‘Tis the Season to Enjoy the Ocean State!

There are so many beautiful parts that make our little Ocean State special, but when the holiday season comes around, it is a winter wonderland and simply magical!

Rhode Island is home to many annual events that take the spirit of the holiday season to a whole new level. New Englanders sure know how to celebrate the holidays! There are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities all over the state that can keep you and your family busy through the New Year.

Northern Rhode Island

PVD Winter Lights Market & Tree Lighting
Providence City Hall
December 6th-7th Fri. 5-9pm, Sat 12-9pm
FREE!

There is no better way to kick off this cheerful season than in the Capitol City. This two-day festival begins with the lighting of the tree and ends with a festival market, live performances and delicious food vendors from all over. You can also spend the afternoon ice skating at the Bank Newport Skating Rink! Learn more here.

A Christmas Carol
Trinity Rep
Now-December 29th
Book your tickets!

Trinity Rep is celebrating 42 years of A Christmas Carol and it seems to only get better with time. This incredible play is about the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim and is a classic holiday tale for all ages! It is a great activity to do on a cold night where you want to stay indoors!

The Polar Express
Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot
Now-December 22nd
Book your tickets!

Everyone’s favorite Christmas movie has come to real life right near you! This three-hour train ride includes storytelling, sing-a-longs, games, tasty cookies and of course some hot cocoa! The best part about the entire night is Santa delivers his first gift of the season to all the children who were on the nice list this year! All aboard!

An Old Fashioned Christmas
Hearthside House Museum
Now-December 29th
Times vary for all holiday events

Reminiscence on an Old-Fashioned Christmas at Hearthside. The holiday decorations are simply gorgeous and fill the home three floors up. Visits from Santa, home made cookies and warm cider, live performances and so much more, this is the perfect place to celebrate with your friends & family! You may even want to make it your annual tradition!

Southern Rhode Island

Christmas in Newport
Now-December 28th
Times vary click here

Newport puts on a month long celebration in honor of the holiday season. There is an activity going on each day throughout the month of December, such as walking tours, craft fairs and museum visits. Newport is glowing with dazzling lights and decorations throughout the entire month. You must make a trip and see how incredible it looks and maybe even sneak in some holiday shopping!

Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Now-January 1st
The Breakers is open 9 am – 4 pm
The Elms & Marble House 10 am – 4 pm

Visiting the historic Newport Mansions; The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, during the holidays is a site you will forever remember. Between the thousands of poinsettias, evergreens, wreaths, 30 Christmas trees and the rest of the decor, you will be blown away with how beautiful it is. Make the best holiday memories with your family and book a tour today!

Narragansett Festival of Lights & 18th Annual Jingle Bell Run
The Towers
December 8th 10 am – 4:45 pm

Kent County Area

The Stone Ridge Candlelight Tour
Stone Ridge Neighborhood, East Greenwich
December 8th 5-9pm
FREE!

For over 30 years, the long-standing neighborhood, Stone Ridge, will be holding a Luminaria. The neighborhood will provide an outdoor display for the holidays which includes beautiful decorations and thousands of paper bag lanterns lining up the curbs, driveways and walkways. This is an event attracting people from all over the state, and the best part is you don’t even have to get out of your car!

Holiday Stroll Nights
Garden City Shopping Center
December 6th & 7th beginning at 5:30 pm

Holiday shopping can be a bit overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be a chore! Garden City has some of the best shopping in the state and there is a night dedicated to making your shopping experience the most festive ever! Listen to carolers and steel drummers as you walk in and out of the stores, watch ice carving demonstrations, and you may even run into a walking snowman! Don’t miss out on the greatest deals and promotions!

Victorian Holiday Tea
The Olde Kent County Jail, East Greenwich
December 14th from 2-4 pm
Buy your tickets!

Looking for something to do with your child that is somewhat out of the ordinary? Enjoy a festive tea time with sweets, hot cocoa, cider and more, all served on real china! You will have the chance to craft an ornament, learn about Victorian tea etiquette and take pictures with Santa!

Rhode Island has plenty going on this season to make your spirits cheerful and bright. Experience the warmth and charm of timeless New England holiday traditions, from carolers, festivals and pictures with Santa, there are all types of activities going on for you and your family to enjoy! We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with your loved ones.