7 Not-to-Miss Holiday Events

Published: November 18, 2025

We all know that the holidays can be stressful times. Between shopping for gifts for your second cousin's kid's nephew, and planning the perfect meal with all of the fixins (even lasagna for that one person who doesn't eat turkey), there seems to be no time to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit. Take a break from all of that shopping and prepping by going to one of these amazing events in and around Providence to get your jolly on.

A Christmas Carol (Nov. 6–Dec. 31)

Trinity Rep's family holiday classic returns for the 2025 season, sharing the joyful story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from solitude to redemption. Inspired by Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Scrooge learns lessons that continue to remind us all about the true spirit of the holiday season.

The ghost of Marley frightening Scrooge on stage

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo (Nov. 27–Jan. 4)

Grab a hot beverage and stroll through the Holiday Lights Spectacular, featuring more than 3.5 million illuminated lights that turn the zoo into a winter wonderland. From radiant reindeer to sparkly snowmen, and even an occasional Santa sighting, it's a fun family event for all ages.

PVD Holiday Festival (Dec. 4–7)

Downtown transforms into a winter wonderland for four days of ice skating, art installations, holiday markets, live performances and family-friendly events.

WaterFire Holiday Basin Lighting (Dec. 5)

Enjoy a WaterFire basin lighting in Waterplace Park with Santa and roaming entertainment. Presented by GoProvidence with additional activations by Downtown Parks Network and a holiday market at Track 15.

Billy Gilman: Home for the Holidays Concert (Dec. 13)

Grammy nominee and finalist on NBC’s "The Voice," Billy Gilman will bring his favorite holiday classics (as well as some non-holiday tunes) to The Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec. 19–21)

This whimsical holiday spectacular blends Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts. A beloved tradition for all ages, this performance is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!

Ballet RI Presents: The Nutcracker (Dec. 19–28)

Enjoy the splendor of the holiday season at its richest at Ballet RI's lavish production of "The Nutcracker" at The VETS. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on an enchanted journey brought to life with stunning sets, thrilling choreography and world-class dancing.

Chill PVD

Head to Providence, RI this season for fun events and things to do for all ages. Book an overnight stay and choose from the scores of nearby acclaimed restaurants. Tackle your shopping at the city's eclectic and trendy neighborhood boutiques or downtown's Providence Place. Plus, Providence has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun throughout the winter. Start planning now.

Cheetah among the snow at the Zoo in winter

Author

Nicholas Millard

Nicholas Millard is the Director of Digital Media at the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. He is also the in-house photographer/videographer for the PWCVB. When he is not taking pictures for the city, he loves spending time with his beautiful daughter Halleigh and sons Hunter, Logan and Gavin. Nicholas' hobbies include photography and guitar, one of which he is not very good at.