Looking for festive things to do in Providence? The PVD Holiday Festival (Dec. 4–7) transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with four days of ice skating, art installations, holiday markets, live performances and family-friendly events. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of the holiday festival weekend.
What is the PVD Holiday Festival?
This multi-day celebration brings together Providence's favorite cultural organizations, including WaterFire Providence, FirstWorks, Ballet RI, The Avenue Concept and Trinity Rep, for a weekend packed with holiday magic. Expect live entertainment, workshops, roving performers, twinkling lights and activities the whole family will love.
Thursday, Dec. 4: Festival Kickoff
Back to Top of List
Ice Skating at The Providence Rink | 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Start your weekend gliding under the lights at one of the city's most iconic holiday spots.
Pneufest at Burnside Park | 4–10 p.m.
Check out an interactive installation of giant inflatable sculptures lit up at night, with DJs spinning throughout the evening.
Holiday Activities at Grant’s Block | Evening
Grant’s Block transforms into a festive hub featuring:
• Holiday Lit Mural Tours by The Avenue Concept
• Dickens-style carolers
• Sleigh photo display
• Winter lawn games
• Floral centerpiece workshop
• Live music by Ryan Peter Murphy and the Leland Baker Trio
• Roaming holiday characters
"A Christmas Carol" at Trinity Rep | 7:30 p.m.
The classic holiday production returns for its 49th season to the intimate Dowling Theater at Trinity Rep.
Friday, Dec. 5: Music, Markets & Illumination
Back to Top of List
Ice Skating at The Providence Rink | 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Pneufest Continues | 4–10 p.m.
Grant’s Block Holiday Market & Live Music | Evening
Swing by for another day of holiday fun, including:
• Providence Holiday Saxophone Choir
• Lit Mural Tour
• “The Winter Fairy” performance
• Tuft4U tufting demo
• Complimentary face painting
• Sleigh photo ops and winter games
• Live music from Alexus Lee and Daniel Cordero
RI Night Market During WaterFire at Track 15 | 4–9 p.m.
Head to Providence’s newest gathering spot, Track 15, and enjoy live music and entertainment, local artisans and makers, and delicious food and drinks.
Illuminate PVD Holiday Stroll | 6–7 p.m.
Join a guided, illuminated stroll through downtown Providence.
WaterFire Holiday Basin Lighting | 6:30–9 p.m.
Experience the wonder of a WaterFire basin lighting at Waterplace Park with a special visit from Santa and live performances, presented by GoProvidence.
FirstWorks Presents: Le Patin Libre “Glide” | 7–9 p.m.
Don't miss this high-energy ice dance performance at The Providence Rink, followed by a public skate party.
"A Christmas Carol" at Trinity Rep | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6: Peak Festival Day
Back to Top of List
Ice Skating at The Providence Rink | 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Free Holiday Trolley | 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Hop on to easily get around downtown's festival activities.
Grant’s Block Workshops & Entertainment | Throughout the Day & Evening
Saturday at Grant's Block features more holiday family fun, including:
• Holiday door-swag workshop
• The Winter Fairy
• Airbrush tattoos
• Sleigh photo display
• Ballet RI "Nutcracker" character stroll
• Charcuterie workshop
• Latin guitar by Gian Carlo Buscaglia
• Flamenco Rhode Island
• Grace Darko Trio evening set
"A Christmas Carol" at Trinity Rep | Noon & 6 p.m.
Christmas on the Hill | 2–6 p.m.
Head to Atwells Avenue as Federal Hill lights up with local vendors, performances and serious holiday vibes.
City of Providence Holiday Tree Lighting | 4–7:30 p.m.
This downtown tradition brings live music, food trucks, a festive parade and a DJ skate party all in one place.
Pneufest Continues | 4–10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7: Festival Finale
Back to Top of List
Ice Skating at The Providence Rink | 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Grant’s Block Sunday Celebrations | Throughout the Day
Enjoy a final day of holiday festivities featuring:
• Dickens carolers
• Complimentary photos with Santa
• Roaming holiday characters
• Cookie decorating workshop
• Winter games
• Live DJ set
• Free sleigh photobooth prints (1–3 p.m.)
"A Christmas Carol" at Trinity Rep | Noon & 6 p.m.
Pneufest Finale | 4–8 p.m.
Don't miss your last chance to see the illuminated inflatable art installation.
Looking Ahead: New Year's Eve in Providence
Providence New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fireworks | Dec. 31, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Head to 195 District Park and the Michael S. Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge for food trucks, a beverage garden, lighting activations, and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
