Five Can't-Miss Events of the Week: Dec. 17–23

WaterFire, the Huntress, holiday foodie marketplace and more.

WaterFire pays tribute to the holidays with a special lighting to benefit the Providence Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission is a privately funded nonprofit that partners with a variety of churches, businesses and individuals in Rhode Island, providing emotional, physical and rehabilitative services to the needy and homeless. The special lighting will feature a Santa’s Village display, a toy drive, an artist village and special performances. A donation of new, unwrapped toys, jackets, sets of gloves, socks or even canned goods are encouraged if you plan to attend, but they are not required.

The Details: Dec. 18, 4–9 p.m. Lighting begins at 5 p.m. Admission is free but a new, unwrapped toy is encouraged. Waterplace Park, Providence 401-273-1155, waterfire.org.

 

Enjoy a stirring night of music from the Huntress and Holder of Hands, a musical project created by MorganEve Swain of Brown Bird. Through the use of her voice and backed by an all-female band, MorganEve creates music that evokes feeling and passion. She is guided by the memory of her late husband and musical partner, Dave Lamb, to produce songs from her experiences that are universal and strong. On Friday, hear her music live at Columbus Theatre in Providence, presented by the Columbus Cooperative. The show opens with music by another local act, Micah Blue Smaldone with Death Vessel.

The Details: Dec. 18. 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $12 in advance, $14 at the door. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend. Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence, columbustheatre.com.  

 

 

Christmas is almost here and what better way to celebrate than with a classic tradition: The Nutcracker. Festival Ballet Providence is set to perform the classic at PPAC this weekend, delving into the tale of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker. For a night, get lost in the elaborate sets, choreography and familiar Christmastime music. The ballet is based on the tale by E.T.A. Hoffman. Dozens of dazzling costumes and performers will light up the event and help lift your holiday spirit.

The Details: Dec. 18­­­–20. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary between $23 and $85 per person. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 401-421-2787, ppacri.org.  

 

You or your children might have taken a picture with Santa, or maybe even eaten breakfast with Santa. But have you ever skated with Santa? On Saturday, make that dream come true by visiting the Alex and Ani City Center for an afternoon of winter merriment. Lace up and tackle the ice with family and friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and enjoy Providence’s cityscape from the rink. The heated pavilion will feature fun arts and crafts for younger children to enjoy and Ellie’s Bakery will provide hot chocolate and treats to keep you warm. You won’t miss Santa’s little elves as they pass out candy canes, and if you wear your favorite ugly sweater you might win one of many gift cards.

The Details: Dec. 19. 12:30–2:30 p.m. Adults $7, children $4. 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, 401-331-5544, alexandanicitycenter.com.

 

As we inch closer to the New Year, why not venture out and discover new foods from local creators? On Sunday, Hope and Main hosts an afternoon of local music, food, drink, a special photo booth and a large dose of good vibes from members of the foodie community. At the event, you can shop or pre-order specialty items for the holiday table or browse what Hope and Main has to offer for gifts (think: chocolates, gourmet popcorn, toffee, granola, pickles, salsa, you name it). The event opens at noon to the first 100 shoppers who donate $15 to Hope and Main, Rhode Island's first food incubator. The marketplace will be yours without all the hustle and bustle — and you’ll get first dibs on samples. General admission begins at 1 p.m. and doesn’t cost a cent.

The Details: Dec. 20. Early entrance noon–1 p.m. General admission 1–5 p.m. Admission for early entrance is $15 per person. General admission is free and open to the public. Hope and Main, 691 Main St., Warren, 401-480-4524, facebook.com/meetyourmaker.