Five Can't-Miss Events of the Week: Dec. 24–30

Christmas karaoke, kiddo fun, fresh air in Westerly and more.

Who says the holiday cheer has to be over by Christmas night? Grab some friends and head to the Parlour in Providence for a night of cocktails, singing and fun, no in-laws required. Spread your holiday spirit to others through some of your favorite songs up on stage, or simply sit back and unwind after a long day with a drink and a snack at the bar. Karaoke begins at nine, but the bar opens an hour earlier for those who want to enjoy a little quiet with their Christmas spirits.  

The Details: Dec. 25. Bar opens at 8 p.m. Karaoke begins at 9 p.m. Free admission. 1119 North Main St., Providence, 401-383-5858, theparlourri.com. 

 

The Providence Children’s Museum has a slew of events to keep your kids busy during the winter break. Just after Christmas is Rigamajig, an interactive event where kids can create structures, robots and more out of wooden planks, wheels, ropes, nuts and bolts. Or maybe they would rather help a knight solve his way through many riddles and questions during the Sparky’s Puppets show on Monday. Music-loving kiddos should head to the Rhythm Room on Tuesday, where they can bang on the drum all day and join the band in an exploration of rhythms. A circus with hat tricks, hoop dancing, comedy, juggling and much more will entertain guests on Wednesday, and a special, early New Year’s celebration on Thursday features a noisemaker craft and a parade to commemorate the arrival of 2016.

The Details: Dec. 26­­–31. Visit the website for activity times. All events except Rigamajig are recommended for guests four and older. Rigamajig is recommended for guests six and older. Admission $9. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

 

Enjoy the warm winter season before it disappears with a hike through the John Champlin Glacier Park in Westerly. Bring your family or friends on a guided walk through the preserve for a nice after-Christmas stretch and a bit of education. Trail leaders will teach participants about glacial geology — the park is considered a “globally unique” example of a recessional moraine glacial landscape — and hikers will learn about the animals that live in the preserve and the history of the park. The hike is family-friendly and will only take about an hour, but you’ll wish it was longer.

The Details: Dec. 27. 2–3 p.m. Free. The hike is suitable for guests of all ages. Location is between Shore and Tom Harvey rds., Westerly, 401-315-2610, westerlylandtrust.org.

 

Visit the Vets for the third annual New Year’s concert this Sunday and experience a night of moving music, elaborate costumes and lots of talent. “Salute to Vienna” features handpicked European singers backed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic orchestra. You’ll be whisked away by the detail and attention given to every aspect of the performance — and especially by the talented dancers, whose waltzes will make your heart flutter.

The Details: Dec. 27. 2 p.m. Admission $58–$98, VIP Meet and Greet $150. Children younger than six are not permitted. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 401-421-2787, vmari.com.   

 

Spend Sunday relaxing at Chan’s with a plateful of Szechwan and the James Montgomery Blues Band. Montgomery, who hails from Rhode Island, is a renowned harmonicist with six albums under his belt. The bluesman has worked with big-name acts including Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen and the Allman Brothers Band. In January, Montgomery heads to the West Coast on tour, so don’t miss one of the last chances to catch him locally — and the only opportunity to see him with a side of egg rolls.

The Details: Dec. 27. 7 p.m. Admission is $20 per person. Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main St., Woonsocket, 401-769-1000, chanseggrollsandjazz.com. Photo by Brian Sullivan.