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

Holiday Highlights

Ballet RI Presents: The Nutcracker

Perfect for all ages…a cherished holiday tradition returns with sparkle, magic, and Rhode Island flair. Join Clara on her enchanting journey from a festive Christmas Eve party to the dazzling Land of Sweets, where toy soldiers battle, snowflakes swirl, and dreams dance to life. With stunning choreography by Yury Yanowsky, beloved Tchaikovsky music, and a cast of Ballet RI company dancers and local youth, The Nutcracker is a timeless celebration of wonder, imagination, and the joy of the season.

Nutcracker

Christmas on Benefit Street

Stroll with the creators of Providence Ghost Tour as we share the history of Christmas celebrations in Providence, RI (and the rest of the Ocean State)! From pious observance to carousing caroling, discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in our little city. 

Christmas on Benefit Street

New Year's Eve

Ring in the new year in Providence, Rhode Island. Look below for festive events, award-winning restaurants and inclusive hotel packages to start planning your celebration in Providence.  

Two champagne glasses on a black table with ribbon to celebrate New Year's Eve in Providence

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.

Providence Performing Arts Center

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.

Shop Local

Event Spotlight

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…

Holiday Hosting Like a Pro

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…

Small Bites: Twin Oaks' Baked Stuffed Shrimp