Holiday & Winter Things to Do in Providence
Looking for some 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.
Visit 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 through our calendar below, then book a cozy hotel stay. Start planning now.
PVD Holiday Festival 2025
December 4–7
PVD Holiday Festival Events
PVD Holiday Festival
- Dec 4, 2025 - Dec 7, 2025
PVD Downcity Holiday Market
- Dec 4, 2025 - Dec 7, 2025
More Holiday Fun
Performing Arts
The theater, Oscar Wilde said, is where we go to get a sense of what it means to be human, because nothing matches the power of a live performance. Providence has long packed a wallop when it comes to the breadth and depth of its performing arts scene.
Restaurants Open for the Holidays
Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve, if you're looking to kick up your feet and have someone else cook for you this holiday season, we have a list of where to dine during the holidays.
Buy Local
Keep it local and support Rhode Island’s renowned restaurants, eclectic shops, stellar arts organizations and fun family attractions. Find great ideas for shopping, dining and things to do throughout the state.
Event Spotlight
A Christmas Carol
- Trinity Rep
- Dec 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- Dec 1, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Goosemas 2025
- Amica Mutual Pavilion
- Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
Ballet RI Presents: The Nutcracker
- Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS)
- Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- Providence Performing Arts Center
- Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
Holiday Hosting Like a Pro
Tablescaping is a trend that continues to be popular. A byproduct of Southern hospitality, the idea is that when you entertain, you design your table around a theme, and use the most creative, interesting and high-quality items and foods to really wow your guests, make them feel special, and show…
Small Bites: Twin Oaks' Baked Stuffed Shrimp
***Originally posted in 2019, this recipe blog and video featuring Twin Oaks' Baked Stuffed Shrimp is a perennial favorite and perfect for the holidays.*** GoProvidence.com and the Providence Journal bring you Small Bites: Easy-to-Digest Recipes. It’s no secret that Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston…
Local Restaurants
You'll find a wide range of nationally recognized dining options in Providence.
Providence Hotels
Providence offers plenty of lodging choices for all tastes and budgets.
Local Shopping
From boutiques to department stores, Providence offers ample shopping.