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From Our Rhody Heart To Yours 💌
Find comfort in community with holiday concerts, local makers, festive bites, and meaningful ways to spend the week, + more
Before we dive into the festive cheer lighting up the Ocean State, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent tragedy that has touched the Brown University community and beyond. Our hearts go out to everyone navigating grief — and if you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. Support is always close by, and leaning on one another is part of what makes our community so resilient. As this season wraps us in its soft glow, may we move forward with compassion, care, and a little more space in our hearts for one another.
Take the Plunge at Providence’s Dreamiest New Bar
Esther’s High Dive brings vintage flair, playful cocktails, and poolside motel vibes to downtown Providence. With a menu full of nostalgic drinks, disco fries, and double smashburgers, this spot is ready to be your new go-to – just don’t be surprised if one drink turns into three. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Elyse Major
Presented by The Beatrice
Holiday Magic Awaits at The Beatrice
At The Beatrice, the holidays arrive with sparkle. Located on historic Westminster Street in downtown Providence, this independently owned boutique hotel pairs timeless design with thoughtful touches. Named the #13 Best Hotel in New England by Condé Nast Traveler and the #1 Hotel in Providence on TripAdvisor, The Beatrice redefines what it means to stay, savor, and celebrate local.
From the moment guests step inside, the experience feels effortlessly luxurious. The hotel's 47 rooms blend refined comfort with modern amenities, including Matouk linens, Dyson hair dryers, heated towel racks and bidet toilets, creating a cozy hideaway. The Sip & Snack mini bar highlights local flavors from Hope & Main makers, Rhode Island's premier food incubator.
December brings an added layer of enchantment. The Sugarplums & Sweet Dreams package includes two mezzanine tickets to Ballet RI’s The Nutcracker at The Vets, a gourmet milk-and-cookie turndown, and a keepsake ornament. For the ultimate holiday experience, the Nutcracker Suite transforms the hotel’s Barton Suite into a festive retreat, complete with holiday décor and a Christmas tree.
The celebrations continue through New Year's Eve with an overnight package featuring access to the glamorous Bellini Rooftop soirée, an evening of premium open bar, elevated bites, and a DJ-led countdown overlooking Providence. For an added splurge, guests can enjoy the Barolo & White Truffle Dinner, while those seeking something more understated can opt for a festive dinner at the elegant Bellini Providence.
Bellini embraces the season as well, with champagne brunches on weekends, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix fixe menus, and winter luxuries such as a Dessert & Digestif Cart and tableside white-truffle service.
Whether stopping in for a festive meal or settling in for a weekend escape, The Beatrice offers a beautifully curated way to celebrate the season. Details and packages available at TheBeatrice.com.
Rhode Island Makes History With THC Beverage Training
RI Hospitality has launched the nation’s first certification focused entirely on safely serving THC-infused beverages, giving bars, restaurants, and retailers a clear path through a rapidly changing landscape. The online training helps hospitality pros stay compliant, protect guests, and confidently welcome this emerging drink category into Rhode Island’s food and drink scene. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of RI Hospitality
Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Wednesday 12/17 | Sean Heely’s Celtic Christmas Feel the spirit of the season come alive in Cranston at 7:30pm, when the Seán Heely Celtic Band brings foot-stomping tunes, rich tradition, and festive flair to The Park Theatre for a magical night of Celtic music. Learn more online ⸻ Rhode Island Sound Holiday Concert Head to Portsmouth for a free festive performance at 6pm as Rhode Island Sound, the U.S. Navy Band Northeast’s rock and pop ensemble, fills Pennfield’s gym with holiday favorites and community cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Jazz Night at Stingy Alley |
Thursday 12/18 | Hanukkah Spectaculah Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Providence, beginning with a 4:45pm Menorah lighting outside City Hall followed by food, music and art inside from 5-6pm. Learn more online ⸻ The Guild Warren’s Pop-Up Holiday Market Head to Warren for a cozy dose of holiday cheer at The Guild Warren’s Pop-Up Holiday Market, happening from 4-8pm, with local makers, festive finds, food, and drinks all under one twinkly roof. Learn more online ⸻ Annual Santa Ride with Bike Newport Join the festive fun in Newport at 5:30pm as riders don lights, bells, and Santa suits for a merry roll through downtown, starting outside City Hall with plenty of jolly stops along the way. Learn more online ⸻ Make Your Own Christmas Centerpiece at Phantom Farms Join Phantom Farms in Cumberland for a cozy hands-on workshop from 6-8pm where Jillie’s Flowers guides you through creating your own festive centerpiece, complete with snacks, drinks and holiday lights. Learn more online ⸻ Whalers Brewing Company-Field of Artisans Holiday Market Experience the magic of the season in Wakefield as Whalers Brewing Company hosts the Field of Artisans holiday market at 5pm, bringing together local makers and festive cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Post Road Winter Wonderland Spectacular ⸻ Divas of Drag: Deck the Halls Catch Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz bringing bold holiday comedy to Woonsocket’s 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 |
Friday 12/19 | Holiday Cruise on the Coastal Queen featuring the Irish Band Failte Set sail from Newport’s Bowen’s Wharf on the Coastal Queen at 3pm for a festive 90-minute cruise filled with scenic bay views, holiday cheer and live Irish music from Fáilte. Learn more online ⸻ Book Signing with Author John Tschirch Visit the historic Colony House in Newport from 3-5pm to meet author John Tschirch and get your copy of Jamestown: Architecture, Landscape, and the Making of a Rhode Island Paradise signed. Learn more online ⸻ Stoneacre Soiree Head to Stoneacre in Newport at 9pm for a late-night party filled with house beats, great cocktails, “sorry for partying” snacks and zero cover as DJ Knob Barker keeps the vibes going until 1am. Learn more online ⸻ Cirque Dreams Holidaze Experience a whimsical blend of Broadway flair and contemporary circus artistry at the Providence Performing Arts Center as Cirque Dreams Holidaze fills the stage with storybook characters, holiday classics and dazzling spectacle December 19-21. Learn more online ⸻ Providence College vs. Seton Hall |
Saturday 12/20 | Christmas Pops Catch the holiday magic in Westerly as the Chorus of Westerly brings its festive Christmas Pops show to life on December 20 and 21, offering beloved classics, lively sing-alongs, and family fun at every performance. Learn more online ⸻ Cultural Survival Bazaar Celebrate the Winter Solstice in Providence at the WaterFire Arts Center, where the Cultural Survival Bazaar brings together Indigenous artists, global makers and cultural performances for a vibrant two-day festival running Saturday and Sunday. Learn more online ⸻ Kosher Senior Cafe Hanukkah Party Head to the Dwares JCC in Providence from 11am-1pm for a Hanukkah celebration featuring live music by Shelley Katsh, festive treats, and community spirit. Learn more online ⸻ Santa Photos with Patience Inspired Dog Training Patience Inspired Dog Training in Coventry hosts Santa photos for pups from 11am-2pm, with festive backdrops, free cocoa and cookies, and a $5 discount for anyone who donates to the West Warwick Animal Shelter. Learn more online ⸻ Santa Visit and Holiday Market at Track 15 Track 15 in Providence hosts a festive Santa visit and Holiday Market from 11am-2:30pm, offering family photo ops, handmade gifts from local vendors, and performances from two local artist groups. Learn more online ⸻ Rhode Island Food Crawls Book Talk with Jamie Coelho Symposium Books in Providence welcomes Rhode Island Monthly editor-in-chief Jamie Coelho at 4pm for a chat about her new book Rhode Island Food Crawls, serving up insider tips, hidden gems, and delicious local favorites from across the Ocean State. Learn more online |
Sunday 12/21 | Sweet Bites & Savory Spirits Cooking Celebration Class ⸻ Trinity Rep: A Christmas Carol |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Presented by Blue Sky Spaworks
Step Inside Warwick’s Favorite Place to Unwind
Blue Sky Spaworks offers a calming escape where holistic care, plant-powered beauty, and expert touch come together. From soothing massages to Aveda-driven skincare, this Warwick spa invites guests to slow down, reset, and leave feeling renewed from the inside out. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Blue Sky Spaworks
⭐ A gentle reminder that you don’t have to carry this alone. In response to the recent tragedy on Brown’s campus, the university has shared a list of supportive resources for students, including 24/7 counseling, academic support, and community and spiritual care. If you or someone you love needs a place to land, help is available and reaching out is always okay.
⭐ Looking for a free, fun way to get the kids out of the house after the holidays? The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol is offering Free Family Fun Days on December 27, January 31, and February 28, with hands-on activities ranging from animal encounters and guided hikes to crafts and nature stories. Thanks to Bank of America Rhode Island, families can enjoy a full day of exploring, learning, and fresh air at no cost, no registration required.
⭐ Craving a cozy afternoon that feels equal parts festive and relaxed? Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton invites guests to warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate by the fire, enjoy seasonal bites, and catch live music every Saturday from 1 to 4 pm in the tasting room. Holiday shopping is easy, too, with wine, gift cards, merchandise, and Wine Club memberships available on-site and online, with wine shipping to 40 states.
Winter Break Gets a Whole Lot Louder at Providence Children’s Museum
From December 20–31, Winter Fest turns school vacation into a daily lineup of science shows, animals, music, and hands-on fun, capped by the museum’s beloved Noon Year’s Eve celebration. It’s festive, a little chaotic in the best way, and designed to keep kids learning, moving, and smiling all the way to 2026. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Providence Children’s Museum
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#HeyRhodyPhotos
All twinkled up and proudly coastal, Bristol’s lobster trap Christmas tree is peak Rhode Island energy. Festive, a little salty, and very photo-worthy. ✨
Photo by @massdaytripping
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