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- Twinkly Trails & Merry Tales ✨
Twinkly Trails & Merry Tales ✨
Meet the pro adding a festive spin to a charitable skate, holiday happenings from PVD to Newport, our latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!
Today’s National Stretching Day, which feels fitting because we might all need a warm-up before dashing into the days ahead. Rhode Island is buzzing with festive fun, creative happenings, and enough cheer to make even your hamstrings feel looser. We packed today’s newsletter with activities, highlights, and holiday brightness from every corner of the state. Take a deep breath, reach for the sky, and let’s get into what’s making Lil’ Rhody glow.
Roll Into the Holiday Spirit at SKATEMAS
SkateMate’s founder, Constance Stowers, is bringing big festive energy to the rink on December 20 with SKATEMAS, a night of lights, music and community that raises donations for Children’s Friend. Expect giveaways, good vibes and plenty of chances to lace up, let loose and support Rhode Island families in need. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Constance Stowers
Harry’s Bar & Burger Turns Providence into a Holiday Wonderland
Both Providence locations of Harry’s Bar & Burger have gone full Buddy the Elf with twinkling lights, wall-to-wall wreaths, festive cocktails, and over-the-top holiday fun. From spiked Gingerbread Lattes to the return of their “12 Days of Christmas” celebration, this Winter Wonderland pop-up proves no one does holiday spirit quite like Harry’s. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Harry’s Bar & Burger
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 |
|---|---|
Friday 12/12 | PVD Food Trucks 11th Annual Whiskey Wonderland Holiday Bazzaar Write For Me said: Celebrate the season at Sons of Liberty in South Kingstown from 5-9pm, where Whiskey Wonderland brings PVD Food Trucks, craft cocktails, and 30+ local makers together for the merriest market night in Rhode Island. Learn more online ⸻ Munroe Dairy Welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Sacred Cow Market and Cafe in East Providence from 3-8pm for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating and a taste of Munroe Dairy’s famous holiday treats. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Sip and Shop at the John Brown House Visit the John Brown House Museum in Providence from 4:30-6:30pm to sip wine and cider, browse festive gifts, enjoy fireplace readings of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and explore new exhibits at this free community event. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Cinema Under the Stars at Weekapaug Inn Watch Polar Express under the stars with heated blankets, seasonal décor 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 ⸻ Fantastic Umbrella Factory Holiday Stroll Enjoy festive sales, raffles, refreshments and holiday fun at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory’s two-day stroll in Charlestown on December 12 and 13 from 5-8pm. Learn more online ⸻ 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 ⸻ 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 ⸻ 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 ⸻ 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 ⸻ 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 | West Bay Holiday Bazaar Kick off your weekend in Warwick at the Knights of Columbus for the West Bay RI Holiday Bazaar, where you can browse handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures while soaking in the spirit of the season starting at 10am. Learn more online ⸻ Billy Gilman: Home for the Holidays Catch Billy Gilman and his band spreading festive cheer at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich starting at 8pm. Learn more online ⸻ Christmas Cookies and Wine Pairing Head to Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton from 12-7pm to enjoy festive cookies from the Coast Guard House paired perfectly with Sakonnet wines while supplies last. Learn more online ⸻ America’s Tapestry Stitch-A-Thon Join the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket from 10am-4pm for a guided, all-skill-level stitching event where community members can help contribute to Rhode Island’s panel of America’s Tapestry. Learn more online ⸻ 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 ⸻ Christmas in Newport at the Colony House Enjoy festive readings of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and free photos with Santa at Newport’s historic Colony House from 12-2pm, including a reading in Spanish at 1:30pm. Learn more online ⸻ 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 ⸻ 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 ⸻ Bottle Reserve Night: Foolproof’s 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 ⸻ 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 ⸻ 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 | Annual Very Merry Marketplace Head to the Crowne Plaza in Warwick from 10am-3:30pm for the Annual Very Merry Marketplace, a festive shopping extravaganza featuring over 100 vendors, sweet treats, horse-drawn wagon rides, and holiday magic all day long. Learn more online ⸻ 6th Annual Westerly Light Parade Watch High Street glow from 6-7pm during Westerly’s 6th Annual Light Parade from a free festive celebration filled with illuminated floats and holiday cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Ma Fezziwig’s Candlelight Tea Settle into the rustic glow of Mapleville Farm in Mapleville at 4pm for a festive candlelit tea featuring hearty treats, bottomless tea and live viola music in a beautifully decorated greenhouse. Learn more online ⸻ Brunch with Santa at The Preserve Enjoy a festive family morning with Santa at Double Barrel Steak in Richmond from 10am-2pm, complete with photos and a cheerful wagon ride (weather permitting). Learn more online ⸻ DRAG Me to the Holidays Brunch Head to Warren or a holly jolly drag brunch at Hometown Tavern where the Trailer Park Girls bring big laughs, bold performances, and a festive feast that sells out fast. Learn more online ⸻ Shepherd’s Run Holiday Market Shop local artisans, sip seasonal spritzes and mulled wine, and enjoy a beautifully decorated backdrop at Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown on from 11am-4pm. Learn more online ⸻ Book Fair for Adults Browse gently used and new books, signed editions and bookish gifts at Proclamation Ale Company in Warwick rom 1 to 5pm in partnership with the West Warwick Public Library. Learn more online ⸻ Breakfast with Santa at DeWolf Tavern Enjoy festive dishes, kids’ 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 |
Monday 12/15 | Pawtucket’s Annual Hanukkah Celebration Join the City of Pawtucket and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island at 4:30pm at Pawtucket City Hall for an evening of light, joy, and community as they celebrate the Festival of Lights together. Learn more online ⸻ The Restoration Event at The DRIPBaR Newport Unwind at The DRIPBaR Newport from 5:30-8pm with an evening of yoga, meditation, protein mocktails, lite bites and exclusive discounts on IV drips for a rejuvenating night of self-care. Learn more online ⸻ Gingerbread Decorating Party with Santa Join Meldgie’s Rivers Edge at Arabella’s Coffee House in South Kingstown from 5-7pm for a festive kids’ gingerbread decorating party complete with hot cocoa, holiday movies and a special visit from Santa between 5:30 and 6:30. Learn more online ⸻ Trivia Monday at Track 15 Test your smarts and your sipping skills at Track 15 in Providence from 7-10pm, where trivia lovers gather for a night of fun, prizes, and a little friendly competition that keeps the laughs coming all evening long. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: 3 Holiday Sips Worth Leaving the House For
Sip your way through the season with this week’s Hey Rhody Weekly, where we ditch the eggnog and hunt down three holiday cocktails in Providence that are absolutely worth bundling up for. From over-the-top pop-ups to cozy mugs of pure cheer, we’re giving you the insider scoop on the sips everyone’s talking about. If you’re thirsty for a little local magic, this is your must-watch.
Pomham Rocks Shines Bright for the Holidays
Riverside’s historic Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is lighting up Narragansett Bay each evening at 4 PM with a twinkling display of wreaths, rainbow colors and classic holiday cheer, all visible from the East Bay Bike Path through December 27. Grab your camera and take a winter stroll to soak in one of Rhode Island’s most magical seasonal sights. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan and Abbie Lahmers, Photo courtesy of Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
⭐ Ready for new reasons to bundle up and stroll the zoo after sunset?Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Holiday Lights Spectacular is in full glow, bringing fresh weekly highlights like $5-off Discount Tuesdays, special Frozen meet-and-greets on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Thursday nights with Santa. Add nightly storytime with Roger the Red Panda and you’ve got a whole new way to experience the magic.
⭐ Hunting for a gift that screams “straight from Lil’ Rhody”? Where Is RI Gift Shop is bursting with locally made treasures, quirky Ocean State goodies, and artful finds that feel equal parts thoughtful and fun. With every shelf stacked with Rhode Island pride, it’s the perfect place to shop small and surprise big.
⭐ Looking for a holiday stroll that feels straight out of a storybook? Kinney Azalea Garden’s Festival of Trees transforms its trails into a whimsical winter wonderland, complete with nature-themed ornaments, fairies, and more magical details than you can spot in one visit. With caroling, kids’ activities, and plenty of warm cocoa, it’s the perfect mix of peaceful escape and family-friendly cheer.