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Coastal Flavor for Your Holiday Table š¦Ŗ
Step inside the magic of RIās holiday shopkeepers, meet Decemberās Rhody pets, try a festive sea-inspired recipe, + more!
Weāre entering that point in December when every street corner smells like pine, and every shop window twinkles a little brighter. Itās peak sparkle season in the Ocean State, and todayās newsletter is stuffed like a stocking with Rhody charm. From decked-out storefronts and pets hoping to head home for the holidays to a festive recipe with a coastal kick, weāve got everything you need to keep spirits high. Whether you're sipping cocoa in fuzzy socks or powering through your gift list with a peppermint mocha in hand, this is your merry little moment of local joy.
Inside the Magic of RIās Holiday Shopkeepers
Rhode Islandās small shops transform into full-blown winter wonderlands thanks to the creatives, caretakers, and caffeine-fueled elves who spend weeks decking their halls for the season. From glitter-dusted displays to cocoa bars and candlelit strolls, these local shopkeepers share the heart, hustle, and holiday joy that keep their communities coming back year after year. Read more online.
ā¢ By Elyse Major, photo courtesy of Simple Pleasures
Rock Royalty Hits Newport This Weekend
Bostonās original guitarist Barry Goudreau joins a powerhouse lineup at Jane Pickens for āHome for the Holidays,ā a star-studded concert blending iconic riffs with deep Rhode Island roots. With Jim Belushi, James Montgomery, and an all-star band in the mix, this one-night event promises a nostalgic, high-energy kickoff to the season. Read more online.
ā¢ By Ken Abrams
Rhody Recipe: A Salty Twist on a Holiday Classic
RI Seafoodās oyster stuffing brings a wave of Ocean State flavor to the holiday table, blending local oysters, fresh herbs, and coastal charm into one savory side. With more than 80 oyster farms across Rhode Island, this recipe makes it easy to cook, and celebrate, like a true Rhody local. Read more online.
ā¢ By Jordyn Zacharias photo by Molly Moran-Ogren, courtesy of RI Seafood
Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of whatās happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because letās be real, lifeās too short to leave the fun for last minute.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Wednesday 12/10 | Santa in Wakefield Bring the family to the Neighborhood Guild in South Kingstown for a cozy, chaos-free photo op with Santa from 5:30-7:30pm on December 9-11. Learn more online āø» Beauty and the Bathās 29th Annual Pajama Party Join Beauty and the Bath in Wickford from 4ā8pm for a cozy night of swag, treats, raffles, and community spirit, all while donating new kidsā pajamas to support the North Kingstown Giving Program. Learn more online āø» Divas of Drag: Deck the Halls Catch Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz bringing bold holiday comedy to Woonsocketās Stadium Theatre Marquee Room with shows on December 10-11 at 7:30pm, serving festive fun for audiences who prefer their Christmas spirit with a cheeky twist. Learn more online āø» Holiday Toy Swap benefiting Ocean State Kids Swap or donate gently used toys, books and winter gear at the CFP Arts, Wellness and Community Center in Portsmouth, with a morning swap from 10am-12pm and a bedtime swap from 7-8pm, all to support Ocean State Kids and Lucyās Hearth. Learn more online |
Thursday 12/11 | Merry Mahj Party Kick off the holiday season in Providence from 6:30-11:30pm with a spirited night of Mahjong, dancing, snacks and festive surprises hosted by The Gilded Birds at Bellini Rooftop. Learn more online āø» Santa Visits Track 15 Visit Track 15 in Providence from 4:30-6:30pm for photos with Santa, kidsā crafts, a mini holiday market and festive treats, including a Bougie Boozy Hot Chocolate that supports the Providence Animal Rescue League. Learn more online āø» Newport Navy Choristers: Christmas in Song Enjoy an evening of festive music in Middletown as the Newport Navy Choristers perform Christmas in Song at 7:30pm, with proceeds benefiting the Orion Military Scholars Program. Learn more online |
Friday 12/12 | Holiday Cinema Under the Stars at Weekapaug Inn Watch Polar Express under the stars with heated blankets, seasonal dĆ©cor and classic drive-in snacks at Weekapaug Inn in from 6-10pm, with a boozy hot chocolate bar to keep things extra cozy. Learn more online āø» Fantastic Umbrella Factory Holiday Stroll Enjoy festive sales, raffles, refreshments and holiday fun at the Fantastic Umbrella Factoryās two-day stroll in Charlestown on December 12 and 13 from 5-8pm. Learn more online āø» Whiskey Wonderland Holiday Bazaar Sons of Liberty hosts its 11th Annual Whiskey Wonderland in South Kingstown with vendors, food trucks and festive drinks on December 12 from 5-9pm and Saturday from 12-6pm. Learn more online āø» Home for the Holidays with Jim Belushi Head to The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport at 7:30pm for a live concert with Jim Belushi and special guests, featuring great music, good vibes and support for the Broadway Street Fair. Learn more online āø» One Tree Holiday: Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele See fan favorites Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele live at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich at 8pm, bringing an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia and holiday spirit. Learn more online āø» Ocean State Waves 9th Annual Brew Tour Enjoy craft beer, dinner and great company at The Towers in Narragansett, as the Ocean State Waves host their annual brew tour from 7-10pm filled with tastings, ambiance and good vibes. Learn more online āø» Christmas Cookie Decorating Class Join Artisan Bites in Cranston from 6:30-8:30pm for a festive hands-on cookie decorating class complete with icing, tools and take-home treats. Learn more online |
Saturday 12/13 | Winter Vintage Wonderland Pop Up Shop over 70 vintage, thrift and Y2K vendors at Providence Place Mall from 11am-5pm with DJ sets, food, drinks and holiday photo activations, all with free admission. Learn more online āø» Christmas in Newport at the Colony House Enjoy festive readings of āA Visit from St. Nicholasā and free photos with Santa at Newportās historic Colony House from 12-2pm, including a reading in Spanish at 1:30pm. Learn more online āø» Merry Goosemas Mini Market Browse local vendors, grab lunch and enjoy craft beer while mingling with fellow Goose fans at Long Live Beerworks in Providence from 1-4pm Learn more online āø» Holiday Artisan Outdoor Fair Head to Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter for a festive outdoor fair from 12-4pm featuring local vendors, live music, food trucks and cozy fire pits. Learn more online āø» Bottle Reserve Night: Foolproofās 13th Anniversary Party Celebrate 13 years of Foolproof Brewing in Pawtucket with special reserve brews, live music, catering and options for general admission or unlimited sampling from 6-9pm. Learn more online āø» Haus of Codec Holiday Marketplace Shop 50+ art vendors, enjoy food trucks, holiday music and an ugly sweater contest at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence from 5-9pm, with free admission and raffle prizes for those who RSVP. Learn more online āø» Bookish Cocktail Party Sip literary themed cocktails, mingle with fellow readers and leave with a surprise book at Book Around in Pawtucket from 6-9pm, a cozy celebration made for book lovers. Learn more online |
Sunday 12/14 | Shepherdās Run Holiday Market Shop local artisans, sip seasonal spritzes and mulled wine, and enjoy a beautifully decorated backdrop at Shepherdās Run in South Kingstown on from 11am-4pm. Learn more online āø» Book Fair for Adults Browse gently used and new books, signed editions and bookish gifts at Proclamation Ale Company in Warwick on Sunday, December 14 from 1 to 5 PM in partnership with the West Warwick Public Library. Learn more online āø» Breakfast with Santa at DeWolf Tavern Enjoy festive dishes, kidsā crafts and photos with Santa at DeWolf Tavern in Bristol from 9am-12pm for a merry morning the whole family will love. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Santa Swaps His Sleigh for a Munroe Dairy Milk Truck
Munroe Dairy is bringing peak holiday cheer to East Providence with a festive celebration featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, free photos and cookie decorating inside the Sacred Cowās professional kitchen. Add rich eggnog, fresh coffee milk and shelves of holiday treats, and youāve got the most charmingly Rhody way to kick off the season. Read more online.
ā¢ By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Munroe Dairy
Springboard Sets the Stage for Fresh Creativity in Newport
Newport Art Museum kicks off winter with Springboard, a reimagined Membersā Juried Exhibition that invites artists to reinterpret history through a contemporary lens. Opening January 22 inside the iconic Griswold House, the show sparks a lively dialogue between past and present while celebrating the communityās creative pulse. Read more online.
ā¢ By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Newport Art Museum
ā Looking for a little winter magic this season? Kinney Azalea Gardensā Festival of Trees turns its garden trails into a sparkling wonderland filled with nature-inspired ornaments, cozy moments, and festive fun for all ages until January 11. Sip cocoa, wander among whimsical displays, and soak in the serene beauty that makes this South County tradition a true holiday standout.
ā Curious what happens when contemporary storytelling meets Rhode Islandās maritime past? Newport Art Museumās Sean Landers: Lost at Sea invites visitors into a richly layered world where shipwrecks, lighthouses, and turbulent waters explore creativity, legacy, and what it means to be ālost at sea.ā Running through December 29, this immersive exhibit is anchored by Landersā monumental Moby Dick, The Whale and offers a captivating dialogue between past and present for art lovers and ocean dreamers alike.
āLooking for a gift that feels like a true escape but is still an easy drive from Rhode Island? The Weston, a luxury boutique retreat tucked into the Vermont mountains, offers fireplaces, fresh pastries, and thoughtful hospitality that turns a quick road trip into a soul-soothing getaway. With festive holiday menus, beautifully appointed rooms, and cozy quiet luxury at every turn, this close-to-home retreat delivers a holiday gift that feels unforgettable.
Meet Decemberās Rhody Pets Ready for a Forever Home
This monthās lineup of lovable locals includes Faith, Scotty, and Nebulaāthree adoptable companions eager to bring joy to a new family. Plus, author Fifi OāNeill spreads holiday cheer (and hope) with a new book benefiting no-kill shelters across the country. Read more online.
ā¢ By Karen Kalunian, Photo (L) by Donna Normand, (center and right) by Karen Kalunian
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A cozy covered bridge in Foster to hold us over until the real flakes arrive. āļø
Photo by @hillary4297
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