Who decorates their car for the holidays? Not me—but I do love seeing someone wrap their Corolla like it’s part of a parade. I’m over here just trying to remember to keep my windshield scraper in the car, let alone turn my ride into a mobile light show.

Which begs the question: Are Christmas lights on your car even legal in New Hampshire?

Spoiler: Nope.

➡️ Read the full story: What New Hampshire law says about decorating your car for the holidays

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🟥 How to celebrate Plaid Friday in New Hampshire

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar

This newsletter is free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share today.

Don your best flannel and head to local small businesses to score on Plaid Friday deals. (David Pereiras/Shutterstock)

By Stacy Milbouer

Black Friday crowds? Hard pass. Instead, toss on your coziest flannel and celebrate Plaid Friday, New Hampshire’s shop-local answer to the big-box frenzy.

Across the state, independent shops, restaurants, and museums are rolling out one-day deals, treats, giveaways, and plenty of festive cheer on Friday, Nov. 28.  

Plaid isn’t required, but it sure makes things more fun, and might even score you a discount.

Here are some of the best places to celebrate Plaid Friday in New Hampshire…

Eight Democrats—including New Hampshire’s two senators—crossed the aisle to help reopen the government this week, ending a tense Washington standoff. But the deal came without the health care subsidies that keep insurance affordable for millions, and some Democrats say their party gave up too much to break the impasse.

Republican leaders, despite holding the majority in both chambers, have continued to pin the shutdown on Democrats. And with the continuing resolution funding the government only through Jan. 30, 2026, the country could be staring down another shutdown in just a few months.

So, this week’s question is…

Did New Hampshire’s senators put people over politics—or cave too soon on the shutdown?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“I am disappointed in the Senate deal to end the shutdown. The temptation to end the shutdown was great and the pain intensifying. But this turns out to be just one more example of buckling under when more so much was left on the table. There is little hope of Republicans delivering on any of their promises from the deal. You just watch, the ACA subsides will never get that promised vote.” — Bruce Dennis

“Shaheen and Hassan both caved and never will we ever vote Hassan again! Looking forward to  more progressive leaders that vow not to take corporate dollars and trade stocks.” — Meg Trainor

“Definitely caved!” — Laurie Greenberg

“There was a method to their unpopular choice. There is no negotiating with Trump, because he truly doesn’t care about anyone else. So they had to figure out how to go around him. Now the government is open and people are getting food assistance (which most would not need if the minimum wage meant a living wage) and the Epstein files are being released to expose the rot.  And now the Republicans are being forced to own the insurance problem. They have spent years trying to kill the ACA that made sure that people with pre-existing conditions, which is most of us, could get coverage, and made insurance a bit more affordable. They’ve had 15 years to come up with a replacement and failed. Ultimately the only way that we can provide health care is to join the rest of the world in having universal coverage. But yes, after my initial anger I can understand why the eight voted to approve.“— Jonathan Schwartz

🍂 Harvest Celebrations: A History of Thanksgiving Tours
Portsmouth — Nov. 22–23 & 28–30
Guided tours exploring how Thanksgiving traditions evolved across three centuries and four historic homes.
More info

🎁 53rd Annual Christmas Show & Sale
West Lebanon — through Dec. 24
Holiday market featuring handmade gifts from members of the Lebanon Art & Crafts Association. Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays until 8 p.m.
More info

🌿 2025 Inaugural New Hampshire Cannabis Conference
Concord — Sat., Nov. 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Educational conference highlighting New Hampshire’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program, with panels, exhibits, and networking.
More info

🎄 Peterborough Holiday Stroll 
Peterborough — Sat., Nov. 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Seven local churches host concurrent holiday fairs with crafts, baked goods, handmade gifts, and more, all walkable around downtown.
More info

Reach 30,000+ Granite Staters who care about their communities! Sponsor Granite Post’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Click here to get started.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Stacy Milbouer and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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