Your December To Do List in Rhode Island
From the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland to Holidays at the Newport Mansions, we've compiled the top local activities that should be on your to do list this month.
Photo courtesy of Blackstone Valley Tourism/Bob Berard
HOLIDAY MAGIC: Blackstone Valley Polar Express
Weekends through DEC. 21
All aboard! Celebrate the magic of the season by riding the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. The ninety-minute train ride to the North Pole features a visit from Santa, singing, hot chocolate and a silver bell, a nod to the iconic children’s book that’s inspired generations of children to believe in the magic of the holidays. Wearing pajamas is encouraged for maximum comfort! 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. $71–$131. Purchase tickets online. 1 Depot Sq.,
Woonsocket, bvtcri.org
Photography courtesy of Trinity Repertory Company/Mark Turek
THEATER: A Christmas Carol
Through DEC. 31
Revisit the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy, joyless man who endures an introspective night filled with ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Now in its forty-ninth year, Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol provides a timeless tale of redemption and joy for the whole family. $37–$152. Visit website for times and tickets. Trinity Rep, 201 Washington St., Providence, trinityrep.com
Photo courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County/Andrea Hansen
GILDED HALLS: Holidays at the Newport Mansions
Through JAN. 1
The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer are all dressed up in their finery for Holidays at the Newport Mansions. Visitors can view beautiful seasonal displays, decorated Christmas trees and fresh garlands, poinsettias and floral arrangements inside and outside the gilded mansions. Visit website for times and ticket prices. Closed Christmas Day. Various locations, Newport, newportmansions.org
Photo courtesy of Artists’ Exchange/Emily Urban
SWEET PURSUITS: Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
DEC. 6
Come out to this delicious competition that’s in its twenty-first year! Attendees are given a simple graham cracker house, frosting and candies to spice up any way they’d like. Take-home kits are available for those who’d like to decorate in the coziness of their own home. $16 per house. Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Sq., Cranston, artists-exchange.org
OCEAN STATE RIVALRY: URI vs PC
DEC. 6
The friendly rivalry is back! Celebrate college basketball season by watching two of Rhode Island’s higher education institutions — the University of Rhode Island and Providence College — go head to head on the court. Are you team Rams or team Friars? Visit website for ticket information. Noon. Amica Mutual Pavillion, 1 La Salle Sq., Providence, friars.com
Photo courtesy of Katrina Meehan/Field of Artisans
CHRISTMAS CHEERS: Hoppy Holidays at the Guild
DEC. 6–7
Find the perfect gift, support local artists and sip on tasty craft brews at The Guild’s Hoppy Holidays event, which features sixty local artisans, food trucks and, of course, lots of adult beverages. Visit website for ticket information. Noon–6 p.m. The Guild, 461 Main St., Pawtucket, theguildri.com
FAMILY FUN: Pawtucket Winter Wonderland
DEC. 6–7, DEC. 13–14
Step into a world dedicated to the chilly season when Slater Park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with holiday lights, visits from Santa and train rides through the park. With more than forty decorated acres, this event is Rhode Island’s largest Christmas display and festival. Free. 4–8 p.m. Slater Memorial Park, Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, facebook.com/PawtucketWinterWonderland
Photo courtesy of Ndigo Talent/photograph by Mike Ruiz, styling by Hope Wade Designs
MUSIC: Darlene Love
Dec. 16
Watch Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love take the stage for her “Love for the Holidays” tour, belting out holiday hits like “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.” The newly renovated Uptown Theater (aka the former Columbus Theatre in Rhode Island-speak) is the perfect spot to watch the living icon perform. $58.99–$98.99. 7:30 p.m. The Uptown Theater, 270 Broadway, Providence, uptownpvd.com
Photo courtesy of Terry Lee Cafferty
LOCAL TUNES: John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band
DEC. 27
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame legends John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band take to the stage to perform songs from their decades-long career, which all began in Little Rhody back in 1972. They reached the top
of the charts in the ’80s with the soundtrack to Eddie and the Cruisers. 8 p.m. $26–$41. The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com
WATERFIRE: WaterFire New Year’s Eve Lighting
DEC. 31
Ring in the new year with a special New Year’s Eve WaterFire lighting with food trucks and music from Sidy Maiga, the Providence Drum Troupe and DJ Luke Renchan. A disco tent offers a space to shake what your mama gave you while roaming performers with Circus Dynamics will entertain onlookers. 4–9 p.m. Free. Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, 365 S. Water St., Providence, waterfire.org
