27 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this January

From winter carriage rides to Providence Restaurant Weeks, we've compiled all the activities to add to your January to-do list.

January 1, 2023

Edelinda Baptista,

FEATURED

January–March: Winter Carriage Rides
What: Take an old-fashioned carriage ride led by Liberty Farm and Carriage Company’s majestic draft horses on the serene backroads of northwestern Burrillville or through quiet farm trails covered in freshly fallen snow. The full-time farming family and third-generation equestrians offer private carriages for two, four and six riders. Carriage rides are approximately thirty minutes long. Visit the website for times. $95–$135. Where: Liberty Farm, 60 Ironmine Rd., Burrillville. More Info: 651-6004, libertyfarm.net.

Photo courtesy Liberty Farm.

1/8–21: Providence Restaurant Weeks
What: Let your inner foodie loose and try out new breakfast, lunch and dinner meals from the restaurants participating in Providence Restaurant Weeks. Show your support for local restaurants in the Creative Capital and order signature cocktails, specialty apps, family-size entrees and more while sharing your meals on social media using the hashtag #PRW or #PVDEats. Where: Various locations in Providence. More Info: goprovidence.com/rw.

Courtesy of Go Providence

Ongoing: Newport Harbor Island Resort Skating Rink
What: Bring out your warmest coat, mittens and scarf and get ready to twirl on the ice at the Newport Harbor Island Resort rink. Novice or pro, skate alongside Narragansett Bay (with views of the Newport Bridge and Goat Island Lighthouse) with family and friends. Mon.–Fri. 3–9 p.m.; Sat., Sun. and holidays 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Adults $15; seniors sixty-five and older, military and children twelve and younger $8. Skate rentals $12. WHERE: 1 Goat Island, Newport. More Info: 851-3340, newportharborisland.com.

Closeup Skating Shoes Ice Skating Outdoor At Ice Rink

Via Getty Images/Pilin Petunyia

THEATER

Trinity Rep
THROUGH JAN. 1: A perennial holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol shares the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative journey with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Directed by Aileen Wen McGroddy, the show runs for ninety minutes with no intermission. Visit the website for show times. $25–$87. Chase Theater.

JAN. 12–FEB. 12: Follow the story of Queen Margaret’s ascension to the throne of England and her eventual downfall in By the Queen, which presents the queen as one of the most complicated and fascinating characters in Shakespeare’s works. The dynamic new drama directed by Brian McEleney, remixed from the text of Richard III and Henry VI, finally gives Queen Margaret (warrior, wife, politician and mother) the storytelling she deserves. Run time is two hours with one intermission. Visit the website for show times. $25–$56. Dowling Theater, Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

Gamm Theatre
JAN. 12–29: Written by Brian Friel, the Irish author of Translations and Dancing at Lughnasa, Faith Healer is a modern masterpiece that combines the stories of an erratic faith healer with those of his loving but embittered wife and his weary stage manager. In this exploration of superstition, truth and unconditional love, you’ll see characters deliver conflicting variations of “The Fantastic Francis Hardy’s” performances, while disclosing a terrible event at the story’s center. Visit the website for times. $39–$66. 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, 723-4266, gammtheatre.org

Stadium Theatre
JAN. 13 AND 15: A dozen jurors determine the fate of a nineteen-year-old man accused of stabbing his father in 12 Angry Jurors. Although it seems like an open-and-shut case, one juror starts to put the pieces together and open the eyes of the other jurors. They begin revealing their own characters once the murder is reenacted, testimonies are reexamined and a new murder threat is introduced. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $36. 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, 762-4545, stadiumtheatre.com

Providence Performing Arts Center
JAN. 17–22: This fearless musical is a gentle reminder of how it truly feels to be human, inspired by Alanis Morissette’s seminal rock album of the same name. Jagged Little Pill is directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody. Visit the website for times. $38–$89.

JAN. 31–FEB. 5: Just as little orphan Annie says, the sun will come out tomorrow. Directed by Jenn Thompson, Annie returns in a whole new production, just as you remember it and just when you need it most. Visit the website for times. $38–$80. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

Wilbury Theatre Group
JAN. 19–FEB. 12: It’s the one thing we all have in common: We’re Gonna Die. Playwright Young Jean Lee melds storytelling, music, theater and stand-up into a funny and darkly weird song cycle that lets us know that although we may be miserable, at least we’re not alone. 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. on Sundays. $5–$55. 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Providence Flea
ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products while shopping at the Providence Flea, now at the Farm Fresh RI market hall. Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Aquidneck Growers Market
ONGOING: Support agricultural life and the local economy at the Aquidneck Growers Market, where attendees can find an assortment of both organic and conventionally grown produce, ripe and ready for any recipe. Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Free admission. Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 256-6627, aquidneckcommunitytable.org

WaterFire Arts Center
THROUGH JAN. 8: Give the gift of art at the “Buy Art” small works holiday show and sale, where you can browse and buy works by local artists at the WaterFire Arts Center gallery. Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. 475 Valley St., Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

KIDS’ STUFF

Holiday Lights Spectacular
THROUGH JAN. 1: Escape reality for a bit while admiring the dazzling lights — more than two million of them! — and listening to classic holiday jingles alongside family and friends at the Holiday Lights Spectacular. 5–9:30 p.m. All tickets must be purchased in advance online: visit website for prices. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

Disney On Ice
THROUGH JAN. 2: Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse on an expedition across the seas, mountains and the marigold bridge during Into the Magic, presented by Disney On Ice. This action-packed extravaganza contains lovable characters from Moana, Frozen, Coco and more beloved Disney cast members skating into the Ocean State. Visit the website for times and prices. Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 La Salle Sq., Providence, 331-6700, amicamutualpavilion.com

Winter Acting Classes
JAN. 14–FEB. 18: Find your voice and grow your theatrical skills with Studio Playground. The six-week long sessions for students in kindergarten through ninth grade offer theater games, performance projects and more to learn the art of clever storytelling and how to engage an audience. Saturdays. Visit the website for class times and pricing. Rhode Island School for the Deaf, 1 Corliss Park, Providence, studioplayground.org

BENEFITS

Freezin’ for a Reason
JAN. 1: Dive into frigid water for a good cause. Go for a quick plunge at Newport’s Easton’s Beach during the nineteenth annual Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge challenge, hosted by A Wish Come True, with an after-party at Rejects Beer Company in Middletown. Proceeds support the Warwick-based organization, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Arrive early for parking; pre-party at 9:30–11 a.m., plunge at noon, afterparty noon–3 p.m. $20; donate online, in person, on the phone or by mail. Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 846-0028, awish.org

Photograph courtesy of Discover Newport.

MUSIC

Contemporary Theater
JAN. 12–MAR. 30: Rule the stage and put your vocal cords to the test during “Wakefield Idol,” Contemporary Theater’s famed singing competition with a $1,000 grand prize. If you’d rather give your singing voice a rest, feel free to join the audience and support the local talent. Visit the website to register as a performer. Thurs. 7 p.m. $30. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

Rhode Island Philharmonic
JAN. 20 AND 21: Enjoy the sounds of “Romantic Chopin,” performed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Tania Miller with Janina Fialkowska on the piano. Open rehearsal Fri. 5:30 p.m., TACO Classical concert Sat. 8 p.m. $15–$154. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org

SPORTS

Amica Mutual Pavilion
JAN. 4: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. UConn, 8:30 p.m. JAN . 8: Providence Bruins vs. Utica Comets, 3:05 p.m. JAN. 13: Providence Bruins vs. Utica Comets, 7:05 p.m. JAN. 15: Providence Bruins vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, 3:05 p.m. JAN. 21: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. DePaul, 2 p.m. JAN. 22: Providence Bruins vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, 4:05 p.m. JAN. 25: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. Butler, 8:30 p.m. JAN. 27 AND 29: Providence Bruins military appreciation weekend, vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, Fri. 7:05 p.m.; vs. Syracuse Crunch, Sun. 3:05 p.m. Visit the website for ticket prices. Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

MUSEUMS

RISD Museum
ONGOING: Check out exhibitions on view including “Past Made Present,” “Take Care” and “Being and Believing in the Natural World.” Tues., Wed., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. noon–7 p.m. Adults $17, seniors $12, youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Thurs. and Fri. after 5 p.m. and all-day Sun. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Audrain Automobile Museum
ONGOING: Travel through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to see the various developments and automotive engineering throughout the years, from the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen to the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Touring Coupe. Daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Members free; adults $18; seniors, military and students with ID $10; children six through seventeen $8. 222 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 856-4420, audrainautomuseum.org

Bristol Art Museum
THROUGH JAN. 15: The artwork shown in the exhibit “Extravagant Chemistry, Anatomies of Painting” consists of both simple and complex materials, all exposing fascinating chemistries and distinctive use of materials, whether it be a heavy combination of paint, thin layering or unexpected color. These pieces go beyond conventional context, breaking the confinement of the frame. Wed.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. $5. Bristol Art Museum, 10 Wardwell St., Bristol, 253-4400, bristolartmuseum.org

GALLERY

Wickford Art Association
THROUGH JAN. 6: The “Art at the Courthouse” exhibit features the work of eleven artist members: Ann Bianchi, Denise Boisvert, Guy Cassaday, Jean Duffy, Sharon Estes, Beth Goulet, Gerry Grabowski, Laura Johnston, Lorraine LaVista, Lisa McAndrews-Morin and Cate McCauley. Catch a glimpse of their talent on display at the McGrath Judicial Complex. Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 4800 Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield, 294-6840, wickfordart.org

ETCETERA

Gondola Village
ONGOING: Live out the ultimate dining dream in a luxuriously decorated gondola at Ocean House. The Gondola Village takes guests to the French Alps once they step inside the cozy winter private dining venue outfitted with warm woods, sophisticated Le Creuset tableware, fine textiles and chandeliers. Indulge in some breakfast, lunch, afternoon apero or dinner selections. A portion of proceeds benefit the Ocean House Fund for Charitable Giving. Reservations required. Breakfast 8 and 10 a.m., lunch noon and 2:30 p.m., afternoon apero 5 p.m. and dinner 6:30 p.m. $180–$600. Ocean House, 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, Westerly, oceanhouseri.com

Rhode Island Hotel Month
JAN. 1–31: Take advantage of hot deals this winter at participating hotels throughout the Ocean State. Choose between a farm stay, a luxury resort and everything in between. Rates are up to 30 percent off and include special dining and attraction offers. Various hotels and properties throughout Rhode Island, hotelmonthri.com

New Year’s Day Brunch
JAN. 1: Celebrate the new year by enjoying delicious brunch fare and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks at the Double Barrel Kitchen. A full bar will provide alcoholic beverages and a la carte items for an additional price. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Adults $75; children $30. Preserve Sporting Club and Residences, 87 Kingstown Rd., Richmond, 539-4653, preserveaspot.com

Book Launch Party: Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce
JAN. 21: Join award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce in a conversation with Luanne Rice, New York Times best-selling author. The two will discuss Royce’s new novel, Reef Road, amid cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Funds raised from ticket and book sales will be donated to the Warm Shelter. 4 p.m. $50. United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org

Overnight Paranormal Investigation at the Granite
JAN. 28: Grab your sleeping bag and join the adventurous Seaside Shadows Team and special guests John Zaffis and Beckie Galentine for an overnight paranormal investigation at the Granite Theatre — if you dare! 8:30 p.m. $150. The Granite Theatre, 1 Granite Rd., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.org