Santa Claus is Coming to These 8 Spots in Rhode Island
From Blackstone Valley to South County, Santa is here to spread the holiday cheer.
Santa at the Bristol Santa House.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated from a previous version.
This time of year, it’s hard to miss Santa’s jolly laughter and ho-ho-hos at most holiday events, including tree lightings, winter festivals and craft fairs. Mr. Claus is officially coming to town with his list (checked twice!) in hand. Here are some of the best places where you can pay him a visit to kick off the holiday season with the kids — who have hopefully been good, for goodness sake. (For even more holiday happenings, check out our festival and market roundups.)
SOUTH COUNTY
Narragansett
Saturdays and Sundays in December: It’s not just all sleigh rides and cookies for the big guy: sometimes Santa likes to get a workout in, too! Head on down to Narragansett weekends in December for a chance to catch Seawall Santa. South County’s Saint Nick will be passing out complimentary treats and tenth anniversary ornaments from his bicycle basket and posing for photos along the seawall from 4 to 7 p.m. Learn more at facebook.com/seawallsanta.
North Kingstown
Thurs. Dec.5–Sun., Dec.8: All the legends like to say that Santa uses a sleigh to get around, but at the Wickford Festival of Lights, the big guy travels via boat and is led by kayaking and paddle boarding reindeer! Attend any of the four days of the festival for the chance to see his grand arrival at the town dock on Brown Street. times vary, so sure to check the official schedule here. Wickford Village, wickfordvillage.org/pages/festival-of-lights
PROVIDENCE
Thursdays, December 12 and 19: Celebrate the holiday season at Roger Williams Park Zoo by heading to its fourth annual Holiday Lights Spectacular on nights with Santa! Visits are free with pre-purchased Holiday Lights tickets for the 5 and 6 p.m. slots, and families should bring their own cameras to snap photos. Read more about the event here. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 401-785-3510, rwpzoo.org.
EAST BAY
Bristol
Thurs. Dec. 12; Sat., Dec. 14; Sun., Dec 15; Thurs. Dec. 19; Fri., Dec. 20; Sat., Dec. 21; Sun. Dec. 22; Mon., Dec. 23: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Bristol. Head down on select weekends evenings (see full schedule here) to sit with Santa at the magical Bristol Santa House. 400 Hope St., Bristol, christmasbristolri.com.
Newport
Sun. Dec. 15: Sometimes even Santa likes to travel via water over air. For just $35 per person, Coastal Queen is hosting a special sixty-minute Meet and Greet Cruise with Santa Clause. The trip will also feature a cozy interior, hot chocolate and spectacular views of the bay. Plus, all children will receive a candy cane as they leave the boat. There will be two opportunities to set sail on the 15th, with the first cruise departing at 11 a.m. and the second leaving at 1 p.m. For more information, visit coastalqueencruises.com.
Bristol Santa House. Photo by Jamie Coelho.
WEST BAY
Cranston
Fridays, Saturdasy and Sundays in December: In November, Santa arrived via a horse drawn carriage to Garden City Center in Cranston, where his magical, cozy cabin has been set up next to the gazebo. Visits are free and professional photos are available for purchase. Dunkin’ will also periodically be on site with samplings of holiday goodies, giveaways and more. Though walk-ups are welcome, reservations are strongly encouraged so the big guy can check his list twice before you arrive. View Santa’s Cabin hours here and register here. There are two additional opportunities to meet with Santa outside of his cabin, including Scoops with Santa at Ben and Jerry’s on Tuesday, December 10, and a meet and greet at the Paper Store on Thursday, December 19. Garden City Center, 100 Midway Rd., Cranston, 401-942-2800, gardencitycenter.com.
BLACKSTONE VALLEY
Scituate
Fri., Dec. 13 through Sun., Dec. 15: Head to the Hope Village Green for Christmas in the Village – Festival of Trees. The town tradition will include visits with Santa, Rudolph and Frosty; a Festival of Trees lighting ceremony; wreath making workshops; gingerbread house decorating; a fire truck parade; live music; holiday shopping and more, plus goodies like hot cocoa and popcorn. Hope Village Green, 88 Main St., Hope, .facebook.com/sbascituateri
