Holidays
Looking for some holiday and cold weather fun? Round up your family and friends and head to Providence, RI. Experience the charm of winter in New England, along with sophisticated arts, culinary and shopping scenes.
Shop in the city's eclectic and trendy neighborhood boutiques or downtown's Providence Place. Dine in any one of Providence's stellar restaurants and you'll see why the city is a nationally recognized food destination.
Providence has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun, including skating and ice bumper cars at The Providence Rink and the renowned RISD Museum. The season is also packed with events. Browse below and then book a cozy hotel stay.
Holiday Experiences
Christmas On Benefit Street: A History Tour
Stroll with the creators of Providence Ghost Tour as we share the history of Christmas celebrations in Providence, RI! From pious observance to carousing caroling, discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in our little city. Your costumed guide will lead you down one of the most beautiful streets in town and share with you tales of Providencers throughout the ages who have decked the halls (or not…).This tour shares factual information in a fun and festive way! Don't worry, we uphold the magic of the holiday and a certain bearded fellow in a red suit. Little ears will be just fine! Stroll with the creators of Providence Ghost Tour as we share the history of Christmas celebrations in Providence, RI! From pious observance to carousing caroling, discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in our little city. Your costumed guide will lead you down one of the most beautiful streets in town and share with you tales of Providencers throughout the ages who have decked the halls (or not…).This tour shares factual information in a fun and festive way! Don't worry, we uphold the magic of the holiday and a certain bearded fellow in a red suit. Little ears will be just fine!
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Christmas On Benefit Street: A History Tour
Stroll with the creators of Providence Ghost Tour as we share the history of Christmas celebrations in Providence, RI! From pious observance to carousing caroling, discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in our little city. Your costumed guide will lead you down one of the most beautiful streets in town and share with you tales of Providencers throughout the ages who have decked the halls (or not…).This tour shares factual information in a fun and festive way! Don't worry, we uphold the magic of the holiday and a certain bearded fellow in a red suit. Little ears will be just fine!
Holiday Events
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A Christmas Carol Theatrical Reading by Michael Langlois
The performance is based on the script Dickens himself used during his public reading tours. This timeless story is vividly brought to life by actor and dramatic storyteller Michael Langlois, in full Victorian costume. The reading seamlessly blends storytelling and theatre to create a captivating, one-of-a-kind show perfect for the holidays. Blithewold's elegantly decorated Dining Room is the perfect setting to relax and be transported to Dickensian England as you enjoy a new presentation of this classic holiday story. Gingerbread and seasonal hot drinks (with "extra cheer" available) will be served during intermission. Michael is a dynamic performer, director, and storyteller with decades of experience on the stage. Learn more about him here. Registration Required. Program not suitable for children under 12.
Music in the Living Room
Enhance your visit to Blithewold and enjoy the holiday decorations in the Manor by attending our Music in the Living Room Series! Blithewold sincerely thanks the generous performers who bring the gift of music into our Living Room during this holiday season. Please note that tickets include admission to both the Manor and the grounds. Saturday, December 12: Nancy Hood (Mezzo-soprano) Sunday, December 13: Laszlo Gardony (Jazz Piano, Website) Saturday, December 19: TBD Sunday, December 20: Nancy Hood (Mezzo-soprano) Registration is required to reserve your seat.
Get ready to embrace the magic of the season at the Boston Pops Holiday Concert - Providence! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Providence Performing Arts Center, this enchanting evening promises to fill your heart with holiday cheer. With its grand architecture and warm ambiance, the venue creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable night of festive music and joyful celebration. Join the Boston Pops as they perform beloved holiday classics that will have you humming along and tapping your feet. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the symphonic experience, this concert is sure to become a cherished tradition. Don’t miss out on this delightful event—secure your tickets today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute - Presented by Ornament
Small Business Saturday SHOP RI
Now in its 10th year, (SBS SHOP RI) Small Business Saturday SHOP RI, the all-under-one-roof, pop up mall will host more than 150 vendors ranging from award-winning graphic artists, and photographers, to designer crafts, jewelry, gourmet food items and other home-made specialties. Among the small businesses are: local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Veterans, women and minority-owned businesses including people with disabilities, representing a culturally diverse population as well as a wide range of unique gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season. There’s something for everyone. Free. Convenient shopping - and parking. Fun for the family.
WaterFire Holiday Basin Lighting
WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music. Supported by: GoProvidenceOnshore programming and vendors open at 4:00 PM
The Nutcracker
Performances: December 17 – 10:00am - Discover Dance December 17 – 7:00pm December 18 - 7:00pm December 19 – 1:00pm*, 6:30pm December 20 – 1:00pm*, 6:30pm December 23 – 6:30pm December 26 – 1:00pm*, 6:30pm December 27 – 1:00pm* *Meet the Stars add-on! Make memories to last a lifetime with the Nutcracker Meet the Stars post-show experience at all matinee performances! Guests will get a special swag bag and private access to the stars of The Nutcracker just moments after you see them center stage! A cherished holiday tradition returns, bringing sparkle, magic, and Rhode Island charm to the holiday season. Join Clara on her enchanting journey from a festive Christmas Eve celebration to the breathtaking Land of Sweets, where toy soldiers battle, snowflakes whirl, and dreams come vividly to life. Featuring stunning choreography by Yury Yanowsky, Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, and performances by Ballet RI’s professional company artists alongside local youth from across the community, The Nutcracker is a joyful celebration of wonder, imagination, and holiday magic for audiences of all ages.
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice -- where every story starts with a wish! Take a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, and friends through the timeless stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Cars, and today’s favorites including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Create new memories with Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and become enchanted by Tiana, Rapunzel, and The Disney Princesses. Celebrate the unforgettable adventures of Disney and Pixar brought to life in new ways at Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars.
Track 15 Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season at Track 15! Join us on Friday, November 27, from 4–7 pm for our festive Tree Lighting celebration. Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer, delicious food and drinks, and live performances by Rhode Island carolers VoX – Voices of Christmas, filling the food hall with the sounds of the season. Gather your friends and family, grab a bite and a hot cocoa from the bar, and celebrate the magic of the holidays as we light up the tree!When: Friday, November 27, 4–7 pmWhere: Track 15, Providence, RILive music: VoX – Voices of Christmas
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is there to do in Providence during the holidays?
Go ice skating, ride ice bumper cars, visit the RISD Museum, shop local boutiques and Providence Place, and enjoy seasonal events like holiday markets and tours.
- Where can I go ice skating in Providence?
The Providence Rink downtown offers public skating and ice bumper cars during the winter season.
- Where can I do holiday shopping?
Browse boutiques on Thayer and Wickenden streets, Federal Hill and Wayland Square, or head to Providence Place downtown. The Providence Flea also holds an indoor holiday market on Sundays at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, free to enter and park.
- Are there special holiday events?
Yes. Highlights include WaterFire’s Holiday Basin Lighting downtown and seasonal markets. Browse the events calendar for this year’s dates.
- Are there holiday tours for families?
Yes. Christmas on Benefit Street is a 90-minute costumed walking tour about how Providence has celebrated Christmas through the centuries, and it’s kid-friendly.
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