Stroll, Shop, and Celebrate Thanksgiving Night Comes Alive in Downtown Russell!

Stroll, Shop, and Celebrate

Thanksgiving Night Comes Alive

in Downtown Russell!

Charles Romans

The Ashland Beacon

The City of Russell, Kentucky, is ready to keep the Thanksgiving magic going long after the last bite of pumpkin pie. Once the parade wraps up and dinner plates are cleared, the fun doesn’t have to end—because Downtown Russell is swinging open its doors for an evening of festive cheer, extended shopping hours, and community celebration. It’s the perfect way to walk off multiple helpings of turkey and snag some pre–Black Friday deals, all while enjoying the twinkling charm of a small town gearing up for the holidays.

Now in its third year, Downtown Russell’s Thanksgiving Night Social brings together local businesses, families, and friends for an evening filled with cozy lights, warm smiles, and unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. It’s a hometown holiday tradition in the making—one that helps kick off the season with the very first spark of Christmas cheer.

A variety of local shops will be welcoming guests on Thanksgiving night. Ady & Aves Boutique, Eridanus Brewing, Franklin & Doodles, and the Dandelion Patch Boutique will be open from 5 to 10 p.m., while The Velvet Parlor and West End Jewelers Co will open their doors from 6 to 10 p.m. Russell Tourism Director Faith Wolfe said each participating business will offer special holiday deals throughout the evening.

Wolfe explained that the event began when two local businesses, Eridanus Brewing and Franklin & Doodles, decided to try extended Thanksgiving hours. “They wanted to see if people would come out before Black Friday,” Wolfe said. “They opened up around 6 pm that evening and actually had some record-breaking sales,” she explained. “People were out after their dinner looking for something to do.”

“So, they turned it into a Thanksgiving Night Social,” Wolfe said. “And now it has grown to six local businesses participating.” Although there’s no starting point or central hub, Wolfe noted that all six businesses are conveniently located along Ferry Street and Bellefonte Street. “And there will be special sales and special activities at each of the six business.”

Wolfe encourages the community to come out and enjoy the festivities. “We encourage everyone to come and participate,” she said. “And if you are looking for something to do after you stuff your bellies, those locations will be open to help you walk it off. It gives you something to do while you are waiting for all of the big box stores to open for their Black Friday Sales, because that usually doesn’t kick off until around midnight.”

But the Thanksgiving Night Social is about more than great deals. Wolfe emphasized the true heart of the event: “When you shop these downtown businesses, you are supporting local,” she said. “And that is always a huge deal because when you support a small business you are supporting friends and family in the community.”

The City of Russell invites everyone to venture out after their Thanksgiving meal and discover the charm of downtown. With community support growing each year and local business owners adding their creativity to the mix, the Thanksgiving Night Social continues to evolve—and there’s always something new to enjoy.

So, after the dishes are washed and the stuffing settles, grab a coat, gather your loved ones, and head to Downtown Russell. The lights are glowing, the doors are open, and a night of festive fun is waiting just for you.