5 Last-Minute Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit

How you can scrounge up some holiday spirit while supporting local businesses and arts organizations.

10 hours ago

Jamie Coelho,

Courtesy of Festival Ballet Providence.

It has been a heavy week, and we are all mourning the horrific loss and tragedy at Brown University. Now that the case has been cracked and the shooting suspect was discovered to be deceased, hopefully some of us can breathe a sigh of relief. I know our small businesses and local arts organizations need our support. There’s a lot happening this weekend, and early next week, where you can scrounge up some last-minute holiday spirit while supporting local businesses and arts organizations.

Go see “The Nutcracker” at the Vets.

I was lucky enough to catch a sneak preview of a dress rehearsal of Ballet RI’s “The Nutcracker” at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, playing Fri. Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-28. My daughter looks forward to seeing this show every year, but this was our first experience seeing the behind-the-scenes action at a dress rehearsal. Ballet RI tells me some local schools canceled their field trips out of an abundance of caution this year, so they are really hoping people still come out to see the show on their own. The show is spectacular (it’s slightly different each year with new sets, performers, costumes and effects), and I hope people come out and support how hard these dancers, stage managers and costume managers worked to produce the show. Wait until you see the scene with the angels!

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Kristi’s Holiday Market and Cafe.

2. Stop by a local makers popup shop, Kristi’s Holiday Market and Cafe in Warren.

There’s a temporary makers popup shop at The Point at 747 Main St. in Warren, started by Kristi Dukoff, owner of Kristi’s Kraftails. The cafe and shop is open Friday to Wednesday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and it features items from sixty-plus local handcrafted makers, artists and producers, including many Hope & Main vendors. Find gift baskets stocked with Kristi’s Kraftails mocktail mixes and nuts, candy and more. They also serve coffee, pastries and soups. There’s also a food pantry out front that is open twenty-four-seven and accepting food donations.

Bristol Santa House. Photo by Jamie Coelho.

3. Go see the Bristol Santa House.

The Bristol Santa House is a beloved local holiday attraction, drawing support from visitors across the state and beyond. Introduced by Michael Rielly, the house is one of many good deeds done by the James D. Rielly Foundation, created in memory of his grandfather, James D. Rielly, who served as Bristol’s first Santa for sixty-two years. This foundation is committed to spreading Christmas joy to children and families of first responders, active military and veterans, and the Bristol Santa House welcomes children of all abilities to experience Christmas magic in a sensory-friendly environment. The venue is located at 240 High St., adjacent to the historic Bristol Statehouse. The full schedule for the Bristol Santa House can be found here. Public viewings are happening Fri. and Sat., Dec. 19 and 20 from 5-8 p.m., Sun., Dec.. 21 from 1-4 p.m., and Tues., Dec. 23 from 5-8 p.m.

4. Check out the Providence Flea’s Last-Minute Market.

The Providence Flea artisan and vintage market has a different lineup of vendors for its last Sunday market on December 21 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Farm Fresh Market Hall at 10 Sims Ave. in Providence. Get your hands on unique items to gift to family members and decorate your home with. Choose from a variety of things including plants, ornaments, vintage vinyl, upcycled clothing, handcrafted jewelry, candles, wreaths and more from more than eighty vendors. “We want to take a moment to acknowledge the tragedy at Brown University. Our hearts are with the students and their families, faculty and all of our neighbors across the community of Providence during this difficult time,” say the organizers of the market. ”As we wrap up the year, this final market of the season, our “Last Minute Market,” is both a marketplace and a meaningful moment to show up for local. From thoughtful gifts to festive treats and cozy accessories, there’s still time to shop small while supporting our local small business community.” Plus, delicious food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site.

The Bougie Boozy Hot Chocolate at Track 15.

5. Shop a local market, enjoy local food and a Bougie Boozy Hot Chocolate, and admire the holiday decor at Track 15.

Santa Claus is coming to town one last time at Track 15 on Sat., Dec. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visits with Santa are complimentary and guests may take their own photos. Local arts and craft vendors from Local401Artists will also be on-hand for a mini-holiday market. There will also be live music from Julie Rhodes and Mary MacAvoy, who will play a special concert featuring covers of the hits as well as some Christmas songs. New menu specials from Track 15 vendors include “crispy borek,” a flaky, fried handheld pastry roll filled with vegetables or meat from Tolia; tiramisu with Vermont Creamery mascarpone and cocoa nib crumble from Giusto; and from Little Chaska, a potato fritter seasoned with carom seeds and spices and warm carrot pudding with pistachios. Bar Romolo will offer hot apple cider, hot chocolate (boozy or non-alcoholic), winter sangria, a blood orange spritz and a Bougie Boozy Hot Chocolate, featuring housemade-from-scratch hot chocolate and Chartreuse liqueur topped with whipped cream, seasonal sprinkles. and gold flecks. The hot bevvy is served in a festive cup featuring the likeness of Enzo Marsella, Track 15‘s Chief “Bark”eting Officer & Senior “Paw”ject Manager. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Providence Animal Rescue League.