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Small Business Saturday always falls on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The idea is to invest your money back into your local community when purchasing gifts for the upcoming holiday season. This year it occurs on November 29, 2025.

When you shop small, you are mindful of how much impact your dollar has. Thames River Heritage Park will be offering an array of items that will be a perfect gift for loved ones! Support the park and our local community with any purchase.

2026 Docent Academy Registration: have someone in your life who loves local history and giving back to their community? Cover the cost of their registration fees for the highly sough after TRHP Academy this winter. 

2026 Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise Season Pass: give the gift of summer with a Season Pass to cruise the Thames River during the warmer months. Purchase this pass at the 2025 rate before pricing increases on January 1, 2026.

Historic Boat Tour Ticket Bundle: score a pack of historic boat tour tickets (4 total) with this thoughtful gift. Perfect for someone who always dreams of summer and looks forward to the parks’ annual boat season!

Gift Card: not sure which of the above gifts to grab for your favorite person? Purchase of gift card of any denomination that can be applied towards the Docent Academy, Lecture Series, Harbor Cruise Season Passes, Boat Tour tickets and more! 

We appreciate your support in advance and wish you all a joyous holiday season!

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to support their communities. The annual celebration of generosity will happen this year on December 2! People can show their generosity in more ways than one and can donate any time before, after or during the campaign. 

There are countless stories that staff, crew and volunteers have experienced that truly make our region one of a kind. We look forward to sharing these moments with you as we count down to Giving Tuesday to showcase the joy that is celebrated in the park.

How to help: 

Donate to our annual appeal campaign before December 31, 2025. 

Purchase one of the many Holiday Deals that will launch the first week of December. 

Learn about our volunteer opportunities and Docent Academy to donate your time to the park in the future. 

Follow the park and its heritage sites on social media to share information and events with your social circle! 

Your support at any time of the year is greatly appreciated! Thank you for being a part of our ethos. 

November in the Park Newsletter…Events & Programs!

November 1-30, 2025 | Latest Newsletter

E-newsletters will now be shared on a monthly basis throughout the fall and winter months. There are so many amazing opportunities for exploration at all heritage sites for all to enjoy!

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. As part of that effort, local committees and affiliate organizations across the state have begun to plan commemorative programming that meets their own unique needs. The America 250 | CT Commission seeks to empower people throughout the state to shape this anniversary in a way that resonates with them and their community. 

Give 250 Connecticut, administered by CT Humanities, will allow organizations to raise funds for use in their 250th programming. With 250 days until July 4, 2026, this is an opportunity to support the great work taking place in our state and bring this important anniversary to people across Connecticut. 

All funds raised during this campaign will support the Thames River Heritage Park annual Lecture Series and two new programs that will connect history and the arts with local schools. With your donation, you can choose the level of sponsorship based on benefits you will receive!

When: Monday, October 27 to Friday, October 31 

Where: Online at www.give250ct.org | search “Thames River Heritage Park” 

Thames River Heritage Park would like to thank you in advance for investing your time and energy into these collaborative efforts on our behalf! We look forward to celebrating America 250 with the local community next summer. 

Friday, October 17 | 6-8:30PM

Be sure to find the park’s table during the New London Halloween Town celebration and say hello to our volunteer staff during the trunk-or-treat! We will be holding an in-person raffle for a beautiful, autumnal wreath that was donated by T’s Creations.

All you have to do is subscribe to our email list to be entered! The winner will be announced the week of October 20th and notified by phone. Don’t miss your chance to win this door wreath valued at $50. We hope to see you there!

Halloween Town is the City of New London’s annual festive celebration for all ages. Activities include trick-or-treating, a live dance performance and competitive costume contest. Find all the fun down on the Waterfront Park!