Your Holiday Season Event Guide from RI Blogger!

Tis’ the season of bright lights, greenery and plenty of merriment.  Rhode Island is the perfect backdrop for a New England holiday scene.  Luckily the month of December is filled to the brim with holiday celebrations.  Without further ado, here are some events that will have your jingle bells ringing:

Christmas at the Newport Mansions–  Continuing until January 2nd, three historic mansions will don their holiday finery, leaving you and yours breathless.  “The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House–three National Historic Landmarks and icons of the Gilded Age in America–are filled with thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers, evergreens and wreaths.  A total of 28 decorated Christmas trees reflecting individual room decor anchor many of the magnificent spaces.  Dining tables set with period silver and china complete the elegant setting.  And windows of each mansion are lit with individual white candles, in keeping with the colonial tradition. ”

-newportmansions.org

Christmas at Blithewold– Until January 1st, you can check out how, “Blithewold transforms into a dazzling display celebrating the magic of Christmas. Each room of the Mansion is filled with elaborate holiday decorations, and the gardens become a glimmering winter wonderland!” -www.blithewold.org

Cross Mills Ramble–  Ramble your way through Charlestown on Friday, December 2nd from 4-9 pm.  The area’s businesses will be dressed in their seasons finest as they open their doors to display the works of local artists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Greenwich Town Hall Tree Lighting–  The festive fun begins at 5 pm on Friday, December 2!  There will be visits from the big guy in red, music and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016 City of Providence Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting– This event will bring the bustling city of Providence to light…literally.  There will be a tree lighting, singing, a stroll down Westminster St., free parking, ice skating and much more merriment.  December 2nd and 3rd starting at 4pm…come and enjoy the heartbeat of Rhode Island!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies Night in Wakefield–  Main Street in Wakefield will be lit up for the ladies.  The local businesses will be offering merriment, specials and more!  Grab a friend and head to Main Street on December 1st for an evening of festive fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wakefield Winter Wonderland–  December 3rd, Main Street will be offering even more seasonal goodness.  Have a look:

“This year the event starts at 5:30 PM with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at The Contemporary Theater outdoor stage, with festive carolling by The Contemporary Theater Chorus! Next, kids and familes stroll on Main Street for a holiday themed scavenger hunt at area businesses along Main Street. Come in and shop and visit with local merchants who dress up and reenact your favorite holiday themed movies, take a ride on a local trolley, or walk along the luminary lined streets and have a merry ol’ time! After the scavenger hunt we will meet back at Phil’s Grille for pictures with Santa and your favorite holiday characters, and kids can participate in Reindeer Games! This is another FREE holiday event by the Wakefield Village Association!”-  Facebook

The Festival of Lights–  December 4th at 10am… Narragansett will be offering a day of celebrations.  Details below:

Narragansett’s favorite holiday tradition. Meet Santa himself and pose for a photo. Soak up the sounds of the Narragansett High and Middle school bands and Sun Green. Or get your face painted while picking up the best holiday presents at The Towers gift shop. Round out your day with a holiday ride aboard the Narragansett trolley.

10am to 4:45pm – Towers Gift Shop Open
11am to 12:30pm – Narragansett High School & Pier Middle School chorus groups
1pm to 2:30pm – Sally Doodles, Face Painting
1pm to 3pm – Music by Sun Green
3:00pm to 4:45pm – Pictures with Santa by Desiree Dugan Photography
(An unwrapped toy for the Narragansett Housing Authority gets a free photo)
3:15pm to 4:45pm – Holiday Trolley Rides by South County Trolley

Newport Holiday Stroll–  December 3rd and 4th and December 10th and 11th from 10 am-8 pm, Newport will be showcasing their local businesses with a holiday stroll.  The area’s businesses will offer up great deals, promotions, merriment and much more.  Parking meters will be off as well! As you already know, there is no shortage of great places to dine…so plan to eat too.  Make a day and night of it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bowen’s Wharf 46th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting-  Saturday the 3rd from 4:30-8 pm, Bowen’s Wharf will become a Yuletide haven.

“Festivities begin at 4:30 with Frosty the Snowman! The Christmas Carol Sing-a-long begins at 5 pm, the Mayor lights the tree at 6 pm immediately followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat (weather permitting). Join us for a magical evening of charm, fun, and good cheer! Restaurants & shops are open before and after the event.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wickford Festival of Lights–  This 4 day celebration highlights the beauty of Wickford Village in true seasonal fashion.  The event starts on December first and continuously offers merriment until December 4th.  You can see the complete calendar here!

Wickford Village Full Length Web Video from Propulsion Cinematography on Vimeo.

Christmas at Smith’s Castle–  Enjoy the season at Smith’s Castle on December 3rd and 4th from 12-4pm.  Learn about the Twelve Days of Christmas and its true meaning.  There will be live music,  father Christmas both days, complimentary cider and cookies, the popular Docent Bake sale and an Ornament sale and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 20th Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria in Westerly- This event is sponsored by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association.  It will be held at historic downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Umbrella Factory Holiday Stroll–  December 9th from 5-10 pm you can . “walk the beautifully lit paths to stores open after hours. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided. Holiday specials at participating stores. Decorate your own gingerbread houses. Great for the whole family!”

 

Whiskey Wonderland– Sons of Liberty will host its lively celebration of local goods on December 9th. “It’s that time of year again! Skip the mall and traffic and join us at the distillery for a great night of awesome local vendors, live music, cocktails, beer and of course our barrel-tree lighting.
ADMISSION IS FREE. Vendors will be set up until 8:00PM and our tasting room will be open until 10:00PM.  We will have a full menu of cocktails available featuring our spirits AND beer.”

-Facebook Event Page

BMA’s 1st Annual Living Windows Holiday Festival-“Join the Downtown Bristol Merchants in celebrating our 1st annual LIVING WINDOWS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL! In partnership with the Bristol Christmas Festival…stores (downtown locations only) will be decorating their store window fronts with LIVE holiday displays for your family’s enjoyment! There will be music, refreshments & holiday entertainment! Come downtown, see the displays, stay for dinner at one of Bristol’s fabulous restaurants and spread the holiday cheer! Be there for the big reveal at 3PM on Saturday, 12/10!” Facebook Event Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMA’s 8th Annual Snowflake Raffle–  “It’s the 8th Annual Bristol Snowflake Raffe! Raffle officially kicks off on November 18th – the first night of the 15th Annual Holiday Preview Weekend! DOUBLE RAFFLE TICKETS THE WEEKEND OF 11/18 – 11/20 ONLY! Shop from 11/18 – 12/18 and receive a raffle ticket for every $25 purchase. Come to the raffle night on 12/18 and you could win CASH prizes! Entertainment begins at 3:00PM. Drawing begins promptly at 5:00PM and you MUST be present to win! #shoplocal Bristol Snowflake Raffle” Facebook Event Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indoor BAFL (Brunch Art and Flea) Market with Craft Stations!–  December 11th…comemake a culture of no into a culture of YES!

“Grab some brunch on Broadway and then come peruse the wares, pieces, and works by artists local and regional! We ask vendors to bring their out-of-the-box stuff. Enjoy!

At BAFL Market you’re sure to find unique, innovative, and interesting jewelry, photography, paintings, and clothing designs, as well as craftsmanship by potters, sculptors, and musicians. We have an open mic area with a guitar if you feel like playing. There’s a chill zone to connect with artists and friends. Stop in!”-Facebook Event Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garden City Center Holiday Stroll–  One of the area’s finest shopping destinations will be offering up a joyous experience on December 11th and 12th from 6-8:30 pm.  Enjoy the Garden City Center in all its seasonal finery!

 

Artisan Fair Dash For Gifts– #StayStrongSarah!  Please join us for on December 11th from 10-4pm for a day of shopping, food, and caroling to benefit the Kilby family.

When: Sunday, December 11, 2016
Where: Joseph L. McCourt Middle School, Cumberland

Together, we can make a difference in the life of a 14 year old girl AND boost our holiday sales. #winning

Bed and Bistro Holiday Pop Up–  December 14th, Bed and Bistro in Narragansett will be offering the chance to shop local this holiday season! Check out to The Bed & Bistro on Wednesday, December 14th between 6-9 PM for their very first local artist and crafters pop up shop! An array of local artists will be joining us for a night of shopping, food, drink, and fun! the bar will be open, serving beer, wine, and delicious small plates. Grab a quick bite, something to drink and get your holiday shopping done all in one stop! They will also be raffling off and selling gift certificates for The Bistro and Crazy Burger!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sparkle!  An Outdoor Family Event–  This event takes place at Blithewold Mansion on Fridays until December 23rd from 6-8pm.  “Friday Nights Sparkle! A marshmallow-roasting-Christmas-carol-singing-cocoa-sipping-strolling-through-the-twinkling-garden-paths-fun-for-the-whole-family event! Each Friday night a different group will present two performances of carol singing, from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. around the bonfire.  Free Hot Cocoa, S’mores kits $2 (part of the proceeds benefit the Girl Scouts)” -www.blithewold.org

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ –  Blackstone Valley Tourism Council presents this treasured journey through throughout the season.  Tickets are very limited now, so be sure to get on board!

This list is meant to be a work in progress, please feel free to add events in the comments below and we will add them in!