Happy Wednesday!

It has been a heavy week, and our hearts are with the Brown University community and the wider Providence community following this past weekend’s tragic shooting. Rhode Island’s small size makes everything feel close to home, and many of us are feeling that weight deeply. We love this state and the way people show up for one another, especially in difficult moments. With that in mind, here are this weekend’s events, thoughtfully curated as opportunities to gather, connect, and support one another, in times of grief and always.

Outdoor & Nature

🦭 Seals and Sea Ducks
Friday • 9:45 AM–4:45 PM • Prudence Island • Narragansett Bay
Spend the day exploring winter wildlife by van and foot. Spot sea ducks, waterfowl, and harbor seals while soaking up scenic island views. Ferry departs Bristol at 9:45 AM. Reservations required.

❄️ Festival of Trees at Kinney Azalea Garden
Friday–Sunday • 10 AM–3 PM • Kinney Azalea Garden • Kingston
Stroll whimsical garden trails glowing with nature-inspired trees, winter magic, kids activities, caroling, cocoa, and a special Winter Solstice dance performance in the Moon Garden.

🌲 Winter Solstice Community Gathering + Hikes
Sunday • 10 AM–1 PM • Leo Bouchard Conservation Center • Smithfield
Celebrate the shortest day with cozy crafts hot cider and guided hikes through Wolf Hill Preserve. A family friendly solstice gathering filled with reflection nature connection and welcoming the light’s return.

Food & Drink

🍪 Santa Cookie Decorating at Phantom Farms
Saturday & Sunday • 10 AM–12 PM and 12–2 PM • Phantom Farms • Cumberland
Two sweet days of holiday fun. Kids decorate two gingerbread cookies with frosting and sprinkles, then meet Santa for photos. Spots go fast so grab a ticket and bring your camera! $24.99 child.

🎅 Brunch With Santa at CRU PVD
Sunday • 9 AM- 3 PM • CRU PVD Kitchen & Bar • Providence
Bring your little ones for a joyful holiday brunch with Santa and friends! Enjoy a cozy breakfast, festive cheer, and sweet moments perfect for photos and family memories.

🍬 Sweet Bites & Savory Spirits Cooking Celebration
Sunday • 1–3 PM • Sarcastic Sweets • East Providence
Mix sweet treats and savory bites in this hands-on cooking class with spirited sips from White Dog Distillery. Cook, taste, and celebrate together in a fun, flavor-packed afternoon.

Entertainment

🩰 Ballet RI presents The Nutcracker
Friday-Sunday • Times Vary • The Vets • Providence
A beloved holiday tradition returns with magic and Rhode Island flair. Journey with Clara through swirling snowflakes, toy soldiers, and the Land of Sweets in this festive ballet for all ages.

🎧 DJ Holiday Dance Party
Friday • 8–11 PM • RiffRaff Bookstore + Bar • Providence
Clear the tables and hit the dance floor for RiffRaff’s first ever holiday dance party! DJs Bimbo Jackie and Caloric spin festive beats all night. Dress merry, bring friends, and dance it out.

🎺 Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright
Saturday • 7:30 PM • The Park Theater • Cranston
Celebrate the season with the world-famous Canadian Brass! Expect dazzling sound festive favorites playful wit and joyful holiday classics that will leave you smiling and fully in the spirit.

🎶 Christmas Cabaret at Pump House Music Works
Sunday • 3–9 PM • Pump House Music Works • South Kingstown
Settle in for a festive music-filled night with Fave, Bill Bartholomew, and friends. Enjoy live performances, a full bar, and good cheer while supporting the Jonnycake Center for Hope.

Arts, Crafts & Culture

🎄 Pawtucket Farmer’s Market Holiday Market
Friday • 3:30–7:30 PM • Jordan’s Jungle • Pawtucket
Kick off the weekend with early bird shopping, local makers, cozy food and drinks, and festive vibes. Browse gifts, sip something warm, and shop local before the holiday rush.

🎄 A Rough Point Holiday: After Dark
Friday & Saturday • 4–5:30 PM • Rough Point Museum • Newport
Sip cozy seasonal drinks and enjoy live jazz as Rough Point glows after dark. Gather with friends on the terrace for festive music, winter views, and a charming holiday evening by the sea.

🎨 Cultural Survival Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday • Times Vary • WaterFire Arts Center • Providence
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a global Indigenous holiday market! Shop authentic art, jewelry, clothing, and crafts from makers around the world. Enjoy music, storytelling, demonstrations, and cultural performances while finding meaningful gifts.

📖 Rhode Island Food Crawls Author Talk
Saturday • 4–5 PM • Symposium Books • Providence
Meet RI Monthly editor in chief Jaime Coelho for a lively chat about Rhode Island Food Crawls. Sip ideas for your next foodie adventure and get inspired to eat your way across the Ocean State.

🛍️ Narragansett “Last Chance” Holiday Vendor Marketplace
Sunday • 12–5 PM • Narragansett Brewery • Providence
Missed a few gifts? Swing by for a festive shop-local market filled with unique vendors, great beer, tasty bites, and cozy holiday vibes. Your final stop for thoughtful Rhode Island finds.

Rhody Kids

❄️ The Snowman Double-Feature
Friday • 7–8:30 PM • Music Mansion • Providence
Settle in for a cozy holiday night with live music by the Dylan Jack Quartet as The Snowman comes to life on screen, followed by The Snowman and the Snowdog. Family friendly magic kids under 10 free.

🎄 Hot Chocolate with the Grinch
Saturday • 10–12:30 PM • United Skates of America • Rumford
Roll into holiday fun with skating laser tag arcade games and a Grinch meet and greet. Build your own hot chocolate at the topping bar, snap photos and enjoy a playful morning packed with cheer.

🎅 Santa’s Workshop at Pump House Music Works
Saturday • 12–4 PM • Pump House Music Works • Wakefield
Meet Santa and his merry helpers for an afternoon of crafts, ornament making, cookie decorating, face painting, and a snowball fight dance party. Free entry with food donations encouraged for Jonnycake Center.

🎅 Storytime with Santa
Sunday • 10–11 AM • Barrington Books • Barrington
Gather under the tree for a merry Christmas storytime with Santa! Enjoy a festive tale, say hello, and share your holiday wish list during this cozy meet-and-greet. Perfect for little book lovers.

💚 Grinch Karaoke Party at The Quencher
Sunday • 1–4 PM • The Quencher • Newport
Let the chaos begin with kids karaoke and a mischievous meet and greet with the Grinch and Cindy Lou. Bring your camera enjoy laughs sing loud and soak up silly holiday fun.

See you next week!