Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the must-see holiday events in East Providence! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. Whether you're an East Providence native or a curious explorer, this guide unlocks the best of the holidays.
This season, get ready to experience the enchanting performance of Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol, which brings Charles Dickens' classic tale to life on stage. Another noteworthy event showcases the vibrant performances and beloved songs from Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto, offering a unique blend of magic for families. And definitely don't forget The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet that transports audiences into a winter wonderland of dance and music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Local artisans selling handmade items.
The Holiday Craft Fair at East Providence High School showcases local artisans offering handmade items, jewelry, decorations, and more. Visitors can meet the creators and hear their stories while enjoying a cozy atmosphere filled with hot cocoa and festive vibes.
Where: East Providence | More Info: Holiday Craft Fair at East Providence High School
Unique blend of local artisans and community support.
The Middletown Holiday Craft Exhibition features over 45 juried vendors showcasing handmade craft items, a renowned bake table, and raffles including a $500 money wreath and thematic gift baskets.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Middletown Holiday Craft Exhibition
Family-friendly activities with Santa and a festive parade.
The Rhode Island Christmas Festival is a community-driven event featuring shopping, food trucks, and live entertainment. Santa arrives on Sunday at noon, followed by the Family Parade and Little Miss and Little Mr. Christmas pageant. Local vendors offer handmade crafts and unique gifts.
Where: West Warwick | More Info: Rhode Island Christmas Festival
Intimate shopping experience with curated artisan vendors.
Join us for the Holiday Market Sip & Shop at Newport Vineyards, featuring over 25 artisan vendors, estate-grown wines, seasonal hard ciders, and beers from Taproot Brewing Co. Enjoy our Sunday brunch menu and regular dining options while shopping for unique gifts.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Holiday Market Sip & Shop - Newport Vineyards
Traditional German Christmas market with local artisans and traditional food.
The Christkindlmarkt at the German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island is a traditional German Christmas market featuring local artisans, craftsmen, and women selling a variety of gifts. The event offers traditional food and drink, including Glühwein and Goulash dinner.
Where: Pawtucket | More Info: Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) - German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island
Showcase of local artisans' handmade crafts.
The Annual Winter Market at Warwick Center for the Arts features a diverse array of original, handmade gift items including paintings, mixed media, pottery, photography, and textiles.
Where: Warwick | More Info: Annual Winter Market - at Warwick Center for the Arts
Supernatural journey of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol is a timeless holiday tale of redemption and joy, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey. Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo, this reimagined production has been a beloved New England family tradition for over 45 years, bringing generations of families together to celebrate the timeless magic of Dickens' story.
Where: Providence | More Info: Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol
Experiential journey through historic mansion rooms.
The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff is a unique holiday performance where the audience follows a young protagonist through the historic rooms of Rosecliff Mansion, experiencing an experiential journey before moving to the grand ballroom for the second act. The production features ballet, battles with the Mouse King, and encounters with the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Newport | More Info: Newport Nutcracker - Rosecliff Mansion
Live radio show with improvisational twists on Dickens' classic.
In "A 1940's Radio Christmas Carol," the Feddington Players broadcast a live radio show from a hole-in-the-wall studio in Newark, NJ, on Christmas Eve, 1943. The show is filled with comedic and dramatic moments as they improvise an ending to Charles Dickens' classic, featuring a film noir mystery with a hardboiled detective, femme fatale, and an absurd rescue of Tiny Tim and the Lindbergh baby from a Hitler-esque villain named Rudolf.
Where: Westerly | More Info: A 1940's Radio Christmas Carol - At Granite Theatre
Classic ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Heritage Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a full-length classical ballet about a little girl named Clara who receives a Nutcracker from her godfather for Christmas. She dreams that her Nutcracker comes to life and battles the mischievous Mouse Queen. Clara then goes on a magical adventure as the Snow Queen and King and their sparkling Snowflakes dance all around her in the forest and send her to the Land of the Sweets where she meets the majestic Sugar Plum Fairy. But was it really all a dream?
Where: Woonsocket | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet - Stadium Theatre
A Christmas story that creates a world free of commercialism.
A heartwarming tale of Christmas spirit, where love, decency, and generosity of spirit are the true rewards of the holiday season.
Where: West Warwick | More Info: Miracle on 34th Street - With The Arctic Playhouse
Fresh adaptation with elaborate scenery and costumes.
A Christmas Carol at the Stadium Theatre is a fresh adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation through visits from the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The production boasts extravagant scenery, lavish costumes, dramatic lighting, fog, and spirits, promising a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Woonsocket | More Info: A Christmas Carol - Stadium Theatre
Live music and Santa's gift shop in a historic village setting.
Join Olde Mistick Village for a festive holiday celebration featuring carolers, a brass band playing holiday favorites, and Santa's special appearance. The event includes Santa's Workshop Children's Gift Store where kids can buy great gifts for their family and friends.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village
Dazzling ice skating performances featuring beloved Disney characters.
Step inside the adventures of Disney's Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life through dazzling ice skating. Join Anna on her quest to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Then, enter the fantastical Madrigal family's Casita amidst the beautiful mountains of Colombia. Join Mirabel on her journey to save her enchanted family home alongside her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, this show celebrates the power of love and courage.
Where: Providence | More Info: Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto
Immersive holiday concert with multimedia effects.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is a beloved holiday tradition featuring Mannheim Steamroller classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The show includes 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
Where: Providence | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Interactive musical adventure with beloved Sesame Street characters.
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster are coming to say hello Sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends in this all-new celebration on Sesame Street, following Elmo's puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide and seek.
Where: Providence | More Info: Sesame Street Live Say Hello
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Ballet RI's Nutcracker production features spectacular sets and costumes, charming Nutcracker & Mouse King characters, and dozens of delightful young dancers performing alongside the Ballet RI company of world-class resident artists.
Where: Providence | More Info: The Nutcracker
Personalized Santa photos in a bustling shopping mall setting.
Capture a special moment with Santa at Providence Place, where you can take memorable photos with the jolly old man.
Where: Providence | More Info: Santa Pictures - Providence Place
Personalized Santa visit with a Christmas gift.
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on a special train journey where each child will receive a Christmas gift. Enjoy milk or juice, a delicious cookie, and quality time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This unique experience includes a gold ticket for access to amusement rides, lights, and regular train rides at Edaville Family Theme Park.
Where: Carver | More Info: Santa Express - The VIP Train Experience
Holiday event for pets and their owners.
Pet Nights with Santa at Providence Place offers a special evening where pets and their owners can meet Santa, enjoy holiday activities, and take part in festive events.
Where: Providence | More Info: Pet Nights with Santa - Providence Place
Holiday characters arrive via fire trucks.
Santa Claus, Winter Lady, and other holiday characters will make their debut in Dixon Square via fire trucks to bring in the Holiday Season. Free coloring books, crayons, and lollipops will be handed out to all children in attendance. Santa and friends will greet the children at this Annual Holiday Tradition.
Where: Westerly | More Info: Santa's Arrival - Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at a festive buffet dinner.
Join Ocean House for a special evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, families gather in the Seaside Ballroom and Drawing Room for a festive buffet dinner. Meet both Santa and Mrs. Claus while adults enjoy beer and house wine.
Where: Watch Hill | More Info: Dinner with Santa - Ocean House
Santa's arrival by tugboat in a festive holiday setting.
Santa Claus arrives in Mystic aboard the Cross Sound Ferry's tugboat, John Paul, at Mystic River Park. Children can meet Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes while enjoying picture opportunities and Christmas-themed items. The event includes a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the 21st Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, where decorated boats are judged for creativity and team spirit.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Santa Arrives By Tugboat
Holiday cruise with Santa's elf reading and hot chocolate served.
The Candy Cane Express Cruise for kids offers a delightful holiday experience aboard the Coastal Queen. The boat will cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, where Mrs. Claus will read to the children while they enjoy hot chocolate. Each child will receive a candy cane as they depart the boat.
Where: Newport | More Info: Coastal Queen’s Candy Cane Express
Holiday music and prosecco cruise.
Embark on a festive holiday cruise aboard the Coastal Queen, featuring favorite holiday music and a glass of prosecco while cruising through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
Where: Newport | More Info: Holiday Bubbly Cruise - On the Coastal Queen
