It’s the holiday season and across southern Rhode Island there’s a feeling of magic in the salty air! Local shops, venues, restaurants, and more have planned all kinds of experiences to get neighbors in festive moods, from bustling parties and street fairs, to creating gifts and treats at workshops, to annual performances, and so much more. And for those little believers, we’ve called out where to spot that jolly old elf by marking listings with SANTA TRACKER so you don’t miss “one of his helpers” in the wild.
All of us at So Rhode Island wish you health and happiness, and thank you for being valued readers, subscribers, and supporters.
Santa Tracker: Catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf (or “the people working for him” as Kevin McCallister says in Home Alone) around the area with these call-outs, no NoradSanta.org required.
Santa Tracker: Charlestown Holiday Ramble: Spot Santa, carolers, and lots of great vendors with special discounts along the route, transforming Charlestown into a veritable winter wonderland. CharlestownRIChamber.com
Walk Through the Wildwoods: Enjoy a market filled with artists, bakers, and creators as you stroll through the nursery’s magical display of lights and holiday decor with the opportunity to pick out trees, garlands, greens, and more. East Greenwich, WildwoodRI.com
Starry Lights: The follow-up to last year’s inaugural event will feature starry displays on storefronts, over the river and in Donahue Park in Pawcatuck, and one sculpture in Wilcox Park. Westerly & Pawcatuck, CT, StarryLights.org
Artisan Holiday Bazaar: A highlight of the Kingston Village Fair for 13 years, this fundraiser will have greenery and crafts for sale, plus homemade soups, a bake sale, and beverages. Don’t miss the raffle baskets, “re-gift” store, or new carol-sing at the sanctuary at 11:30am. Rain date: December 3. GoodShepherdRI.org
Holiday Street Faire: A unique holiday shopping experience at Clarke Road Grounds, this Narragansett fair is full of talented vendors, strolling Victorian carolers, competitive bell-ringers, and more. NarragansettCOC.com
Holiday Bubbly Cruise: Enjoy a glass of bubbly while listening to holiday tunes and cruising along Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Jamestown, CoastalQueenCruises.com
Santa Tracker: Candy Cane Express Cruise: All aboard for a kid-friendly holiday boat ride with Mrs. Claus leading storytime, hot chocolate, and of course, a special red-and-white-striped candy treat. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive aboard the Coastal Queen and visit with children at the Conanicut Gift Shop. Jamestown, CoastalQueenCruises.com
Santa Tracker: Santa’s Christmas Party: Craft stations, treats, and a special meet-and-greet with the man in red himself at this holiday bash. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Cookie & Cupcake Decorating Class: It’s sugar and spice and everything nice in this sweet treat decorating workshop hosted by Ocean House’s own pastry chef! Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
URI Symphony Orchestra & Choral Group Holiday Concert: A wintry performance featuring Mozart and Mendelssohn’s classics, contemporary works, and Tchaikovsky’s magical Symphony No. 1, nicknamed “Winter Daydreams.” Kingston, URI.edu/music
Christmas at the Castle: Smith’s Castle is filled with the aromas of mulled cider, baked goods, and evergreens at this all-ages celebration complete with music, crafts, and gingerbread cookie decorating. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org
Annual Holiday Sale at Bosgraaf: Browse original and enchanting stained-glass pieces for purchase from student artists, along with a complimentary hot chocolate bar and wine tasting on December 3. Peace Dale, BosgraafStudio.com
Seaglass Christmas Tree Workshop: Nothing says “Christmas in Rhode Island” like a seven-inch seaglass Christmas tree, complete with a seastar topper. Westerly, Facebook: Westerly Elks
Holiday Brunch and Wagon Spectacular: Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride – and brunch – together with you. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com
Santa Tracker: 25th Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria: Bundle up for an evening of holiday magic, complete with luminaria-lined sidewalks, hayrides with Santa, strolling carolers, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and special shopping. Westerly, OceanChamber.org
Hanukkah: The festival of lights begins at sundown. At press time events are unconfirmed but be sure to look online for updates on the Warwick Mall Menorah Lighting celebration, and upcoming city and town hall menorah lightings. RabbiWarwick.com
Holiday Arts Market: Support local artists while finding the perfect handmade gift at the Jamestown Arts Center’s curated arts and crafts market. JamestownArtCenter.org
Christmas Carol Sing: Participate or simply enjoy carols at this annual event hosted by New England Wireless and Steam Museum, held inside Frenchtown's historic church building. Activities include storytime for children and desserts. East Greenwich, NEWSM.org
Santa Tracker: Holiday Shows at the Courthouse: From festive themed cover bands performing country hits and Elvis to Christmas comedy, the Courthouse Center for the Arts hosts holiday antics. West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
Westerly Light Parade: Thousands of LEDs light up the night during this parade of floats, music, and holiday displays you won’t soon forget. OceanChamber.org
Santa Tracker: Brunch with Santa: Join the big guy for brunch! After photos and cookies, take a wonderful wintry wagon ride, perfect for all ages. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com
The Geminid Meteor Shower: Bring your binoculars and join Frosty Drew in watching the best and brightest meteor shower take over the sky, a dazzling display that rivals any holiday lights. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org
Gingerbread House Workshop: Put your architecture and design skills to the test in this workshop that has you building the perfect sweet structure. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Winter Wildlife Wreath Making: For the birders in your life, join the Audubon Society in making edible (bird-friendly) holiday wreaths. Exeter, ASRI.org
Whiskey Wonderland: Baby it’s cold outside, so join Sons of Liberty and Field of Artisans in shopping small and toasting the winter holidays with a dash of whiskey. South Kingstown, FieldOfArtisans.com
Christmas Pops Concert: The Chorus of Westerly puts on a fun, festive evening of music for the whole family. Westerly, ChorusOfWesterly.org
Truffle Tree-Making Workshop: Make the tree the centerpiece of your home and table with this class on crafting a delicious and elegant chocolate truffle tree. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Christmas Cocktail Cabaret: Get into the Christmas spirit with the three C’s: cocktails, carols, and the Contemporary Theater Company! South Kingstown, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
Holiday Stargazing Spectacular: Take in views of the night sky over Ninigret Park at the Frosty Drew Observatory, which will be dressed up in holiday decor, with festive seasonal music and much cheer to go around. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org
Christmas with the Celts: Originally a successful show airing on PBS, this Irish music and dance experience unites timeless tradition with contemporary Christmas classics. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com
Kwanzaa: At press time events are unconfirmed but be sure to check for updates on 2023 events. SankofaNewportRI.org
Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire: Ring in the new year with good company, refreshments, and a spectacular bonfire in Ninigret Park. CharlestownRI.org
Miracle on 34th Street: When Kris Kringle gets into some trouble with the New York City law, the very spirit of Christmas falls in jeopardy. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.org
SCAA Holiday Pottery and Art Sale: Peruse the artful assortment of pottery, ornaments, jewelry, paintings, drawings, and photography all made by South County Art Association members. Kingston, SouthCountyArt.org
Field of Artisans x Whalers Brewing Company Holiday Series: Experience the magic of sipping and shopping during this special tradition. Peace Dale, FieldOfArtisans.com
Small Works Holiday Art Show: Browse and buy artful holiday gifts created by members of the Wickford Art Association. WickfordArt.org
Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge: It’s a mega bash when everyone from A Christmas Carol, plus George Bailey, Oliver Twist, disco dancers, and more are invited to the Cratchits. Select dates, Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
Santa Tracker: Before Old Saint Nick goes to bed, children are welcome to visit, take a photo, and receive their first gift of Christmas. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Santa Tracker: Brunch with Santa: On select Sundays, Santa makes a special stop at the seaside resort for a family-friendly brunch with live music, unlimited sparkling wine and mimosas, and plenty of photo ops. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
The AiR Holiday Show: The exhibit continues with work by new and current member-artists including Theresa Girard, Sarah Short, Margit Burmeister, Diana Sartor, Tracy Stilwell, Shari Weschler, Annie Wildey and Michael Fanelli. Westerly, AnnieWildey.com
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree: Get your Clark Griswold on by cutting your own tree at The Farmer’s Daughter’s own Christmas tree farm at 1650 Broad Rock Road. Tools and complimentary tree shaking and baling are provided. Wakefield, TheFarmersDaughterRI.com
Holiday Hobbit House: Take your holiday photos in front of this fantasy house before adventuring off to breakfast. Or second breakfast. Elevensies, maybe? Richmond, PreserveASpot.com
Holiday Escape on Block Island: Looking to add a new activity to your holiday fun? Assemble a team and travel to locations around the Block solving puzzles at iconic locations using your phone in a game described as equal parts scavenger hunt, ghost story, and escape room! Search for the “Adventure Block Island” app and be on your way; must be played in real-time on the island. BlockIslandInfo.com
Gondola Village: Enjoy a fabulous meal inside a cozy ski gondola outfitted with blankets and surrounded by fire pits, in this fourth annual unique dining experience at Ocean House, offering lunch, afternoon crepes, and dinner service; children’s menu available. Westerly, OceanHouseRI.com
Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or shake up an old one, there are many Christmas tree growers, and an easy way to find them is through the agricultural cooperative, Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers. There is a website (RIChristmasTrees.com) but the Facebook page is the best bet for updates.
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