Rhode Island holiday traditions, events, and cheer usher in a time of hope

A christmas tree and some candles in front of a window.

As the holiday season has been descending upon Rhode Island, the Ocean State transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and a sense of community spirit. The sprinkling of snow in the last few days has been a gentle one to remind us of the season. Whether you’ve been engaged in…

Read More

Business Beat: 27th BankRI Holiday Giving Tree brightens the season with nearly 7,000 gifts

A group of people standing around a christmas tree.

Photo: Navigant – Anthony Boivin, Universal Banker; Lydia Himmighoefer, Teller Supervisor; Lori Casale, Senior Teller; and Jeffrey Elliott, Plainfield Pike Branch Manager. The Cranston branch partnered with CCAP, collecting more than 100 gifts for local children. The holidays promise to be brighter for underprivileged children across Rhode Island thanks to the kindness and generosity of…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: Pinoli Biscotti – Chef Walter Potenza

Two trays of cookies are on a counter.

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: One of the most popular cookies to make for the holidays is Biscotti ai Pinoli, or pignoli cookies. They originate from the deep-seated Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisines, more precisely from Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. These regions pride themselves on a long tradition of sweets made with…

Read More

ART! Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission (RI250) limited edition ornament

A christmas ornament hanging from the side of a tree.

RI250 Commission 2024 Commemorative Ornament Now Available Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, chair of the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission (RI250), today announced the release of the 2024 semiquincentennial commemorative holiday ornament, now available at the RI State House Visitor Center and Gift Shop.  This year’s limited-edition ornament highlights Rhode Island’s founding principle of religious…

Read More

Merry Christmas, Benny’s – Michael Morse

A house with christmas lights and decorations on the front of it.

by Michael Morse, contributing writer We had a store called Benny’s, there were a lot of them around Rhode Island and thereabouts, maybe fifteen, maybe twenty, I really don’t know. It was a hardware store, I think, and a Home store too, and it had lots of stuff for your car, when you got old…

Read More

Businesses Give Back: A tradition to provide for children for the holidays

Two men standing next to each other in front of a toys for tots sign.

The season of giving has already begun as many events hope to drum up support for their respective missions. Numerous groups, organizations and individuals are seeking donations of goods and services to help those in need. Toy drives are no different, particularly knowing there are children who won’t be receiving any gifts during the holidays.…

Read More

Get your Holidays on! – Holidays at the Newport Mansions expands

A large room with many christmas trees in it

Holidays at the Newport Mansions – Expanding to Chateau-sur-Mer This Year For the first time in more than 20 years, Holidays at the Newport Mansions will feature Chateau-sur-Mer decorated for the season and open for tours along with The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms. These landmark historic houses of the Gilded Age will feature…

Read More