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- ⚠️ Warning: Holiday Fun Inside
⚠️ Warning: Holiday Fun Inside
Meet the advocate transforming hunger relief in Rhode Island, dive into this weekend’s festive lineup, discover PVD’s own wearable-art trailblazer, + more!
The calendar says Thursday, but Rhode Island says holiday mode activated. Between tree lightings, tiny markets, and twinkle-lit towns, this weekend is basically one big festive field trip waiting to happen. Grab your mittens, your shopping list, and maybe a hot cocoa for the road – we’ve got all the Rhody happenings you need to make the season shine, plus a few feel-good local stories to warm you up even more.
Meet the New Leader Fighting Hunger in Rhode Island
Melissa Cherney, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s new CEO, brings a deeply personal connection to hunger relief shaped by her own childhood experiences with food insecurity. With need at an all-time high, she’s calling on Rhode Islanders to step up during the holidays and beyond to help ensure every family has enough to share in the moments that matter. Read more online.
• By Morgan Rizzo, photo courtesy of Melissa Cherney
Presented by Rhode Island Energy
Warm Up to Savings This Winter
As the temperature drops, there’s no better time to make your home a haven of comfort and efficiency. Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Programs are helping homeowners save big while keeping cozy all year long.
Today’s high-efficiency electric heat pumps are the ultimate home upgrade, providing reliable warmth in winter and cool comfort in summer, all while cutting your energy bills by up to 30%. Whether you’re looking to replace an outdated system or take advantage of greener, more cost-effective technology, now’s the perfect moment to act.
Right now, Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Programs are offering rebates up to $1,250 per ton on all-season heat pumps. That means you can stay warm without burning through your budget.
So why wait for the next cold snap to hit? Start saving before the frost sets in. Contact a participating contractor today to explore your options and find the perfect system for your home. Visit RIEnergy.com/comfort to learn more and take the first step toward lower bills, higher comfort, and a cozier Rhode Island winter.
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 12/5 | The Wildwoods Holiday Market Head to Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center in East Greenwich on December 5-6 from 4–8pm for a free outdoor holiday market filled with local vendors, food trucks, dazzling lights, and festive visits from Santa and the Grinch. Learn more online ⸻ WaterFire Arts Center’s 5th Annual Holiday Market Shop over 90 artists and makers at the 5th Annual Holiday Market at the WaterFire Arts Center on December 6 and 7, a free two-day event packed with handmade gifts, food trucks, and thousands of festive finds. Learn more online ⸻ Draw Party at Centreville Bank Stadium Catch the excitement at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket at 11:30am, where fans can gather for a free Draw Party revealing matchups for next summer’s World Cup tournament in Foxborough. Learn more online ⸻ Pints & Presents Holiday Market Raise a glass to the season at Tower Hill Brewing in South Kingstown from 5–9pm where the Pints & Presents market brings together local artisans, handmade gifts, and plenty of holiday cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Annual Charlestown Holiday Ramble Celebrate local art and cozy holiday vibes at the Charlestown Holiday Ramble on December 5 and 6 at The Charlestown Gallery, featuring over 100 original works under 500 dollars, raffles, food trucks, hot drinks, and plenty of festive shopping. Learn more online ⸻ A Holiday Celebration WaterFire Basin Lighting Experience holiday magic in downtown Providence at WaterFire’s festive basin lighting with food vendors, a seasonal ArtMart, choral performances, and holiday fun along the river from 3:30-9pm. Learn more online ⸻ RI Night Market Holiday Market at Track 15 Shop local, snack on bites from Track 15, and enjoy festive fun at the Track 15 Holiday Market on December 5 from 4 to 9 PM in the Basin Tunnel and Plaza during WaterFire. Learn more online ⸻ 40th Annual Wickford Festival of Lights Stroll through a glowing winter wonderland at the Wickford Festival of Lights from December 4-7, where shops stay open late, Santa arrives by boat, and the whole historic village shines with festive charm. Learn more online ⸻ Broadway Brunch Stroll Taste your way through three beloved West Side brunch spots on December 5 from 9:45 AM to 12:15 PM, starting at 318 Broadway in Providence for a cozy morning of bites, sips, and neighborhood charm. Learn more online ⸻ FirstWorks presents: Le Patin Libre “Glide” Catch FirstWorks’ free performance of Le Patin Libre’s high-energy ice dance show “Glide” from 7-9pm at the Kennedy Plaza Skating Rink, followed by a public ice-skating dance party with a local DJ. Learn more online ⸻ Bright Night 2025 at Tiverton Four Corners Enjoy festive lights, holiday shopping, live music, and a magical village stroll at Bright Night 2025 from 4-7pm at Tiverton Four Corners, complete with Santa visits and the opening of the annual re-Tree exhibition. Learn more online ⸻ Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio’s 10th Annual Holiday Sale & Hot Chocolate Happenings Browse hundreds of handmade stained glass treasures at Bosgraaf’s 10th Annual Holiday Sale on December 6 and 7 in Peace Dale, where complimentary hot chocolate, raffles, and a Saturday wine tasting make gift shopping extra festive. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Extravaganza at Newport Vineyards Join the festive fun at Newport Vineyards in Middletown from 5-8:30pm, where wine tastings, live music, Santa photos, kids' activities, and the biggest wine sale of the year make this a holiday celebration to remember. Learn more online ⸻ 12th Annual Re-Tree Exhibition Stroll through a festive outdoor gallery of handmade trees crafted from recycled materials during the 12th Annual Re-Tree Exhibition, on display from December 5-19 along Main Road in Tiverton Four Corners. Learn more online ⸻ Franklin Street Holiday Stroll Enjoy carolers, festive treats, in-store specials, and holiday cheer during the Franklin Street Holiday Stroll in Newport on December 5 from 4-7pm and December 6 from 12-6pm, with proceeds supporting Newport Sings. Learn more online |
Saturday 12/6 | Aquidneck Community Table Pop-Up Holiday Market Newport’s Seamen’s Institute comes alive with the Aquidneck Community Table Pop-Up Holiday Market from 2-5pm, featuring community makers, holiday goodies, and warm sips to enjoy during the downtown festivities. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Market at Sakonnet Vineyard Swing by Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton from 1-5pm for a holiday market in the barn, where you can browse more than a dozen local artisans. Learn more online ⸻ Freshly Foraged Wreath Making Workshop Create your own nature-inspired holiday wreath at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Barn in Middletown, with sessions running from 10:30am-3pm and all foraged materials included. Learn more online ⸻ Museum of Work & Culture Holiday Open House Join the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket for a festive free-to-attend Holiday Open House from 10am-4pm, with the option to dive deeper in a LEGO workshop led by Andy Grover. Learn more online ⸻ Rooms & Works Holiday Market Stop by Rooms & Works in Providence from 12–3pm for a festive holiday market featuring local craft vendors, food pop-ups, and craft beer and cocktails. Learn more online ⸻ Pawtucket's Winter Wonderland Festival Explore Rhode Island’s largest Christmas display at Pawtucket’s Winter Wonderland Festival, running December 6 to 14 from 4-8pm at Slater Memorial Park with Santa visits, train rides, a carousel, food, and festive fun for all ages. Learn more online ⸻ Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival Spend the day at Apponaug Village in Warwickfrom 9am-3pm for a free family-friendly winter festival filled with a parade, ice skating, food trucks, kids’ crafts, performances, Santa visits, hay rides, and community fun. Learn more online ⸻ Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration at Hearthside House Step back in time for a festive afternoon of holiday cheer, self-guided tours, music, Santa, and seasonal treats during the Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration at Hearthside House on December 6, 7, 13, and 14 from 12:30-4pm. Learn more online ⸻ Pictures With Santa Paws Head to The Black Dog General Store on Thames Street in Newpor from 12-4pm for photos with Santa Paws, hot cocoa, candy canes, and a sweet way to support America’s VetDogs. Learn more online ⸻ Hoppy Holidays at The Guild Sip, shop, and celebrate the season at The Guild’s Hoppy Holidays on December 6 and 7 from 12-6pm in Pawtucket, with 60 local artisans, tasty food trucks, and plenty of craft brews to keep spirits bright. Learn more online ⸻ 55th Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting Spend a festive afternoon by the water at the 55th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting, starting at 12:30pm, with live performances, sweet treats, and a magical tree lighting at 6pm. Learn more online ⸻ Bristol’s Grand Illumination Join the community fun at Bristol’s Grand Illumination6 starting at 5pm at 400 Hope Street, with live entertainment, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the magical lighting of the town Christmas tree. Learn more online ⸻ City of East Providence Annual Tree Lighting Festival Bundle up for an evening of cheer at East Providence’s annual celebration where local vendors, free hot cocoa, music, and Santa’s firetruck arrival light up City Hall Plaza from 4-7pm. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Family Fun Day Bring the whole family to Maher Garden Center in Middletown for a day filled with holiday crafts, tree picking, hot cocoa, and feel-good giving from 9am-6pm. Learn more online ⸻ Jamestown Village Holiday Stroll Get your holiday fix in charming Jamestown where local shops and churches host a day of merry happenings, from treats and tunes to Santa arriving by boat at 1pm and a tree lighting at Ferry Wharf. Learn more online ⸻ 21st Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Get creative with candy at the 21st Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest from 9am-5pm at Artists' Exchange in Cranston, where you’ll enjoy a festive day of decorating, treats, raffles, and crafts with reservations required. Learn more online ⸻ Narragansett Holiday Street Faire Turn your holiday errands into festive fun at the Narragansett Holiday Street Faire from 10am-4pm with an outdoor village, artisan market, live music, and plenty of holiday sparkle. Learn more online ⸻ Barrington Tree Lighting Join the Town of Barrington, starting at 2pm, for festive kids’ activities, crafts, school performances, a visit from Santa at 3:45pm, and the official tree lighting at 5pm at 283 County Road. Learn more online ⸻ Roger Williams Park Winter Wonderland Step into a holiday dream at Winter Wonderland from 12-4pm at Roger Williams Park, where festive lights, seasonal cheer, and community warmth come together for a magical afternoon for all ages. Learn more online |
Sunday 12/7 | The Grinch Who Stole Brunch! The Grinch is crashing brunch at Brick Pizza Co. in Bristol, bringing a mix of holiday cheer, mischief, and merry photo opportunities from 10am-2pm. Learn more online ⸻ Ragged Island Holiday Market Sip local beer and shop seasonal finds at Ragged Island Brewing Company in Portsmouth from 12–5pm, where their expanded Holiday Market features vendors, plants, food trucks, and festive gift picks. Learn more online ⸻ Tiverton Farmers Market Spend your Sunday supporting local at the Tiverton Farmers Market’s winter season, open at Tiverton Middle School from 10am-1:30pm and filled with farms, food entrepreneurs, artists, and makers. Learn more online ⸻ Breakfast With Santa Dave & Buster’s in Providence is serving up a dose of cheer at 9am with Breakfast With Santa, complete with a festive buffet, arcade play, and chances to meet the big guy himself. Learn more online ⸻ Storytime with Len Cabral: Holiday Storytelling at The Beatrice Join award-winning storyteller Len Cabral at The Beatrice in Providence at 11am for a free, family-friendly hour of holiday tales in the hotel’s beautifully decorated lobby. Learn more online ⸻ Christmas at Whitehall Museum House Step into a simpler season at Christmas at Whitehall Museum House in Middletown from 1-3pm where colonial charm, holiday treats, wassail, and candlelit cheer welcome guests of all ages for a festive afternoon steeped in tradition. Learn more online ⸻ Riffraff Bookstore and Bar Winter Market Head to Riffraff Bookstore and Bar in PVD from 1-5pm for a cozy afternoon of shopping, sipping, and browsing handmade treasures like knitwear, jewelry, pottery, flash tattoos, and zines, all in the heart of the bookstore cafe. Learn more online ⸻ Shepherd’s Run Holiday Markets Wander through the festively decorated halls of Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown from 11am-4pm, where cozy seasonal sips, sweet treats, and thoughtfully curated artisan goods make for a perfect holiday shopping escape. Learn more online ⸻ Pet Photos with Santa at Newport Harbor Island Resort Grab your pups and head to Newport Harbor Island Resort, where Santa and Mrs. Claus are striking a pose from 12-2pm with your furry friends to support The Greyson Foster Fund, complete with festive treats, drinks, and a photo booth to capture the cheer. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Paws Downtown Block Pawty Celebrate the season with your four-legged bestie at the Holiday Paws Downtown Block Pawty in Providence from 12-4pm, featuring live music, local shopping, pup-friendly contests, Santa photos, and joyful fun that supports the Providence Animal Rescue League. Learn more online ⸻ Swell Folk Festival Fundraiser at Myrtle Gather your friends and soak in the sounds of soulful folk and Americana at Myrtle in East Providence from 2-5pm, where live music, community spirit, and good vibes come together to support the Swell Folk Festival. Learn more online ⸻ Make & Mingle: Ornament Workshop at Roots Heaven Farms Add a little sparkle to your season at Roots Heaven Farm in Smithfield from 1-3pm, where you’ll craft custom ornaments at the Make and Take Bar, try your hand at diamond painting, and soak in the cozy holiday vibes of the farm. Learn more online ⸻ PVD Flea Holiday Market Shop small, gift big, and soak up the festive feels at The Flea’s Holiday Market series from 11am to 3pm on December 7, 14, and 21, where vintage charm and local love fill every corner of Farm Fresh Market Hall. Learn more online ⸻ Breakfast with Santa at Hometown Tavern Treat the family to a festive Christmas morning at Hometown Tavern as you enjoy a holiday breakfast buffet, cheerful caroling, kids’ crafts, and a cozy Elves Room shopping experience with a visit from Santa. Learn more online |
Monday 12/8 | Youth Open Mic at Empire Young musicians ages 9-18 are invited to perform at Empire Tea & Coffee in Newport at 5pm, where Newport Festivals hosts its debut Youth Open Mic night. Learn more online ⸻ Create Your Own Travel & Inspirational Journals Let your creativity unfold at the Wickford Art Association from 11am-2pm, where Victoria Bishop leads a workshop on making two handmade watercolor journals without any sewing or binding. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Hey Rhody Weekly: 8 Rhode Island Stores to Make Your Christmas Extra Rhody
Get ready to sleigh your holiday shopping list! This week on Hey Rhody Weekly, Nick and Jenna unwrap 8 Stores for a Very Rhody Christmas, spotlighting local gems that make gift-giving easy (and extra Ocean State-y). Tune in for laughs, local love, and plenty of festive inspo to shop small and shine bright this season.
Meet the Maker Redefining Wearable Art in Rhode Island
Phillip StGermain of SaintArtPhilly transforms reclaimed fabrics into one of a kind hats that blend slow fashion, storytelling, and pure creative instinct. From denim scraps to thrifted belts, each piece becomes wearable art that promises confidence, individuality, and a style no one else will ever have. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Phillip StGermain
⭐ Looking for a new weeknight ritual to make Tuesdays feel less… Tuesday? CRU PVD just launched dinner service on Tuesdays, complete with a Tini Tuesday special that pairs one of their signature martinis with a pasta dish or a Caesar salad and tater tots for $29.95. It’s a cozy, cocktail-forward midweek treat worth adding to your Rhody Rec radar.
⭐ Looking for a meaningful way to give back this season? Communities across South County are looking for volunteers, from stocking shelves at the East Greenwich Interfaith Food Cupboard to helping out at North Kingstown’s food pantry or Peace Dale’s Jonnycake Center. Wherever you are, there’s a local spot where an extra pair of hands can make a real difference.
⭐ Ever wonder what Rhode Island’s coastline looks like beneath the waves? PBS’s new four-part documentary series Ocean State is diving into Block Island’s waters and the coastal habitats that define life in the Ocean State, blending cinematic science with local conservation stories. With award-winning filmmaker Tomas Koeck at the helm, viewers can expect stunning underwater footage, expert insight, and a fresh look at the marine world right in our backyard.