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Get Your Holidays On! Rhode Island Lights Up with Events for All (Updating all season)
Photo, top: Newport Mansions
Now is the time to look at all the events around you and make a plan to enjoy the 2025 holiday season – we will be updating this throughout the holiday season:
First up! The Bristol Santa House!
RINewsToday is a Rudolph Sponsor
Get Your Holidays On! Bristol Santa House announces season Sponsors – annual Santa Claus Party
Here’s the Schedule:
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Sakonnet Vineyard for the Holiday Season
Start on November 30th
Visits with Santa, holiday market and more mark the season of celebrations
Sakonnet Vineyard, New England’s oldest vineyard celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, is celebrating the holiday season with a series of festive events beginning November 30th.
- On Sunday, November 30th, kick off the holiday season with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can visit Santa and take complimentary photos, decorate cookies, and enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate. The event will conclude with a special tree lighting. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Tiverton Police Department’s “Operation Blue Santa” program to help provide holiday gifts to local children in need.
- On Saturday, December 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a Christmas market will feature more than a dozen local artisans offering their work for sale in the barn.
- On Saturday, December 13th, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of classic Christmas cookies crafted by the pastry team at the Coast Guard House and paired with Sakonnet wines. Available while supplies last.
Throughout the season, guests can enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate by the fire in the tasting room and outdoors by the firepits and heaters, in addition to wine tastings and a selection of seasonal foods.
Each Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can enjoy live music in the tasting room. The lineup includes pop singer and songwriter Ruby Mac on November 29th and December 20th, one-man band Frank Foot on December 6th, the modern acoustic stylings of Stefan Couture on December 13th, and the versatile singer and songwriter Dave Alves on December 27th.
“Between the warmth of the tasting room fire and the glow of the outdoor fire pits, the vineyard takes on a quiet magic this time of year,” said Marissa Stashenko, Director of Operations, Sakonnet Vineyard. “It’s a cozy escape from the pace of the season – the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.”
In addition to the special events, Sakonnet Vineyard’s tasting room is open Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. The indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits and heaters will be lit while guests enjoy wine tastings, wines by the glass or bottle, and selection of seasonal menu items.
Sakonnet Vineyard has a variety of gifts available for purchase in the tasting room and online, including gift cards, merchandise, and wine (available to be shipped to 40 states), as well as membership to the Wine Club. Wine Club members receive 20% off quarterly wine allocations, each including three bottles selected by the winemaker; discounted bottles, tastings, retail, and food at the vineyard; and invitations to Wine Club release parties. Allocations can be shipped to 40 states or picked up at the winery. Membership is free and can be canceled at any time. To sign up, visit www.sakonnetwine.com/wine-club.
About Sakonnet Vineyard:
Founded in 1975 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Sakonnet Vineyard is New England’s oldest vineyard and a pioneer of the Southeastern New England AVA. Set on 169 scenic acres in Little Compton, Rhode Island, with more than 20 acres under vine, Sakonnet produces award-winning wines shaped by the region’s coastal climate.
The growing conditions of Southeastern New England yield wines with bright acidity, elegant structure, and vibrant fruit character—hallmarks of Sakonnet’s style. Through sustainable farming, patient cellar practices, and a deep respect for the land, the Sakonnet team crafts wines that reflect both place and purpose. Guided by core values of agriculture, preservation, and community, the vineyard remains a leader in the evolving identity of East Coast wine.
Voted “Best Vineyard” in Boston Magazine’s New England Travel Awards and the Editors’ Choice for Best Vineyard in Rhode Island in Yankee Magazine, Sakonnet is a favorite day-trip destination. Guests can sip wines in the tasting room, enjoy light fare from the café, and stroll the vineyard’s expansive grounds. A full calendar of seasonal events, including live music, a weekly farmers’ market, fitness classes, and more, makes Sakonnet a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Select Sakonnet wines are also available at restaurants and retailers throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, and South Carolina. For details and seasonal hours, visit www.sakonnetwine.com.
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Roger Williams Park Light Spectacular
The spectacular Spectacular! Runs from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4th at Roger William Park. Tickets are approx. $15 by pre-order at: https://www.rwpzoo.org/holidaylights/
Over 3 million lights! Cocoa, music, a beautiful walk-through, exhibits and Santa of course!
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TRACK 15 – Kennedy Plaza, Providence
- A Giving Tree campaign to benefit Children’s Friend
- Tree lighting celebration this Saturday, Nov. 29th
- A series of holiday markets
- Visits with Santa
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Light Up Garden City Center
Presented by Citizens Bank on Sunday, 11/30 from 2-6pm.
What to expect:
- Live entertainment: Dance to the rhythm of live music featuring holiday favorites throughout GCC.
- Shopping & Dining Experiences: Enjoy our businesses with exclusive one-night-only offers and entertainment from your favorite businesses.
- Fun for little ones: Let your little ones enjoy festive activities like meet & greets with Anna & Elsa, crafts inside of Shake Shack, Make Your Own Acai bowls in Tropical Smoothie and so much more.
- Citizens: Make sure to stop by and check out Citizens Holiday Village near the gazebo
- Photo Moments: Grab your family & friends and head to the gazebo for a fun photo booth moment
- Santa’s Grand Entrance: Watch Santa make his official entrance in his vintage car starting around 4:30 PM
- Tree Lighting: Conclude the night with us with our annual tree lighting with the big man himself starting at 5:00 PM
Whether you’re reveling in holiday nostalgia or creating new memories, we can’t wait to kick off the holiday season with you. In case of inclement weather this events rain date will be Sunday, December 7th.
Jingle all the way to Citizens Holiday Village
The Contest begins at 9:00am ET on November 24, 2025, and ends at 9:00pm. ET on December 28, 2025.
Visit Citizens Holiday Village, a nostalgic miniature town built by world-renowned, Guinness-world record holding cardstacker Bryan Berg and brought to life from Citizens credit cards. Complete with sparkling lights and a real miniature train that winds its way through the buildings, Citizens Holiday Village sits 10 feet tall and invites guests of all ages into a magical world where tradition, creativity, and perks stack up.
Come see it at the Gazebo and guess the number of cards for a chance to win a $1,000 Mastercard gift card.*
See how Citizens credit cards have perks made ready for the holidays. Learn more.
*No purchase or maintenance of any Citizens products or services is necessary to enter or win. The 2025 Citizens Stacked Perks GCC Holiday Happenings Contest (the “Contest”) is sponsored by Citizens Bank, N.A. (“Sponsor”). Open to legal, non-Citizens colleague, residents of the 50 United States and DC who are 18 or older as of the date of entry. For additional information, see Official Rules.
Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
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Newport Mansions
Newport Mansions Welcome the Holidays on a Grand Scale – Four house museums festively decorated for the season while Sparkling Lights illuminates The Breakers landscape
Beginning November 21, Holidays at the Newport Mansions brings a bright and cheerful spirit to The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer, all festively decorated for the season, while Sparkling Lights at The Breakers illuminates the iconic mansion’s landscape with color and spectacle.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions will feature nearly 30 Christmas trees decorated to complement the décor and theme of rooms in these four National Historic Landmark houses, along with a multitude of poinsettias, garlands, wreaths, fresh floral arrangements and other holiday decor. The family-favorite 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers – made up of 150 poinsettia plants – provides a perfect holiday photo opportunity. A mailbox for letters to Santa Claus will be in The Breakers Welcome Center, and the gift stores in The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms will be open and stocked for holiday shopping. See www.newportmansions.org/events/holidays-2025.
For the sixth straight year, Sparkling Lights at The Breakers will dazzle guests with a half-mile stroll along an outdoor path illuminated by hundreds of thousands of glittering lights as holiday music fills the evening air. Colorful displays on the 13-acre Breakers landscape will include a new feature that evokes a water fountain, as well as the return of a 50-foot-long, 26-foot-high train outlined in lights and modeled after locomotives used on the Vanderbilts’ New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.
Guests will be able to warm up at fire pits and enjoy holiday treats and adult beverages for purchase on the back terrace and at The Breakers Welcome Center.
Admission to Sparkling Lights at The Breakers requires a special ticket with a specific date and entry time, and it includes interior access to The Breakers during the same visit. Entry times are 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The gates close at 6:30 p.m. and the house and grounds close at 8 p.m. Visit www.newportmansions.org/events/sparkling-lights-2025 to learn more.
All Newport Mansions properties are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and will close at 3 p.m. on December 24, with last admission at 2 p.m.
The Preservation Society of Newport County thanks its Partners in Preservation, BankNewport, Bartlett Tree Experts and Grande Masonry, for their ongoing support.
The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.
For more information, please visit www.NewportMansions.org.
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The Museum of Newport History
The Museum of Newport History is hosting lantern-lit Holiday Walking Strolls through Newport’s historic streets Fridays to Sundays, from now through Dec. 28. Tours are from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
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Nibbles Woodaway
Nibbles will be lit up on Sunday, November 23rd – 6pm – with Jeffrey Osborne flipping the switch – and we can enjoy him all season!
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LaSalette Shrine
LaSalette lit up on Saturday – NBC10’s Patrice Wood flipping the switch.
“The Night Is Far Gone, the Day Is At Hand” – November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
More, HERE:
Robert Gillis, for LaSalette
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Cranston Tree Lighting
The Mayor and the City welcome you to the annual Tree Lighting at Cranston City Hall on December 1st, 5pm:
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EBONY VILLAGE OPENS at the National Black Doll Museum
The National Black Doll Museum proudly announces the upcoming opening of Ebony Village on November 21, an immersive cultural holiday installation and the largest public display of Black Holiday Joy in the United States. Housed in the Emerald Square Mall, Ebony Village features a breathtaking collection of Black holiday history, artistry, and celebration brought to life through dolls, décor, and storytelling.
As the Museum continues its historic Guinness World Record attempt, 840 pieces have already been counted, with new additions arriving daily. The transformation of Ebony Village has been both inspiring and demanding, and this week the New England Revolution community team will be onsite helping add the final touches before opening day.
Adding to the magic, Soul Santa Solomon—with his renowned radio background, infectious joy, and creator of the beloved “Santa Slide”—will be flying in early for exclusive photo opportunities with families and fans.
A Joyful Alternative to Black Friday
In light of recent government cuts to SNAP and WIC benefits, and with federal employees affected by the ongoing shutdown, the Museum is committed to ensuring that the joy of Ebony Village is accessible to all.
From November 21 through December 5, affected families will receive discounted admission of $5.00.
“Joy should never be out of reach,” Museum leadership shared. “Ebony Village is a place where families can breathe, celebrate heritage, and experience the beauty of our traditions together.”
Membership Opportunities: Access to 1,500 Museums Nationwide
The National Black Doll Museum is now offering NARM-level memberships for $125, one of the most valuable cultural memberships available.
Members receive:
- Free or discounted entry to 1,500+ museums across the U.S. through the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM)
- Free museum admission year-round
- Member-only events
- Early access to Soul Santa photo sessions
- Exclusive updates and previews
This membership directly supports the Museum’s mission during a time of increased financial pressure.
Make History: Become Part of the Guinness Record Count
There is still time for the community to participate in the world record effort.
Supporters can:
- Purchase a 2025 Limited Edition Angel, a handcrafted collector’s piece that can be added to the Guinness count
- Sponsor a tree or tableau
- Become a Museum member
- Volunteer during the holiday season
Ebony Village features more than 50 themed Christmas trees, each representing a unique aspect of Black culture, storytelling, and holiday tradition.
Donations Needed
The Museum continues to face financial challenges due to national DEI rollbacks and loss of school contracts. Community support is essential to sustaining Ebony Village and ongoing cultural programming.
Donations of the following are welcomed:
- Monetary contributions
- In-kind supplies (decor, lighting, craft materials, exhibit supports)
- Volunteers
- Sponsorships from individuals and businesses
About the National Black Doll Museum
The National Black Doll Museum is the only institution in the United States dedicated solely to preserving and uplifting Black history through the artistry of dolls, cultural artifacts, and storytelling. Now located in Emerald Square Mall, the Museum continues its mission to protect, preserve, and celebrate narratives often erased from the historical record.
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Rhode Island Christmas Festival
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Fairlawn Pawtucket Tree Lighting
Revive the Roots
Revive the Roots invites you to step into the magic of the season at the annual Community Lantern Walk on Saturday, December 6th, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. This beloved tradition offers a peaceful, ambient-lit walk through the Revive The Root’s Pine Forest during the darkest time of year—an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and share in the warmth of community.
Families, friends, and neighbors are welcome to gather for an evening centered on light, hope, and connection with nature – which is especially important during this time of the year when there is so little sunshine. We will learn easy sing-along songs, make lanterns, drink hot tea or cocoa and enjoy the beauty of the sunset together. As dusk settles, attendees will embark on a guided walk along the property’s adorably lit-up trails, led by the glow of everyone’s lanterns. These trails take guests along our fruit tree path, into our illuminated Pine Forest, around our overlook chair and along our sheep pen. In other words, there are so many opportunities for selfies, pictures with loved ones,s and family photos! This experience is intended to honor the transition from fall to winter by embracing nature, sharing songs, and celebrating togetherness.
Before the walk, guests are invited to craft their own lanterns using the provided recycled glass jars, tissue paper, electric tea lights, and other eco-friendly art materials. Participants are also welcome to bring lanterns from home. Headlamps and flashlights may be used, but open flames are not permitted.
Event Schedule:
- ● 3:30–4:00 PM – Make-Your-Own Lanterns
- ● 4:00–4:15 PM – Warm beverages
- ● 4:15–4:30 PM – Learn Sing-alongs
- ● 4:30–5:00 PM – Lantern Walk through the Pine Forest
- ● 5:00–5:30 PM – Pavilion Cozy campfire gathering (weather dependent)
- Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and wear sturdy walking shoes. Some trails may not be stroller-friendly, though a shortened route will be available.
Pay-What-You-Can Tickets: Tickets are Available here
To ensure accessibility for all community members, the Lantern Walk is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Ticket tiers include $1 Kids Tickets and Adult Tickets ranging from $1–$50. Attendees are encouraged to choose the tier that best fits their budget.
All proceeds directly support Revive the Roots’ mission of Ecological Healing, Enriching Community, Securing Sustenance, and Respecting the Land.
Revive the Roots extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joins in this annual celebration. Your presence and contributions help sustain a thriving, inclusive community space.
About Revive the Roots – Revive the Roots is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to regenerative agriculture, ecological stewardship, and creating spaces that strengthen human connection to the land and to one another.
PVD Holiday Fest and Unveils 2025 Winter Season Plans
Providence shares new festival details along with winter services, Providence Rink winter programming details, local business support, and seasonal events
Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Councilman John Goncalves, and the Providence Tourism Council (PTC) announced a full slate of holiday programming across Providence and introduced PVD Holiday Fest, a new celebration of light, culture and community running from December 4 through December 7. The announcement also includes updates on winter services, seasonal initiatives, and support for local businesses to help residents and visitors plan for the months ahead.
“Providence shines during the holidays, and I invite everyone to take part in the experiences that bring us closer as a community,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “These coming weeks offer meaningful moments to celebrate and connect with neighbors and loved ones. Whether you are spending time Downtown at one of our incredible events, supporting your favorite neighborhood shops, or taking in the lights throughout our parks and public spaces, I hope you feel the sense of community and celebration that defines our city.”
PVD Holiday Fest features more than a dozen community events from December 4- December 7. The City’s signature City Hall Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 6, with entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. Programming at the Providence Rink includes DJ Corva at noon, Party with Rami from 3 to 5 PM and DJ LadyRuck from 7 to 9 PM. Beginning at 4 PM, The City Hall stage lineup includes the Saxophone Choir, Lillian Feinstein Choir, and the Mixed Magic Exult Choir, followed by a special headline act that has toured and performed at venues and music festivals around the country. Santa will arrive in style just in time to count down to the spectacular tree lighting on the steps of City Hall.
In addition to the City Hall Tree Lighting and Rink programming, PVD Holiday Fest weekend will feature a range of public activities produced by local partners. Highlights include:
· FirstWorks’ presentation of Le Patin Libre’s “Glide,” a free ice performance at the Providence Rink on Friday, December 5 followed by a community skate party with a local DJ.
· The Avenue Concept will host guided Holiday Lit Mural Tours on December 4 and 5, offering families a chance to explore downtown public art starting from the PVD Downcity Holiday Market on Grant’s Block.
· Illuminate PVD will return with a festive holiday stroll led by the Providence Drum Troupe and pop-up performers from Biltmore Park to Grant’s Block and the rink.
· WaterFire will hold a partial holiday lighting on Friday, December 5 at Waterplace Park with Santa, roaming entertainment, and activities hosted by partner organizations.
· Christmas on the Hill on Saturday, December 6 will bring choirs, festive displays, and pop-up performances to Atwells Avenue.
· Burnside Park will host Pneufest for four nights with large-scale soft sculptures by Pneuhaus, music from Stay Silent, and specialty holiday drinks.
· The PVD Downcity Holiday Market at Grant’s Block will run throughout the weekend with vendors, entertainment, workshops, and family activities that showcase local artists and small businesses. A full schedule of events is available on the PVD Holiday Fest website.
Supported by the Providence Tourism Council, a special Downtown Trolley will run on Saturday, December 6 from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. Riders can board and exit at The Graduate Hotel on Dorrance Street, DePasquale Square on Federal Hill, the corners of Eddy and Westminster and Mathewson and Westminster, The Renaissance Hotel on Avenue of the Arts, and Grant’s Block Park. The trolley provides convenient connections to shopping, dining, performances, and PVD Holiday Fest events.
Small Business Saturday
Mayor Smiley reminded residents to show support for local shops on Small Business Saturday, November 29, and throughout the season. “Providence stores offer distinctive gifts and experiences that strengthen neighborhood economies and reflect the city’s creative character. When you shop small, you support the people who make Providence the city we all love most.”
The Providence Rink opens Friday, November 28 with public skating from 10 AM to 10 PM. Ice bumper cars begin on Monday, December 1, with online reservations now available. This year also introduces the Rinkubator program, which provides pop-up space at the Biltmore Park kiosk for local entrepreneurs during rink hours.
City Council Tree Lightings will take place this season with support from the City’s Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism and Providence Parks Department. The following dates and times are subject to change; please visit the City Council’s website for information.
· December 7
o Christmas at the Parkway: Councilwoman Jo Ann Ryan (Ward 5), 12 PM, 590 Pleasant Valley Parkway
· December 8
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), 6 PM, 246 Magnolia Street
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12), 7:30 PM, 60 Camden Avenue
· December 9
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), 5 PM, 1450 Broad Street
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Justin Roias (Ward 4), 7 PM, Hopkins Square
· December 10
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), 5:30 PM, Mt. Pleasant Fire Station, 136 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), 7:30 PM, Fargnoli Park, 945 Smith Street
· December 11
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Juan Pichardo (Ward 9), 5 PM, Roger Williams Park Gateway Center, 1197 Broad Street
· December 14
o Holiday Lights Celebration: Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), 7 PM, Lippitt Memorial Park, 1015 Hope Street
· December 16
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), 5 PM, Jacqueline M. Clements Memorial Park, 333 Dudley Street
· December 18
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), 5 PM, 24 Reservoir Avenue
· December 19
o Christmas Party: Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7), 6 PM, A. Vincent Igliozzi Recreation Center, 675 Plainfield Street
· December 20
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), 5 PM, Cabral Park, 555 Wickenden Street
This year, six Providence Fire Department stations will also be decorated and illuminated for the season at Admiral Street, Brook Street, Hartford Avenue, Reservoir Avenue, Messer Street, and Mount Pleasant Avenue.
Later in December, the City’s annual Hanukkah Spectaculah will return on Thursday, December 18 from 4:45 PM to 6 PM at City Hall. The celebration begins with remarks and the menorah lighting led by Rabbi Friedman on the front steps. Guests will then gather on the second floor for refreshments including latkes, sufganiyot from NAVAD, and lo mein from Veggie Fun. Families can take part in a drop-in mural activity led by Hannah Pearlman. Live music will be provided.
New Year’s Eve celebration with Illuminate PVD Fireworks will be held at the 195 District Park and the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 5-9 PM. More information is available on the PTC’s website.
For a complete list of seasonal events in Providence, visit the PTC’s new holiday programming website at pvdholidayfest.org.
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