Weekends November 11–December 23
Blackstone Valley Polar Express: Inspired by the classic Christmas tale, enjoy a 90-minute train ride complete with singing, storytelling, games, cookies, hot chocolate, and a souvenir silver bell. The magic continues at the depot, with a stage show, photo ops, and children’s activities. Woonsocket, BlackstoneValleyPolarExpress.com
November 24
Rhode Island Family Turkey Trot 5K: Slip into sneakers and start Thanksgiving day with a 5K excursion through historic Pawtucket and Central Falls, an annual event benefiting the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Don’t miss the post-race party at Murphy’s Law. FamilyTurkeyTrot.com
November 25
Ornament Presents the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute: Southern New England’s own rock orchestra puts on a stunning musical tribute, complete with a dazzling light show. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
November 25-27
{SANTA SIGHTING} Christmas in the Valley: Find unique handcrafted and functional items – from jewelry and pottery to fancy food and more – at this juried holiday show at Foster Country Club. Santa visits on Sunday! Foster, ChristmasInTheValleyRI.com
November 26
Kevin Doyle’s Roscommon Soles Thanksgiving Holiday Concert: Named for a traditional jig, “Health to the Ladies” is a themed concert celebrating the generations of women keeping Irish traditions alive around the holiday hearth. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org
Christkindlmarkt: The German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island hosts a German Christmas market featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and traditional food and drink (including Glühwein, mulled wine). Pawtucket, GACSRI.org
November 26-27
The Nutcracker: A little girl receives a nutcracker for Christmas and a magical adventure ensues. This Christmas classic is captured in beautiful motion by the Heritage Ballet. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
November 30
Trim A Tree: Craft and decorate your own tabletop boxwood Christmas tree, an adorable addition to your own home or great as a gift. Woonsocket, StAnnArtsAndCulturalCenter.org
December 1-4 & December 9-11
The Foundry Show: Browse a curated selection of art, participate in a silent auction, and bring canned goods to donate to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in lieu of an admission fee at this one-of-a-kind holiday sale created and run by the artisans themselves. Pawtucket, FoundryShow.com
December 1, 8, 15 & 22
Candlelight Shopping: Explore historic Chepachet Village by the glow of antique street lights during this series of special evenings full of music, shopping, and entertainment. Glocester, CandlelightShopping.com
December 2
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The classic TV special springs to life in this faithful stage adaptation with all your favorite characters. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
December 2-3
{SANTA SIGHTING} 22nd Annual Candlelight Stroll: At press time this Scituate Village event was unconfirmed but our fingers are crossed because it’s a festive time with food trucks, shopping, carolers, the Clauses, and more. Scituate, Facebook: NSVBA Scituate RI
December 3
Carpenters Tribute Christmas Show – Top of The World: Singer Debbie Taylor and a seven-piece band of talented instrumentalists perform Carpenters’ greatest hits to perfection. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
{SANTA SIGHTING} All Lit Up Christmas Parade: Smithfield channels the holiday spirit with an annual parade packed with festive floats, walkers, music, and more. Facebook: Smithfield’s All Lit Up Christmas Parade
BRT Holiday Craft Fair and Festival: Support the Blackstone River Theatre while shopping local this holiday season, with lots of unique vendors, live music, raffle prizes, a bake sale, and more. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org
A Very, Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas: Nova Scotian sisters and singer-songwriters put a 21st century stamp on Celtic music with an electrifying performance of strings, voices, and step dance. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org
December 3-4
3rd Annual Hoppy Holidays: The Guild and Field of Artisans redefine the best way to spread Christmas cheer – with shopping small and drinking beer. Pawtucket, FieldOfArtisans.com
December 3, 4, 10 & 11
{SANTA SIGHTING} Old-Fashioned Christmas: Travel back in time as you tour the breathtakingly decorated rooms of the historic Hearthside House, complete with festive music and, of course, Santa. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org
Winter Wonderland: Slater Park transforms into a true spectacle with hundreds of decorated trees and Victorian “houses,” hay rides, historic carousel, miniature train, and even an 18-foot talking snowman. Pawtucket, WinterWonderlandPawtucket.com
December 4
Handel’s Messiah: Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra performs the Christmas portion of Handel’s celebratory work at St. James Church. Manville, RICCO.org
December 7
Holiday Pops Concert: Your favorite Christmas concert returns with a collaborative performance by the Ocean State Pops Orchestra and the music department at Saint Rocco’s Church. Johnston, OceanStatePops.org
December 7, 8 & 15
Divas of Drag: Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz host a night of fierce, festive fun. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
December 9-11
Christmas in the Village: The small town of Scituate transforms for a weekend of holiday cheer, including a Festival of Trees, high school holiday pops concert, and more. Scituate, Facebook: Scituate Business Association - RI
December 9-18
A Christmas Carol: The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future return in this contemporary adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
December 10
Christmas Party: Eat, drink, and be merry during this festive night at St. Ann’s Arts and Cultural Center. Woonsocket, StAnnArtsAndCulturalCenter.org
Community Tamalada: Families with children gather at Adams Library for a reading of the beloved Christmas book, Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto and then join Rhode Island Latino Arts learning how to make Mexican tamales and champurrado. Central Falls, RILatinoArts.org
December 21-22
Kitty Litter is Home for Christmas: Kitty slays (or should we say, sleighs) this show full of musical comedy and quick-witted banter sure to have you feeling jolly. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
December 23
Polar Express Free Movie Night: All aboard for a special showing of Chris Van Allsburg’s magical tale. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
December 28 & 30
Home for the Holidays: Experience the full history behind the Hearthside House, a gorgeous 1810 Federal style home that dazzles during the holidays. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org
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