One of the loveliest things about December is that whether or not you celebrate Christmas, one can’t help but be charmed by the festivities surrounding the holiday, and hopefully, the corresponding goodwill and merry vibes. Even the fact that sunset occurs before 5pm gives an early start to the magical glow from light displays and decorated store windows. South County has everything you need to create memories – and selfies – with friends and family. Our editorial elves and mensches have compiled a list (and yes, we’ve checked it twice!) to make sure our valued readers have no FOMO all month long. From December 1 to New Year’s Eve, we got you. Happy holidays from all of us at So Rhode Island!
For event updates, please check with the venue; for any restrictions, visit COVID.RI.gov.
December 1-4
Wickford Festival of Lights: Santa arrives by boat – led by kayaking reindeer! – to begin the weekend’s festivities, including caroling, concerts, horse-drawn hay rides, and an elf parade. Wickford, Facebook: I Love Wickford Village
December 1-18
Letters to Santa: Drop off your kiddos’ correspondence to Mr. Claus outside Charlestown Town Hall, where a special North Pole mailbox awaits. CharlestownRI.gov
December 2
Colonial Christmas: The General Stanton Inn hosts an open house showcasing the inn’s history dating back to 1740. Charlestown, TheGeneralStantonInn.com
December 2-3
Charlestown Holiday Ramble: Spot Santa, carolers, and lots of great vendors with special discounts along the route, transforming Charlestown into a verifiable winter wonderland. CharlestownRIChamber.com
December 2-21
Hidden Elf on a Shelf: Eight elves are hidden around Charlestown’s parks – discover them and follow the directions to claim your prize! CharlestownRI.gov
December 3
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
Holiday Fair: Find a host of local artisans, including maker of fun T-shirts 3rd Story Designs at this market held from 10am-3pm at Peace Dale Elementary School. Wakefield
Holiday Street Faire: A unique holiday shopping experience at Clarke Road Grounds, this Narragansett faire is full of talented vendors, strolling Victorian carolers, competitive bell-ringers, and more. NaragansettCOC.com
Holiday Artisan Bazaar: Arts and crafts by vendors and church members make for unique gifts, plus a ReGift Store, bake sale, homemade soups, raffle baskets, and holiday greens are for sale. Partial proceeds benefit the Jonnycake Center. Kingston, GoodShepherdRI.org
Parade, Laser Show & Tree Lighting: This annual East Greenwich event, which will feature dance and choir performances, gets a new addition: a 20 minute laser light show set to holiday music. The night concludes with a tree lighting by Santa! East Greenwich, EastGreenwichChamber.com
URI Symphony Orchestra & Choral Group Holiday Concert: A wintry performance featuring the Mozart and Mendelssohn’s classics, contemporary works, and Tchaikovsky’s magical Symphony No. 1, nicknamed “Winter Daydreams.” Kingston, URI.edu/music
St. Peter’s Holiday Bazaar: St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church hosts their annual bazaar featuring gift baskets, wreaths by Nancy Mead, holiday crafts, and their famous meatball sandwiches. Narragansett, StPetersByTheSea.com
Nikommo: The URI Native American Organization and Tomaquag Museum host a Nikommo celebration of storytelling, dance, and a variety of vendors. Bring a gift donation for the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale for free admission. Kingston, TomaquagMuseum.org
December 3-4
25th Annual Open Studios at Shady Lea Mill: The colony of artists and artisans at Shady Lea Mill welcome the public to explore the creative world first-hand during this special makers meet-and-greet. North Kingstown, TheMillAtShadyLea.com
Christmas at the Castle: Smith’s Castle is filled with the aromas of mulled cider, baked goods, and evergreens during their family 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
December 3-30
Silver and Snow: The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly’s color-themed holiday show Silver and Snow features unique gifting items like whimsical ornaments, shimmering jewelry, and other wearable art, photos, prints, and more. Westerly, WesterlyArts.com
Brunch with Santa: After a delicious brunch set to holiday tunes, bundle up for a wagon ride with the big guy around the Preserve Sporting Club’s 3,500 acres. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com
Holiday Concert: The Westminster Youth String Ensemble fills the Westerly Armory with music and merriment. WesterlyArmory.com
Joyeux Noel Holiday Concert: Enjoy classical and holiday works of the French tradition performed by the Warwick Symphony Orchestra. The first in a series of two performances, each at different locations. North Kingstown, WSORI.org
Narragansett Festival of Lights: By day, join in the annual Jingle Bell Run on the beach, and by night, celebrate the season with a tree lighting, fireworks display, and more festive fun at the Towers. NarragansettCOC.com
December 6
First Annual Holiday Cookie Contest: Put your baking skills to the test for a chance to win cash prizes in Coventry’s first-ever cookie contest. Cookies will be judged on taste, appearance, originality, and of course, festiveness. CoventryRI.MyRec.com
December 7
25th Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria: Bundle up for an enchanting evening of holiday magic, complete with luminaria-lined sidewalks, hayrides with Santa, strolling carolers, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and special shopping opportunities. Westerly, OceanChamber.org
December 9
Christmas Spectacular: Get your merry on at Charlestown Town Hall with snacks, crafts, rideable mechanical animals, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself. CharlestownRI.gov
December 9-10
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
December 9-24
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: Now a much-loved family tradition, The Gamm brings back its staged 1940s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s holiday movie classic of hard-pressed banker George Bailey and the angel who reminds him of what matters most. Warwick, GammTheatre.org
December 10
Christmas By the Sea: Head to the North Beach Clubhouse at Narragansett Beach to shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and crafters. Narragansett, VisitRI.com
Christmas Spectacular Drive-In: Charlestown Town Hall hosts an extra-special drive-in experience, with a double-feature of A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Polar Express, plus complimentary hot cocoa. CharlestownRI.gov
Holiday Fun at the Farm: Live music, wreath workshops, gift baskets from local vendors, and animal visits from neighboring farms are all part of this first-ever event at Pasquale Farms new location. Richmond, PasqualeFarmsRI.com
Nashville Christmas: It’s your favorite holiday songs, country style, plus some special guest appearances by Elvis, Santa Claus, and more at the Courthouse Center for the Arts. West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
Twas the Night Before Christmas Story Time: Author/illustrator Matt Tavares visits the Savoy Bookshop & Café to read Twas the Night Before Christmas: Or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas. Each attendee will receive an activity kit. Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com
Westerly Band Christmas Concert: A community classic for all ages, complete with yuletide tunes and a visit from Santa (with gifts!). WesterlyArmory.com
December 11
Chanukah Story Time and Crafts: Children ages 2-8 are welcome to listen to Chanukah stories and create a holiday craft. you do not need to be a member of Congregation Beth David or a student at the Hebrew school to participate. Narragansett, CBDRI.org
Second Annual Winter Wonderland: This free event at Camp Westwood features crafts, pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, and more. Coventry, Facebook: Coventry Substance Abuse Task Force
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
December 11, 18
Santa’s Children's Christmas Party: Children and their adults are sure to enjoy this festive party in the new MeetingHouse at Weekapaug Inn. Children’s craft stations and treats will be available, plus all children will get a special meet and greet opp with the big guy in red. Westerly, WeekapaugInn.com
December 13-14
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
December 14
Gingerbread Village High School Competition: Local high school culinary students compete to craft the best gingerbread creations. Enjoy snacks and house beverages as you view each student’s creation, and watch as a school and individual student are crowned winners at the end of the evening. Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com
December 16
Aging Disgracefully XMas Special: Top Rhode Island comedians Doreen Collins and Charlie Hall take a look at aging during the holiday season… because “getting old is getting old.” West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
December 17
La Gran Tamalada: Learn how to make traditional pork tamales and vegetarian versions during this fun, hands-on class. Each person will get their own six tamales, two recipes, and plenty of interesting tamal folklore and history. Jamestown, JamestownArtCenter.org
December 17-18
Christmas Pops Concert: The Chorus of Westerly puts on a fun, festive evening of music for the whole family. Westerly, ChorusOfWesterly.org
December 18
Menorah Lighting: Each night of Hanukkah, just after sundown, head to the patio at the Contemporary Theater Company for a menorah lighting. All are welcome to attend this interfaith event. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
December 21
Truffle Tree-Making Workshop: Learn how to craft this impressive holiday treat in a class led by the Ocean House’s executive pastry chef. Everything is supplied; all you need to bring is yourself! Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com
December 22
Christmas Cocktail Cabaret: Get into the Christmas spirit with the three C’s: cocktails, carols, and the Contemporary Theater Company! Narragansett, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
December 23
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
December 31
Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire: Ring in the new year with good company, refreshments, and a spectacular bonfire in Ninigret Park. CharlestownRI.org
Mystic Dead: Deadheads unite! Ring in the new year at The Knickerbocker with one of the region’s best Grateful Dead tribute bands. Wooly Mammoth opens. Westerly, KnickMusic.com
Neal and the Vipers: Guitar jams will be front and center when the RI Music Hall of Fame inductees bring their rockin’ blues sound to the annual New Year’s Eve show at the Courthouse. The night includes light appetizers and a Champagne Toast at midnight. West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
New Year’s Eve at Ocean House - The House Party: Ring in the New Year at this glam and festive party, which features music, open bar, food stations, and a celebratory toast at midnight. Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com
ALL SEASON LONG
A Christmas Carol: A witty, energetic retelling of the Christmas classic, performed on stage by the Granite Theatre. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.com
A Christmas Story: A staged production of the holiday movie about a boy’s Christmas quest for a BB gun. Through December 23, Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
Annual Holiday Pottery and Art Sale: Peruse the artful assortment of pottery, ornaments, jewelry, paintings, drawings, and photography all made by SCAA members, now in year 51. Kingston, SouthCountyArt.org
The Farmer’s Daughter x The Hard-Pressed Cider Company: Beautiful displays of fresh greens, trees, and gifts, plus homemade cider donuts, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate are sure to melt any Winter Warlock’s icy heart. Through December 18, South Kingstown, TheFarmersDaughterRI.com
Field of Artisans x Whalers Brewing Company Holiday Series: Experience the magic of sipping and shopping during this special Sunday tradition. Through December 18, Peace Dale, FieldOfArtisans.com
Festival of Lights: Drive through one mile of millions of festive, sparkling light displays, synched with holiday music, at Wawaloam Campground’s Festival of Lights. Through December 30, West Kingston, Wawaloam.com
Gondola Village: Satisfy wanderlust in state at this luxurious experience which transports diners to the French Alps with breakfast, lunch, afternoon Apéro, and dinner menus all served inside cozy, private vintage ski gondolas. Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com
Holiday Cinema Under the Stars: Get cozy on a lounge chair under a fur heated blanket and enjoy hot cocoa, cocktails, popcorn, and movie-inspired eats while enjoying a holiday flick at the Weekapaug Inn on a Friday night. December 2, 9, 16, 23, Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Igloo by the Sea: Experience a delish dinner overlooking the ocean inside a designer decorated snow globe. Igloos can accommodate two to eight guests. Make reservations early so you’re not left out in the cold. Narragansett, TheCoastGuardHouse.com/igloos
Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn Holiday Traditions: The busy elves at these sister resorts have planned a variety of events yule be sure to enjoy. From festive meals to ornament-making workshops and tree lightings, be sure to peruse their listings and make reservations! Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com
Santa’s Brunch: On select Sundays, Santa makes a special stop at the Ocean House for a family friendly brunch with live music, unlimited sparkling wine and mimosas, and plenty of photo ops. Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com
Small Works Holiday Art Show: Browse and buy artful holiday gifts created by members of the Wickford Art Association. Through December 22, WickfordArt.org
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