‘TIS THE EVENTFUL SEASON IN PROVIDENCE WITH HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES, FESTIVALS AND PACKAGES

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 17, 2010 - This holiday season, Providence, RI is gifting visitors with a full calendar of holiday festivals, shows, hotel packages and restaurant specials to help plan a  quintessential holiday escape in the city known as "The Creative Capital."  Known for its vibrant arts and cultural offerings, as well as having one of America's hottest culinary scenes, Providence has an array of holiday treats to help celebrate the season, including:

Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, November 12-28, 2010

The famed Radio City Rockettes are making a stop in Providence as part of the 2010 Radio City Christmas Spectacular National Tour.  Providence will host 34 performances of this iconic show at the Providence Performing Arts Center.  Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at http://www.ppacri.com/, by phone at 401-421-2787 or at the PPAC Box Office located at 220 Weybosset Street. 

 

A Christmas Carol from Trinity Repertory Company, November 19-December 31, 2010

Now in its 34th year, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming and directed by Michael Perlman, will be presented by Trinity Repertory Company at the Chace Theater.  Tickets are $15 for children ages 2-14 and start at $40 for adults.  For more information or to purchase tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit http://www.trinityrep.com/.  

 

Bank of America Skating Center, November 19, 2010-March 20, 2011

Featuring a 14,000-square-foot skating rink, the Bank Of America Skating Center at Kennedy Plaza is one of New England's most popular winter destinations.  The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors ages 65 and older and $3 for children 12 and under.  Skate rental is also available for $4. For more information visit http://www.kennedyplaza.org/.

 

Providence Preservation Society Holiday Festival, December 4, 2010

This year's Providence Preservation Society (PPS) Holiday Festival will include decorating seminars, historic tours and the annual tree lighting at City Hall.  Martha Beckman, a former Holiday Director for Martha Stewart Living, will kick off the festival with a seminar on holiday decorating at the Hope Club.  Tickets are available for $125 and include: coffee, admission to the lecture and lunch in the club's private dining room.  Ticket price also includes admission to the Holiday Festival tour of historic Benefit Street houses, often referred to as a Mile of History with the finest residential architecture in New England all on one street.  This tour offers visitors an inside look at the preserved, restored and furnished homes, and runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Seminar is limited to 60 people and begins at 9 a.m. Ticket prices for the tour alone are $25 ($30 on day of event)

 

Additional activities will take place throughout the day including hay rides, caroling and a door-decorating contest judged by Ms. Beckman.  The city's Annual Tree Lighting will take place at City Hall at 6 p.m., with downtown shops offering extended hours and entertainment throughout the evening. For more information or to purchase tickets, call PPS at 401-831-7440 or visit http://www.ppsri.org/

 

Providence's Bay Colony Dog Show, December 9-12, 2010

Providence's Bay Colony Dog Show, one of the nation's largest American Kennel Club (AKC) dog events, will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center.  The four-day show will include American Kennel Club dog events, photos with Santa and "Bark Avenue," a shopping area filled with high-quality holiday shopping for dog lovers with vendors including Bow Wow Home Décor, Big Dawgz Squared, Wearwuf! and Zen Dog LLC, among others. Show runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are $12 for adults and seniors and $7 for children under 12.  Visit http://www.baycolonydogshow.com/ for more information. 

 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, December 16, 2010

Making a highly-anticipated stop in Providence during the 2010 Winter Tour, this rock band will perform a selection of Christmas favorites at the Dunkin Donuts Center on December 16 with concerts at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25, plus fees.  For more information, call 401-331-6700 or visit http://www.dunkindonutscenter.com/.

 

The Nutcracker, December 17-December 19, 2010

The Festival Ballet Providence will present this special winter classic at the Providence Performing Arts Center for three days only.  Tickets start at $23 and can be purchased online at http://www.ppacri.com/, by phone at 401-421-2787 or at the PPAC Box Office located at 220 Weybosset Street. 

 

Where to Stay:

 

Holiday Shopping Stress Melter at The Providence Biltmore 

The Providence Biltmore is offering the "Holiday Shopping Stress Melter" package, which starts at $289 based on double occupancy, and includes one overnight stay in a spacious Junior King Suite with breakfast for two at McCormick & Schmick's.  Additionally, guests will receive a Signature Stress Melter Ritual fifty-minute body treatment for two at Red Door Spa by Elizabeth Arden as well as a $50 gift card to Homestyle on Westminster Street to use towards holiday shopping.  Package is available from November 15 through December 30, 2010.  For reservations, call 800-294-7709 or visit http://www.providencebiltmore.com/.

 

New Year's Eve Bluefin Grille Experience at Providence Marriott Downtown

The "New Year's Eve Bluefin Grille Experience" package starts at $319, based on double occupancy, and includes overnight accommodations with a special prix-fixe New Year's Eve Menu dinner for two at the award-winning Bluefin Grille.  Guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment offerings throughout the night with VIP Lounge Access to the Jazz Quartet and a cash bar from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., as well as an "After Party" R&B Concert with Steve Smith and the Nakeds from 9:45 p.m. to 2 a.m.  A champagne toast will take place at midnight.  For reservations, call 866-807-2171 or visit www.marriott.com/pvdri.

 

New Year's Eve Package at Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown

The "New Year's Eve Package" from the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown starts at $349, based on double occupancy, and includes an overnight stay in a traditional guest room and a dinner for two, up to $200, at the Capitol Grill.  Additionally, guests will receive a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries, as well as breakfast for two in the historic atrium lobby.  A hotel shuttle will be provided to and from the Capitol Grille.  For reservations, call 401-608-3500 or visit http://www.providencedowntownhotels.com/.

 

Hotel Providence's New Year's Eve Package

The Hotel Providence is offering guests a special "New Year's Eve" package that starts at $299, based on double occupancy, and includes overnight accommodations in a superior room, breakfast and dinner for two in Aspire Restaurant (alcoholic beverages excluded) and a welcome amenity.  Additionally, guests will receive complimentary admission into A-Bar for the night with a champagne toast at midnight.  For reservations, call 800-861-8990 or visit http://www.hotelprovidence.com/.

 

To learn more about a holiday escape to Providence, please visit: http://www.goprovidence.com/.  Additionally, the destination has launched a seasonal Web site, http://www.providencefortheholidays.com/, which provides travelers with detailed listings on what to do and where to stay, shop and dine in Providence this holiday season.

 

~ The Creative Capital ~

Providence is a vibrant and energetic destination boasting some of the country's finest educational institutions paired with a pulsating artistic landscape.  The city's history of innovation, dating back to its founding father Roger Williams, drives a strong sense of place and encourages residents and visitors alike to view Providence as a leading arts and cultural destination.  Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town replete with internationally-acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene.  Media can also visit www.louhammond.com for latest press releases and images. Follow on Twitter at LouHammondPR.

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