35 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this December

From live radio shows to holiday markets to spectacular light displays, we've compiled all the activities to add to your December to-do list.

December 1, 2023

Edelinda Baptista,

FEATURED

Photography courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Through 12/31: Holiday Lights Spectacular

WHAT: Let your holiday spirit roam free at the Holiday Lights Spectacular while walking through more than 3 million illuminated lights and listening to classic holiday jingles. Find Santa Claus on select Thursday nights through Christmas. 5–9:30 p.m. Timed-entry tickets are sold online only; visit website for times and prices. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. WHERE: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. MORE INFO: 785-3510, rwpzoo.org.

Photography courtesy of Gamm Theatre/photograph by Sean Mcconaghy.

12/9–24: Gamm Theatre Presents: It’s a Wonderful Life

WHAT: Back by popular demand, the captivating It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, based on the holiday movie classic by Frank Capra, is a treat for the entire family. Bedford Falls residents George Bailey, Mary, Zuzu and others come to life in Joe Landry’s play adaptation, where theater meets the golden age of radio. Visit the website for show times. $20–$70. WHERE: 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. MORE INFO: 723-4266, gammtheatre.org.

Photography courtesy of Mount Hope Farm.

12/16: Mount Hope Holiday Market

WHAT: The popular Mount Hope Farm Holiday Market combines the farm’s regular farmers market with a variety of local artisan vendors. Shop for jewelry, books, clothing and more for loved ones. If you have last-minute holiday shopping to do, grab everything for the family at the market. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. WHERE: Pivotal Brewing Company, 500 Wood St., Bristol. MORE INFO: 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org.

THEATER

Trinity Rep

THROUGH DEC. 31: The annual showing of A Christmas Carol shares the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative journey with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Directed and adapted by Stephen Thorne, the show runs for two hours with one intermission. Visit the website for show times. $20–$62. Chase Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

Granite Theatre

DEC. 1–17: Relive the childhood joy of Christmas with Miracle on 34th Street. When a kind man named Kris Kringle insists he’s the real Santa Claus, residents of New York City and a practical little girl fall under his spell. But will a court hearing ruin the spirit of Christmas? This heartwarming adaptation is perfect for all ages. Visit the website for times and prices. 1 Granite St., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.org

Providence Performing Arts Center

THROUGH DEC. 3: Join the more than 2.1 million people across America who have rejoiced in seeing the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes as he learns the true meaning of Christmas. The Broadway record-breaker, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, features whimsical sets, costumes and nostalgic songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” DEC. 19–31: Enter a world of glitz, glamour and splendor at Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the ten-time Tony Award winner based on Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film. Visit the website for times and prices. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Providence Flea Holiday Markets

THROUGH DEC. 17: Shop local every Friday and Sunday for the most unique and affordable gifts of the season, like local and handmade art, crafts, fashion, accessories, bakery and vintage items from more than seventy-five vendors. Fri. 5:30–9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Three Nights of Lights

DEC. 1–3: Celebrate the holidays all aglow in downtown Providence with a special evening of WaterFire, shopping events and Christmas tree lightings. Various locations in downtown Providence, goprovidence.com

The Holiday Market

DEC. 2–3: Browse for holiday gifts and home decor items at this juried market that features handmade products from more than ninety craftspeople and artists. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, 816-0963, finefurnishingshows.com

Holiday Stroll and Luminaria

DEC. 6: Stroll through downtown Westerly to see the sidewalks lined with beautiful luminaria. Enjoy a hayride with Santa with a cookie and cup of hot chocolate in hand. Once you’re warmed up, begin your holiday shopping at the downtown stores. 5–9 p.m. Free. Various locations in downtown Westerly and Pawcatuck, Connecticut, 596-7761, oceanchamber.org

Christmas Festival Weekend

DEC. 9–10: This two-day European-style Christmas market features craft tables, photos with Santa, traditional holiday pastries, refreshments and more. Finish your holiday shopping then decorate your own Christmas wreath to bring home. Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Free admission. In front of the Burnside Building, 400 Hope St., Bristol, christmasbristolri.com

TRIPS AND TOURS

Newport Mansions Self-Guided Tours

ONGOING: Explore Gilded Age mansions at your own pace to learn about their fabulously wealthy owners and their eagerness to be part of high society, as well as the buildings’ famed architectural designs. Bring your phone and earbuds then download the Newport Mansions tour app to participate. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit the website for tickets. Rosecliff, the Breakers, the Elms, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer, Newport, newportmansions.org

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods in the capital city and the City by the Sea with a food tour. Walking tours include delicious food samplings plus alcohol pairings at six local restaurants. Reservations are required. Thurs.–Sun. at noon. $76–$94. Various locations in Providence and Newport, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Newport Foodies Stroll

DEC. 1–16: Throughout the one-mile walking food tour, rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals. Wander Newport’s historic thoroughfares with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Fri. and Sat. 6 p.m. $125. Meet in front of O’Brien’s Pub, 501 Thames St., Newport, 619-3019, newportfoodiesstroll.com

KIDS’ STUFF

Candy Cane Express Cruises

DEC. 2: Enjoy a one-hour cruise around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay while one of Santa’s elves reads a story and kiddos sip on hot chocolate. Each child will receive a candy cane as they depart the boat. 10:30 a.m. Visit the website for prices. 1 East Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, 423-9900, coastalqueencruises.com

MUSIC

Rhode Island Philharmonic

DEC. 10: During this Sunday matinee, hear the RI Philharmonic Orchestra with the Providence Singers, conducted by Patrick Dupré Quigley and featuring soloists Emily Marvosh, Kathryn Mueller, John Matthew Myers and Nicholas Newton, as they perform music’s most powerful message of faith, Handel’s Messiah. 3 p.m. $20–$129. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, tickets.riphil.org

DANCE

Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff

THROUGH DEC. 1: Follow Clara through the majestic ballrooms of Rosecliff as she battles the Mouse King, dances with the Snow Queen and journeys with her beloved Nutcracker to the Magical Land of Sweets. Guests travel with the performers through the mansion’s elaborately decorated ballrooms and salons, where some assigned seating is available. Run time is approximately two hours, including intermission. 4 and 7:30 p.m. $139–$229. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-4470, newportcontemporaryballet.org

Ballet RI

DEC. 15–24: Get excited for the production of The Nutcracker, which features unique costumes and sets (think: colorful tutus, the Nutcracker and Mouse King characters by Big Nazo Lab and more), as well as extravagant choreography by Yury Yanowsky. Applaud the children’s cast of several young dancers performing alongside the Ballet RI resident artists. Visit the website for times. $45–$105. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, balletri.org

BENEFITS

Singing for Shelter

DEC. 7: Meet local musicians and enter a guitar raffle to bring home a new instrument at the sixteenth annual Singing for Shelter holiday concert, which benefits Lucy’s Hearth and the McKinney Shelter. 7–9:30 p.m. Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham St., Newport, 999-8107, facebook.com/singingforshelternewport

Music Supports Our Heroes

DEC. 9: Support our heroes while dancing to good tunes from Southern rock tribute bands, Vyntyge Skynyrd and the Peach-eaters, at the Park Theatre. This benefit supports the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that assists veterans and active-duty service members. Bring a new toy for the Marine CorpS’ Toys for Tots holiday toy drive. 7:30 p.m. $36. Historic Park Theatre and Event Center, 848 Park Ave., Cranston, 955-7275, theparkri.com

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions on view, including “Art and Design from 1900 to Now” and “Diné Textiles: Nizhónígo Hadadít’eh.” 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

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Farm to Table” and “Bob Dilworth: Backyard.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students and military $8; museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

FirstWorks

DEC. 1–3: Masary Studio’s immersive work at the Grace Church, entitled “Recursion and Release,” will feature an acoustic vocal ensemble, digital audio manipulation, video projection and dynamic lighting. The experience includes a new composition for vocal ensemble by pioneering composer Kitty Brazelton. Expect spatialized sound and light as you move through the installation. Multimedia performance installation and live ensemble performance (Dec. 2 only) 5–9 p.m. Free. Grace Church, 300 Westminster St., Providence, firstworks.org

Step Into the Holidays

DEC. 2–17: Stroll through the lavish rooms of a Victorian estate to see how its Gilded Age residents may have decorated for the holidays. Visit the website for dates and times. Adults $12; seniors $10; military and students $8; ages 6-12 $5. Clouds Hill Museum, 4157 Post Rd., Warwick, 884-9490, cloudshill.org

Old-Fashioned Christmas

DEC. 3–30: The magic of a Victorian Christmas comes alive in the opulent rooms of the Hearthside House with elegantly decorated mantels, Christmas trees and garlands strung over stairways and doors. Sat. and Sun. Visit the website for times and prices. Hearthside House Museum, 677 Great Rd., Lincoln, 726-0597, greatroadheritagecampus.org

Christmas at Whitehall

DEC. 3: Celebrate a Colonial Christmas with wassail, refreshments and music at this historic home that once belonged to eighteenth-century philosopher George Berkeley. 2–4 p.m. Donations welcome. Whitehall Museum House, 311 Berkeley Ave., Middletown, whitehallmuseumhouse.org

Holiday Arts Market

DEC. 8–9: Browse the offerings of artisans and artists at the Jamestown Arts Center, just in time for the holidays. Fri. 5:30–7:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. 18 Valley St., Jamestown, 560-0979, jamestownartcenter.org

ETCETERA

Winter Carriage and Sleigh Rides

ONGOING: Enjoy an old-fashioned carriage ride led by Liberty Farm and Carriage Company’s majestic draft horses. The farm offers private carriages for two or a private group ride for up to fourteen riders. Visit the website for times. $95–$200. 60 Ironmine Rd., Burrillville, 651-6004, libertyfarm.net

Holidays at the Newport Mansions

THROUGH JAN. 1: Visit mansions lavishly decorated with greenery, opulent Christmas trees, sparkling lights and more for some holiday cheer. Daily except Christmas Day. Rosecliff will be closed to visitors Dec. 1 during the Newport Nutcracker performances. The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff and the Elms, newportmansions.org

Christmas at Blithewold

THROUGH DEC. 31: See Blithewold transformed this holiday season with elaborate decorations in each room and the garden turned into a mystical winter wonderland. Blithewold’s decorators develop a new theme every Christmas that explores the interests of the Van Wickle family throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries — this year’s theme is “A Family Gathering.” Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd., Bristol, 253-2707, blithewold.org

Bright Night

DEC. 1: Tiverton Four Corners invites shoppers to frolic through the neighborhood of shops and galleries, brightly lit and adorned in holiday decor. Step inside more than thirty shops containing art, jewelry, antiques, gourmet food and garden accents, then stop by the Cheese Wheel Village Market to take pictures with Santa Claus. 4–7 p.m. 3851 Main Rd., Tiverton, 624-2600, tivertonfourcorners.com

Christmas at the Castle

DEC. 2–3: See Smith’s Castle decked out in period fashion for Christmas. Sip hot mulled cider, enjoy home-baked sweets and listen to live seasonal music. Kids can do crafts and decorate cookies. Noon–4 p.m. $4–$25; association members and children younger than six free. Make sure to bring some canned goods to donate to the North Kingstown Food Pantry. Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Dr., Wickford, 294-3521, smithscastle.org

Christmas by the Sea

DEC. 2 AND 9: Enjoy offerings from local artisans at Christmas by the Sea at the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina (Dec. 2, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.) and the North Beach Club- house (Dec. 9, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.). Free admission and parking. Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, 49 America’s Cup Ave., Newport; North Beach Clubhouse, 79 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett, bridalshowsbykelly.com

Elsa’s Ice Cream Party Skate

DEC. 3: Roller skate to the music of Frozen and other Disney hits. $11 skating admission if you bring your own skates. $2 ice cream bar. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. United Skates of America, 75 New Rd., Rumford, 438-9898, unitedskates.com/rumford

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

DEC. 9 AND 16: Solve a tough-to-crack crime while indulging in chicken Marsala or grilled Atlantic salmon. Beware of the criminal lurking around in the same room — you just might become the prime suspect. Admission includes dinner, waitstaff gratuity, murder mystery entertainment, prize package for top sleuth and more. 6–9 p.m. $84.95. Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick, 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, 866-496-0535, thedinnerdetective.com/providence