203-934-9999), Exile on Main (267 E Main St, Branford; 203-483-6228) and Merle’s Record Rack (307 Racebrook Rd, Orange; 203-795-9033). Just be sure to check individual store hours and protocols, which may have changed in light of COVID.
Saturday, November 28
The Christmas shopping season, sparked by Small Business Saturday today, might be the most wonderful time of year for local stores. To make it more wonderful for shoppers as well, local organizations are offering enticements.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today (and every other Saturday and Sunday before Christmas), the Town Green Special Services District has arranged free socially distant photos with Santa in front of the Shubert Theatre (247 College St, New Haven). Also in the mix are “giveaways and raffles” and a special day-of postcard you can present for discounts and additional giveaways at 35 downtown businesses.
And throughout November and December, The Shops at Yale is offering a free “gourmet hot cocoa” if you spend $25 or more—or a free couture mask or duo of fine chocolates if you spend $150—at any one of 22 participating retailers. Meanwhile, 38 businesses are participating in a Downtown Holiday Passport promotion featuring a grand prize of $25 gift certificates to each and every one of those businesses.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
