It’s the holiday season and across the East Bay, there’s a feeling of magic in the salty air! Local shops, venues, restaurants, and more have planned all kinds of experiences to get neighbors in festive moods, from bustling parties and street fairs to creating gifts and treats at workshops, annual performances, and so much more. And for those little believers, we’ve called out where to spot that jolly old elf by marking listings with SANTA! so you don’t miss “one of his helpers” in the wild.
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Holiday Wine Series: Spend an evening at Blithewold tasting wine and learning about perfect pairings for every holiday occasion. Wednesdays, Bristol, Blithewold.org
Annual Re-Tree Exhibition: The Tiverton Farmers Market sponsors this outdoor showcase of locally crafted trees made from recycled materials. Vote for your favorite and don’t miss the closing event and awards ceremony on the final night. TivertonFourCorners.com
Music in the Living Room Series: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as live music fills historic Blithewold, festooned in its holiday finery. Bristol, Blithewold.org
A Coggashell Christmas: Start a fresh Christmas tradition at Coggasgell Farm. Frolic through the tree pathway, play traditional games, and enjoy classic stories. Experience music, cheer, and enjoyment for all ages. Bristol, CoggeshallFarm.org
Bristol Santa House: This free-of-charge holiday destination is focused on creating magical Christmas experiences for children with special needs and their families, run entirely by volunteers. BristolSantaHouse.org
Holiday Lantern Tours: Learn about early American holiday traditions in Newport while exploring the city by lantern light during this special yuletide tour. Fridays and Saturdays, NewportHistory.org
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: The mansion’s grounds shine with thousands of holiday lights, an illuminated tunnel, and no shortage of glittering surprises. Plus, stop at any of the six fire pits for a s’mores kit, holiday treats, and even an adult bevvie. NewportMansions.org
Miracle on South Division Street: The Nowak family’s faith is threatened when a confession causes their miraculous Christmas legend to come under scrutiny. NewportPlayhouse.com
Sparkle!: See the Blithewold Mansion and grounds aglow in thousands of lights and bamboo decorations. Stroll illuminated paths, sip hot chocolate, and try your hand at a scavenger hunt. Thursday-Sunday, Bristol, Blithewold.org
Holidays at the Newport Mansions: The magic returns to the mansions with twinkling lights, trimmed trees, decorated mantels, and a jaw-dropping display of poinsettias in the Great Hall of The Breakers. NewportMansions.org
Wreath Decorating Workshop: DIY this holiday season with an evening wreath decorating workshop. While you’re at it, enjoy a cocktail and listen to some carols on this crafty night out. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
{SANTA!} Holiday Bright Night: Charming Tiverton Four Corners is aglow for a magical night of shopping and strolling through lit galleries and retailers. TivertonFourCorners.com
Newport Nutcracker: The Island Moving Company takes you through the ballroom, salon, and staircase of historic Rosecliff mansion during this unique, experiential production of the classic ballet. IslandMovingCo.org
{SANTA!} Bowen’s Wharf 53rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Newport’s historic waterfront is adorned in holiday lights and decorations for a special evening of music, caroling, tree lighting, and a visit via boat from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Newport, BowensWharf.com
Christmas By The Sea: Stroll through iconic downtown Newport and shop your way through specially curated gifts by makers and artisans. Newport, BridalShowsByKelly.com
Grand Illumination and Parade: The East Bay’s long-standing yuletide tradition returns for an iconic Christmas tree lighting and parade. See it for yourself in person or enjoy the livestream on Facebook. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com
Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale: Peruse gorgeous holiday greenery put together by the pros – or take a stab at making your own – during this annual event benefiting the children and families supported by Lucy’s Hearth. Middletown, LucysHearth.org
Messiah at the Mansion: Handel’s iconic oratorio is performed at Rosecliff by Ensemble Altera, offering a boldly reimagined chamber version. NewportClassical.org
{SANTA!} Sing Along with Santa: Bring the whole family for some good old-fashioned caroling with the beloved man in red, who will read The Night Before Christmas, followed by cookies and cocoa. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Holiday Terrariums: Join Blithewold horticulturists for step-by-step instruction in creating your own themed terrarium. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop: Nothing beats the smell of wood fire and balsam, so follow your nose to Brick Pizza Co. for a cozy night of pizza and wreath decorating with Coastal Blooms. Bristol, Eventbrite: Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Cookie Decorating Class: Learn how to make sugar cookies and royal icing, and decorate desserts like a professional baker with tips and tricks on icing techniques – perfect for families, friends, or solo bakers. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
Hanukkah: The festival of lights begins at sundown. At press time events are unconfirmed, but be sure to go online for updates on city and town hall menorah lightings. RabbiWarwick.com
Sensory-Friendly Winter Wonderland: All are welcome to celebrate the holiday season with photo booths, a visit from Santa, and sweet treats of peppermint wonders and sugarplum dreams. Warren, BiermanAutism.com
Festival Weekend: Enjoy a European-style Christmas market complete with wreath-making workshops, specialty-themed huts, unique photo ops, and traditional fare like mulled wine and apple cakes. Plus, discover holiday happenings at participating locales. ChristmasBristolRI.com
Holiday Coffee, Carols, and Cocktail Cruises: Start your morning with Christmas carols, coffee, and a boat ride, or in the afternoon, indulge in an adult bevvy while listening to holiday tunes and cruising along Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Newport, CoastalQueenCruises.com
ELF Film Screening: An annual community event sponsored by the Memorial Funeral Home, come out to see Buddy’s antics, and for free admission, bring a food donation for the MLK Center. Newport, JanePickens.com
Holiday Mingle & Jingle Celebration: Things get jolly at the Lobster Pot for their annual holiday extravaganza and raffle, complete with a delicious dinner and a cash bar. Bristol, EastBayChamberRI.org
Holiday Floral Arrangement Class: Assemble an elegant table centerpiece out of blooms with help from a floral designing expert, with all the materials you’ll need provided. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Christmas Story Time: Gather the whole family to listen to a special live broadcast featuring members of Bristol’s US Coast Guard Station reading their favorite Christmas classics. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com
Book Signing with Pamela McColl: The author and historian behind ‘Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem appears at the Museum of Newport History to sign copies of her book, celebrating the poem’s 200th anniversary. NewportHistory.org
Classical Christmas: Enjoy an afternoon of holiday chamber music including works from the classical repertoire, traditional carols, and a grand finale featuring selections from Vivaldi’s Gloria; a festive reception hosted by the Vestry of Emmanuel Church follows. NewportClassical.org
Holiday Market at Pivotal Brewing: The year-round Mount Hope Farm farmers market hosts an especially merry market, this year at Pivotal Brewing Co., with no shortage of vendors and holiday fun. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
Holiday Dinner Dance: This annual black-tie event channels Great Gatsby vibes with a cocktail hour, three-course seated dinner, and dancing throughout the decorated rooms of The Breakers. NewportMansions.org
Newport Live: Enjoy traditional honkey-tonk country sounds from The Sweetback Sisters, a Brooklyn, NY-based duo in a Christmas Sing-along Spectacular at the Jamestown Arts Center. Jamestown, NewportLive.org
{SANTA!} Meet and Greet with Santa Cruise & Holiday Bubbly Cruises: Mix, mingle, and get your jingle on aboard the Coastal Queen during this special cruise with Santa, hot chocolate, and candy canes, and a cruise with prosecco later in the afternoon. Newport, CoastalQueenCruises.com
A Night with the Butler and Lady’s Maid: Step back in time with a special self-guided holiday tour by candlelight, detailing the lives and duties of Blithewold’s historic household staff. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Meet Your Maker Winter Market: Hope & Main’s local food and beverage market features craft cocktails, familiar vendors, kids’ activities, and live music for a special holiday edition. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org
Holidays at the JPT – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Party: Sit back and relax at the Jane Pickens Theatre with live music, film screening, and cookies. Newport, JanePickens.com
Holiday Centerpiece Workshop: Craft a beautiful floral holiday centerpiece for your table with Thistle and Posy at Mount Hope Farm. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
Holidays at the JPT – It’s a Wonderful Life: Share the experience of watching George Bailey and an angel earn his wings at this screening of the classic film. Newport, JanePickens.com
Kwanzaa: At press time events are unconfirmed but follow Sankofa Community Connection for updates on 2023 events. SankofaNewportRI.org
A Chanler Soirée for New Year’s Eve: Send the year off in style with a glamorous night that includes luxe-crafted cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and seafood stations before digging into a lavish four-course dinner. Dancing and a champagne toast caps the night. Newport, TheChanler.com
New Year’s Eve at the Mansion: Endless champagne, handcrafted cocktails, indulgent dishes and live music from Golden Estate House Band set the stage for a fanciful fete. Tarot readings, festive surprises, and more are on the agenda. Newport, AubergeResorts.com
Five Course Meal at Castle Hill: The Dining Room at Castle Hill features a five-course menu including a main and dessert. Clink glasses at midnight with a complimentary champagne toast. Newport, CastleHillInn.com
New Year’s Eve at The Viking: Ring in 2024 in Gilded Age fashion harkening back to the days of the Vanderbilts and Astors on Bellevue Avenue. Newport, HotelViking.com
Before the big guy (or his helpers) make the big trek across the world, they visit as many places around Rhode Island as possible. Here are seven spots around the state expecting a visit.
December 1: Smithfield
The town green channels the holiday spirit with the All Lit Up Christmas Parade, packed with festive floats, walkers, music, and more. Facebook: Smithfield’s All Lit Up Christmas Parade
December 2: Jamestown
Board the Coastal Queen for a kid-friendly holiday boat ride with Mrs. Claus leading storytime, hot chocolate, and of course, a special red-and-white-striped candy treat. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children at the Conanicut Gift Shop. CoastalQueenCruises.com
December 2, 3, 9 & 10: Lincoln
Travel back in time for the Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration as you tour decorated rooms of the historic Hearthside House, complete with festive music and, of course, Santa. HearthsideHouse.org
December 6: Westerly
Bundle up for an enchanting evening of holiday magic, complete with luminaria-lined sidewalks, hayrides with Santa, strolling carolers, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and special shopping opportunities at the 25th Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria. OceanChamber.org
December 8-23: Watch Hill
Sleepy Santa is having a vacation from all that holiday madness, but before he goes to bed, children are welcome to visit him, take a photo, and receive their first gift of Christmas at the Santa Check In event. OceanHouseEvents.com
December 9: Warwick
The Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival is just that, and a parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, vendors, arts
and crafts, horse-drawn carriages, and more! Facebook: Warwick RI Tourist Department
December 10: Richmond
Join the big guy for brunch! After photos and cookies, take a wonderful wintry wagon ride, perfect for all ages. PreserveASpot.com
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