Fall River's Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration: What to know before you go

Ashley Schuler, The Herald News
·3 min read

FALL RIVER — It's time to get festive, Fall River.

You may have just boxed up Halloween decorations, and it may not yet be Turkey Day, but who says it's too early to get in the holiday spirit?

This weekend, get a jumpstart on yuletide festivities and tackle your holiday shopping checklist with an event that's double the celebration and twice fun.

The annual Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration, hosted by Viva Fall River in partnership with the city of Fall River, the Fall River Farmers and Artisans Market, and the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, will descend on the downtown area for its third year, featuring tons of food, family entertainment and unique holiday finds.

Local artisans and makers sell their goods at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River.
Local artisans and makers sell their goods at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River.

Where and when is Thanksmas taking place?

The pre-holiday night market and community celebration is slated for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Old Second Street and Sullivan Drive, at the Government Center plaza.

What can we expect to see there?

The merriment begins along the cobblestoned Old Second Street pedestrian walkway across from the Government Center, which will be transformed with fire pits and twinkling lights to evoke a cozy, festive vibe. There, more than 50 local artisans, crafters, and makers will be set up, selling a variety of handcrafted goods. The event will also feature nine food trucks and vendors, and a lineup of family activities and live entertainment.

Green Jar Catering and Cocina was among the food vendors set up at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River
Green Jar Catering and Cocina was among the food vendors set up at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River

What's on tap for foodies

On tap for the first time at the Thanksmas market will be a Holiday Brew Garden with local craft beer and seasonal beverages from Fall River's Canned Heat and Tipsy Toboggan.

And if you're feeling hungry there will be plenty of places to turn for tasty eats. Food trucks and vendors serving up a array sweet and savory cuisine include All Purpose Bakery, Bun Buds, Choco-Latte Cafe, Dragonfly Desserts, Fancheezical, Green Jar Cocina, No Joke Smoke BBQ, Pop’s Mobile Brick Oven Pizza, and What’s Up Cupcake.

The Grinch greets guests at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River.
The Grinch greets guests at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River.

Music, the Grinch, 3D projections and more

Jeremiah Sullivan Drive, which will be closed to traffic from South Main Street to Third Street, will be the center of festive entertainment.

There you can enjoy music from DJ Juice and free activities for all ages from Big Brothers/Big Sisters MA, Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River, the city of Fall River, Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, Greater Fall River Art Association, Greater Fall River Re-Creation, and Viva Fall River.

Local artisans and makers sell their goods at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River.
Local artisans and makers sell their goods at a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration in downtown Fall River.

This year will also feature some special events:

From 5 to 7 p.m., get a free photo opp with The Grinch, Axel Dance Academy students will perform, and there will be an appearance by Miss Fall River Teen Na’Shajia Monteiro. Circus artist Betty Hoop will also take visitors on a journey of light, music, movement, and hula hoops.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., the west-facing side of the Government Center will “come alive,” serving as the backdrop for a dynamic 3D projection mapping show from Broken Glass Projections.

A view of downtown Fall River from above during a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration.
A view of downtown Fall River from above during a previous Thanksmas Market and Holiday Celebration.

Where can I park?

Free parking will be offered at the following locations: Third Street open lot across from the Public Garage; the lower lot at the One SouthCoast Chamber building, 200 Pocasset St.; and the open lot to the left of the Pearl Street Parking Garage.

A free parking shuttle will pick up and drop off throughout the event at the Pocasset and Pearl Street parking areas.

More information and updates

A full list of vendors and food trucks can be found on Viva Fall River's website at https://www.vivafallriver.com/thanksmas2023/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1711042556062154.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Thanksmas Market is coming back to downtown Fall River on Saturday