Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get a bird’s eye view of the holidays in North Providence! Our guide highlights all the key festive events and activities. For both native North Providence dwellers and eager tourists, this guide unlocks the city's holiday treasures.
Popular events include the enchanting production of Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol, where the cherished tale of Scrooge is brought to life on stage in a heartwarming retelling. Another spectacle is The Nutcracker at the VETS, featuring stunning choreography and beautiful music that transports audiences into a winter wonderland. And the Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing the elegant decorations and festive spirit of these historical estates. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Spectacular holiday displays in historic mansions.
Explore the grandeur of Newport Mansions during the holiday season with lavishly decorated rooms, nearly 30 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, hundreds of poinsettias, garlands, wreaths, and fresh floral arrangements.
Where: Newport | More Info: Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions
Family-friendly holiday shopping with Santa and festive activities.
The Rhode Island Christmas Festival is a two-day event at the West Warwick Civic Center, featuring shopping, food trucks, and live music. Santa arrives on Sunday at noon, followed by the Family Parade and Little Miss and Little Mr. Christmas pageant.
Where: West Warwick | More Info: Rhode Island Christmas Festival
Unique shopping experience with artisan vendors and estate-grown beverages.
Join us for the first collaboration between Newport Vineyards and Field of Artisans, featuring over 25 artisan vendors. Sip while you shop from a variety of estate-grown wines, seasonal hard ciders, and beers from Taproot Brewing Co. Enjoy our Sunday brunch menu from 10am to 2pm and our regular dining menu from 11am to 6pm.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Holiday Market Sip & Shop - Newport Vineyards
Traditional German market with local artisans and traditional food.
Christkindlmarkt 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 (mulled wine) and Goulash dinner.
Where: Providence | More Info: Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market)
Supernatural journey of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol is a reimagined production of Charles Dickens' classic novella, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey through the supernatural. Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo, this holiday tradition has been a beloved New England family event for over 45 years, bringing generations together to celebrate the timeless story of redemption and joy.
Where: Providence | More Info: Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker at the VETS features Ballet RI's production with spectacular sets, charming characters, and delightful young dancers. This holiday spectacular includes BRAND NEW surprises and an exclusive post-show meet and greet with Nutcracker characters.
Where: Providence | More Info: The Nutcracker at the VETS
Historical reenactments and traditional crafts.
Celebrate the holiday season at Old Sturbridge Village with historic interpreters, live music, and classic Christmas projects. Stroll through the decorated village, sample sweet treats, and enjoy festive decorations.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Live sound effects and vintage commercials enhance the radio play experience.
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol brings Charles Dickens' holiday classic to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials, fruitcake advertisements, and live sound effects. The handful of actors bring dozens of characters to the stage, as the familiar story unfolds with Ebenezer Scrooge's thrilling journey to learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: West Kingston | More Info: A 1940's Radio Christmas Carol
A musical that explores the true meaning of Christmas through a legal trial.
A heartwarming musical adaptation of the classic tale where a department store Santa Claus claims to be the real Kris Kringle, challenging the beliefs of those around him and ultimately proving the power of faith and Christmas spirit.
Where: West Warwick | More Info: Miracle on 34th Street
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Providence Ballet Theatre presents Twas the Night Before Christmas, a holiday performance inspired by Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem. The stage is transformed with visions of sugar plums, prancing reindeer, and swirling snow, featuring a cast of professional dancers and local children.
Where: Providence | More Info: Twas the Night Before Christmas - Providence Ballet Theatre
Holiday celebration with carolers, brass band, and Santa's Workshop.
Join us at Olde Mistick Village for a holiday celebration featuring carolers, a brass band playing holiday favorites, and Santa's special appearance. Santa's Workshop Children's Gift Store will be set up in the Meeting House, offering great gifts for family and friends.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village
Personalized holiday photos with Santa in a vibrant shopping mall setting.
Capture a special moment with Santa at Providence Place, where you can take memorable photos with the jolly old elf amidst a bustling shopping and dining destination.
Where: Providence | More Info: Santa Pictures - Providence Place
Award-winning boat with festive lights in Newport Harbor.
Join Coastal Queen as she crosses Narragansett Bay to participate in the Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. This award-winning boat, decorated with festive lights, will join other illuminated vessels in Newport Harbor, offering a unique and memorable experience.
Where: Newport | More Info: Cruise with Coastal Queen to the Newport Illuminated Boat Parade
Holiday cruise with Santa's elf reading to kids while serving hot chocolate.
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
Lantern-lit walk highlighting historical holiday traditions.
Join an evening lantern-lit walk through historic Newport to learn about early American holiday traditions and how Newporters observed the holidays.
Where: Newport | More Info: Holiday Lantern Tour
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. This is a free family event that may take place indoors if there is inclement weather.
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 dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus, featuring a festive buffet dinner in the Seaside Ballroom and Drawing Room. Meet both Santa and Mrs. Claus while enjoying beer and house wine for adults.
Where: Westerly | More Info: Dinner with Santa - Ocean House
