City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style,” goes the song “Silver Bells,” which aptly describes the many commercial streets of Providence. Every corner of the Creative Capital shines during December, whether you’re shopping beneath the strands of lights on Westminster, being tempted by the aromas of Federal Hill restaurants beckoning you inside for a bite, strolling specialty shops amidst East Side streets’ historic charms, reveling in the cool vibes of the West End, or popping into bakeries around Elmhurst and Mount Pleasant, among many other destinations. Wreaths on lampposts, colorful displays, candles in windows, and illuminated greens give us all excuses to stop and savor the most magical time of year. We’ve done all the research to provide dozens of things to do, along with all you need to follow Santa around the state all month long. So, get out your calendars, make some plans, and enjoy!
City of Providence Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 25 Dorrance Street is the place to be for festivities capping off with the lighting of the tree. ProvidenceRI.gov
Three Nights of Lights: Last year’s stellar festival returns, complete with five-foot glowing snowflakes, tree lightings, video projection, a partial waterfire, and special holiday storefronts. GoProvidence.com
Benefit Street Stroll: Don’t miss a walk down the charming East Side street known as the “Mile of History” for its collection of 18th and 19th century architecture, festooned in holiday cheer by volunteers and homeowners. MileOfHistory.org
Tree Lighting at Narragansett Brewery: Raise your pint glass and toast the holiday lights, or join in with carolers singing timeless melodies at this tree lighting event. Facebook: Narragansett Beer
Outdoor Marketplace: Federal Hill retailers and restaurants offer shopping and tastings al fresco style, all to the tune of caroling, holiday performances, and a lighting extravaganza. FederalHillProv.com
Fine Furnishings Shows Winter Market: This exceptional weekend shopping event features holiday decor and vendors galore. WaterFire Arts Center, FineFurnishingsShows.com
Handel’s Messiah Open Sing: All are welcome to sing along with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra performing the Christmas portion of Handel’s celebratory work at the Church of St. Sebastian. RICCO.org
Krampusnacht at Narragansett Brewery: It’s a nightmare before Christmas in this delightfully frightful event filled with thrilling costumes, live music, and dark brews. Facebook: Narragansett Beer
La Cuesta Mágica (The Magic Hill): Five lost brothers embark on an extraordinary adventure in this magical holiday musical with songs and dances from Latin America, performed in Spanish, with English translations simulcast. TeatroEcas.org
Field of Artisans at Narragansett Brewery: The one-of-a-kind artisan market sets up shop in the iconic brewery’s Fox Point tasting room. FieldOfArtisans.com
Handel’s Messiah: RI Philharmonic and Providence Singers bring the beloved holiday concert to life. TheVetsRI.com
Girl Gang Craft Holiday Fair: Celebrate the women in your life with this fem-craft fair. Over 100 women-owned businesses and makers come together to show off their goods. WaterFire.org
Shine Your Light - A Hanukkah Celebration: Everybody loves games around the holidays! Come share your skills at the talent show and take part in the festivities on this special night with the Temple Emanu-El community. JewishRhody.com
Ugly Sweater Party: Homemade, thrifted, gifted, or bought – break out those chunky sweaters for a friendly ugly sweater competition and a night of holiday-inspired flights. Providence, Facebook: Narragansett Beer
Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz Tour: Classic jingles get recharged with Lindsey Stirling’s electric violin and acrobatic performances of favorite carols and original holiday tunes. Providence Performing Arts Center, PPACRI.org
Providence Bruins WinterFest: Catch two hockey games of fun and fundraising to celebrate the winter season. Amica Mutual Pavilion, ProvidenceBruins.com
The Nutcracker: Don’t miss Ballet RI’s fresh take on the enchanting classic, featuring a 38-foot tree, Nutcracker by Big Nazo Lab, and creative choreography by Yury Yanowsky. The VETS, PPACRI.org
Holiday Pops: “Unwrap the Magic” with The Boston Pops, featuring classic songs and new takes on seasonal favorites in a celebration of New England’s very own wintry wonderland. Providence Performing Arts Center, PPACRI.org
Providence Artisans Markets: Kick off the shopping season with 80 local artists exhibiting handmade works, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, clothing, accessories, mixed media, and more, along with food trucks. WaterFire Arts Center, Facebook: Providence Artisans Market
Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero: The magic of the holidays (or Disney) continues in this performance featuring former and future Olympians, skating to favorite heroes from Encanto, Frozen, Moana, and more. AmicaMutualPavillion.com
NYE: GHospitality (which includes Sarto, Providence GPub, and other spots) offers a range of NYE events for all kinds of revelers. SartoProvidence.com
119th Little Pictures Show & Sale: You read that right – the Providence Art Club’s oldest and largest exhibit returns for another landmark year, featuring artwork all under 16 inches. ProvidenceArtClub.org
Holiday Lights Spectacular: This magical walk-through experience returns with 40 acres of dazzling light displays featuring over two million lights – now that’s what we call merry and bright! Roger Williams Park Zoo, RWPZoo.org
A Christmas Carol: The Rhode Island holiday tradition returns with Trinity Rep’s reimagined telling of Dickens’ classic. TrinityRep.com
Craftland Holiday Extravaganza: The holiday season gets even jollier with the whimsical charm of Craftland, a landmark purveyor of handmade gifts celebrating its 20th year. You’re sure to find everything on your wish list – plus a little extra. Shop.CraftlandShop.com
Christmas on the Hill: Admire twinkling Italian lights criss-crossing Atwells Avenue and decorated trees while shopping and dining around Federal Hill throughout the season. FederalHillProv.com
PVD Flea Holiday Markets: Beginning on Black Friday, the Providence Flea hosts special shopping events leading up to the holidays, featuring your favorite regional small brands and makers. Farm Fresh RI, ProvidenceFlea.com
The better you prepare for a day of bustling crowds, the jollier you’ll be. Here’s some tips for keeping merry:
Extend the fun with a stay at the La Dolce Vita Holiday Suite – all decked out all month long, complete with a lit tree, decorating station, treats, and a wine flight from Bellini Providence. As a bonus, guests also have exclusive access to Bellini Rooftop, a private members club, to soak in twinkling city views from above. TheBeatrice.com
Catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf (or “the people working for him” as Kevin McCallister says in Home Alone) around the entire state, no NoradSanta.org required.
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