Winter Things To Do In Providence
Ring in the new year in Providence, Rhode Island! Explore a variety of things to do on New Year's Eve, from dancing the night away to indulging in a gourmet meal before heading home to watch the ball drop. Book an overnight stay, then choose from festive New Year's Eve events and award-winning restaurants to create a memorable way to welcome in the new year in Providence.
7 Not-to-Miss Holiday Events
We all know that the holidays can be stressful times. Between shopping for gifts and planning the perfect meal, there seems to be no time to relax and enjoy the holidays. Take a break and enjoy one of these amazing events in and around Providence.
Enjoy Free 2-Hour Holiday Parking in Providence
The holidays are coming up pretty quickly. What better way to get your shopping done than to support local small businesses? Thanks to the City of Providence and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, free two-hour parking returns to parts of the city.
Find Out More
A Sneak Peek Inside the Providence Flea Holiday Markets
The Providence Flea is holding its 13th Annual Holiday Markets, kicking off Thanksgiving weekend with the Black Friday Night Market on Nov. 29 from 5–9 p.m., indoors at the bright and spacious Farm Fresh RI Market Hall at 10 Sims Ave. in Providence.
Find Out More
Winter Fun at Roger Williams Park Zoo!
Winter is one of the best times to visit Roger Williams Park Zoo. You can catch the snow leopards playing, the golden lion tamarins climbing trees in the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit and more.
Find Out More
Ring in the New Year in Providence!
Get ready to kick off the new year with a bang! The Providence Tourism Council and the City of Providence have announced the return of a citywide New Year's Eve Celebration on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Find Out MoreFrequently Asked Questions
- What is there to do in Providence in the winter?
Go ice skating downtown, visit Roger Williams Park Zoo, shop holiday markets, catch seasonal shows like Trinity Rep’s “A Christmas Carol” and Ballet Rhode Island’s “The Nutcracker,” or warm up in the city’s museums and restaurants.
- Where can I go ice skating?
The Providence Rink at Kennedy Plaza offers outdoor skating in the heart of downtown each winter. Check its website for the season’s hours.
- Is Roger Williams Park Zoo open in the winter?
Yes. Winter is a great time to see the snow leopards at play, and indoor exhibits like Faces of the Rainforest keep you warm. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Is there free parking during the holidays?
In past years, the City of Providence has offered free two-hour parking in parts of the city during the holiday shopping season. Check our blog or the city’s website for this year’s details.
- How can I celebrate New Year’s Eve in Providence?
Many Providence restaurants offer special New Year’s Eve menus and celebrations, and the city has hosted citywide festivities in recent years. Browse our events calendar for this year’s plans.
Keep in touch!
Looking for information on upcoming events, dining info, promotions and deals? Stay in the know with our GoProvidence e-newsletter.
Sign Up For Our E-Newsletter