Rhode Island Christmas & Holiday Events 2026 Carl DeLuca, November 30, 2024November 14, 2026 Let us know what weโve missed! Updated November 14, 2026 | Rhode Island Recommends From magnificent mansion displays and glowing neighborhood lights to Christmas markets, festivals and live performances, discover the best of Rhode Island this holiday season. Explore 43 holiday events and experiences throughout Rhode Island. We continue updating this guide as new events are announced. Dates and admission details may change, so check with organizers before heading out. EXPLORE THE GUIDE Coming Up Christmas Lights & Displays Festivals & Tree Lightings Holiday Markets Shows & Concerts Family Experiences New Year's Eve Christmas Lights Maps & Neighborhood Displays Looking for beautifully decorated houses? These residential Christmas lights maps are excellent places to start. Some locations were added in previous years, so check before traveling. Explore Holiday Lights Google Map 1 Explore Holiday Lights Google Map 2 (2024) Rhode Island Tacky Light Tour Coming Up: November 14โ29 Highlights include the Good Trade Makers Market and Rhode Island Christmas Festival (November 21โ22), the opening of Holidays at Newport Mansions (November 21), Cirque du Soleil at PPAC (November 24), Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade (November 27), Roger Williams Park Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular (November 27), and the new Rhode Island Lights Festival in Pawtucket (November 27). Christmas Lights & Decorated Mansions Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo Providence | November 27, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 5โ9:30 p.m.; closed December 24โ25 More than 3.5 million lights transform 40 acres of the zoo into a spectacular after-dark walking experience. Expect larger-than-life displays, seasonal refreshments and s'mores. Advance online tickets are required. Event Details & Tickets Sparkling Lights at The Breakers Newport | November 21 โ December 27, 2026 Selected evenings, 4โ8 p.m. Enjoy a half-mile illuminated walk through the grounds of The Breakers, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, seasonal music and a visit inside the decorated Vanderbilt mansion. Separate evening admission is required. Event Details & Tickets Holidays at the Newport Mansions Newport | November 21, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 Tour The Breakers, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and poinsettias. The Breakers and Marble House generally open daily, while Chateau-sur-Mer welcomes visitors on weekends. Event Details & Tickets Christmas at Blithewold & Sparkle! Bristol | November 24, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 Blithewold's holiday theme, Gifts of Nature, celebrates its gardens and woodlands. The evening Sparkle! experience features illuminated paths, a decorated historic manor, firepits and seasonal refreshments. Sparkle! admission is generally Tuesday through Sunday evenings. Event Details & Tickets Pawtucket Winter Wonderland Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket | December 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2026 4โ8 p.m. Hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, miniature holiday houses and illuminated displays transform Slater Park. Festival evenings feature entertainment and family activities. Admission and parking are free, although some activities carry a charge. Event Details Lewis Family Christmas Light Show 12 Shenandoah Road, Warwick | November 27 โ December 31, 2026 This popular synchronized residential display features colorful Christmas lights set to music broadcast on 106.9 FM. Admission is free, with optional donations supporting The Autism Project. Visitors should respect nearby homes and parking restrictions. Display Information Festival of Trees at Kinney Azalea Gardens South Kingstown | Select dates November 28, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 Nature-inspired decorations transform garden trails with woodland creatures, handcrafted ornaments and seasonal displays. Additional family activities and entertainment are offered on selected dates. Event Details Rhode Island Lights Festival Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket | November 27, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 A new holiday attraction featuring illuminated displays, a makers market, food and seasonal entertainment at Centreville Bank Stadium. Closed December 24โ25. Check the organizer for operating nights and admission information. Event Details & Tickets Conway Christmas Lights Extravaganza 265 Maple Valley Road, Coventry | November 22, 2026 โ January 1, 2027 This long-running residential light display generally operates from 4:30โ9 p.m. Voluntary donations benefit The Tomorrow Fund. Visitors should follow local traffic and parking instructions. Display Information โ Back to Top Festivals, Parades & Tree Lightings PVD Holiday Festival Downtown Providence | December 3โ6, 2026 Downtown Providence celebrates with markets, entertainment, skating, a holiday trolley and seasonal performances. Highlights include the December 4 Illuminate PVD Holiday Stroll and December 5 City Hall tree lighting. Festival Schedule 41st Wickford Festival of Lights Wickford Village, North Kingstown | December 3โ6, 2026 Historic Wickford Village glows with holiday lights, decorated shops, caroling and a tree lighting at Updike Park. Santa arrives by boat with kayaking reindeer, and the weekend includes an Elf Parade and other family activities. Festival Schedule Light Up Garden City Center Cranston | Saturday, November 28, 2026 2โ6 p.m. Garden City Center welcomes the season with live entertainment, holiday shopping, family photo opportunities and Santa's arrival. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Event Details Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade Newport | Friday, November 27, 2026 6 p.m.; rain date November 28 Decorated boats parade around Newport Harbor. Spectators can enjoy the display from waterfront wharves and public viewpoints. Organizers encourage food donations to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Event Details Bristol Grand Illumination Downtown Bristol | Saturday, December 5, 2026 Approximately 4:30โ6:30 p.m.; rain date December 6 Celebrate the holidays with local performers, seasonal music and the lighting of Bristol's Christmas tree and downtown decorations near the Burnside Building. Event Details 56th Annual Bowen's Wharf Tree Lighting Newport | Saturday, December 5, 2026 Festivities from 12:30 p.m.; tree lighting at 6 p.m. Enjoy seasonal shopping, waterfront festivities and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat, weather permitting. Free admission. Event Details Holiday Bright Night at Tiverton Four Corners Tiverton | Friday, December 4, 2026 4โ7 p.m. The historic Four Corners village welcomes visitors for an evening of decorated shops, galleries, seasonal displays and the re-Tree community exhibition. Event Details Jamestown Village Holiday Stroll Jamestown | Saturday, December 5, 2026 Seasonal shopping and activities lead up to Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat at East Ferry Wharf at 1 p.m., followed by the waterfront tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Additional Sip & Shop evenings are scheduled December 3, 10 and 17. Event Details East Greenwich Holiday Parade Main Street, East Greenwich | Sunday, December 6, 2026 The annual holiday parade, tree lighting and Santa celebrations return to downtown East Greenwich. Check organizer announcements for the final route and times. Event Details Narragansett Holiday Street Faire Clarke Center, Narragansett | Saturday, December 5, 2026 A community celebration featuring an artisan marketplace, Santa, strolling carolers, refreshments and family activities. Event Details Westerly Holiday Stroll & Luminaria Downtown Westerly | Wednesday, December 2, 2026 Downtown Westerly celebrates with holiday shopping, luminaria and seasonal activities. Check the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce for the latest schedule. Event Details 7th Annual Westerly Light Parade Downtown Westerly | Sunday, December 13, 2026 6 p.m.; weather date December 20 Illuminated floats and walking groups parade through downtown Westerly along High Street. Free to attend. Event Details Walk Through the Wildwoods Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center, East Greenwich | December 4โ5, 2026 4โ8 p.m. Two evenings of illuminated gardens, local artisans and seasonal refreshments. The organizer lists this as a free community event. Event Details Christmas on the Hill Federal Hill, Providence | November 28 & December 5, 2026 2โ6 p.m. Two festive Saturdays on Atwells Avenue featuring performances, carolers, trolley rides and shopping. The November 28 celebration includes a 5 p.m. tree lighting. Event Details โ Back to Top Holiday Markets & Shopping PVD Downcity Holiday Market Westminster Street and Grant's Block Park, Providence | December 3โ6, 2026 Independent vendors, artisan gifts, food and entertainment bring downtown Providence to life. Hours are Thursday and Friday 5โ9 p.m., Saturday noonโ8 p.m. and Sunday noonโ5 p.m. Market Details Bristol Christmas Festival & European Marketplace Unity Park, Bristol | December 5โ6, 2026 A European-inspired Christmas market featuring artisan vendors, food, entertainment and family activities, coinciding with Bristol's Grand Illumination weekend. Event Details Good Trade Makers Market WaterFire Arts Center, Providence | November 21โ22, 2026 11 a.m.โ5 p.m. Nearly 100 independent makers gather for an early holiday shopping weekend featuring art, design, handcrafted products and food. Admission is ticketed. Event Details The Foundry Artists Holiday Show Pawtucket Armory Arts Center | December 3โ6 & 11โ13, 2026 This annual holiday show features original art, handcrafted gifts and works by regional artists. An opening reception is scheduled for December 3. Event Details Providence Flea Holiday Markets Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, Providence | Sundays through December 20, 2026 11 a.m.โ3 p.m.; plus November 27 evening market Shop local makers, vintage vendors and independent businesses. A special Black Friday Night market runs November 27 from 5โ9 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Market Details BuyArt at WaterFire Arts Center Providence | November 19, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 A curated exhibition and sale of smaller original works by Rhode Island artists. Opening reception November 19 from 6โ9 p.m. Check holiday gallery hours before visiting. Event Details Rhode Island Christmas Festival West Warwick Civic Center | November 21โ22, 2026 A two-day family-friendly festival with more than 150 vendors, entertainment and food trucks. Admission and parking are free. Saturday 10 a.m.โ4 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.โ3 p.m. Event Details The Intentional Celebration: Holiday Edition WaterFire Arts Center, Providence | December 5โ6, 2026 Noonโ5 p.m. Curated makers, creative holiday displays, hands-on workshops and family activities. General admission is free, while VIP entry and certain workshops require tickets. Event Details Holiday Extravaganza at Newport Vineyards Middletown | December 11, 2026 5โ8 p.m. An evening of holiday shopping, live music, tastings and Santa appearances at Newport Vineyards. Adult admission is ticketed. Event Details A Very Merry Marketplace Crowne Plaza, Warwick | December 13, 2026 10 a.m.โ3:30 p.m. An indoor holiday marketplace featuring local vendors, bakers, handmade gifts and seasonal shopping. Free admission and parking. Event Details โ Back to Top Holiday Shows, Ballet & Concerts A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep Dowling Theater, Providence | November 5 โ December 31, 2026 Trinity Rep celebrates 50 years of its beloved holiday tradition with a production directed by Taavon Gamble. We attended the November 11 press-night performance and came away impressed by this anniversary production of Dickens' classic. RI RECOMMENDS REVIEW A Christmas Tradition Worth Rediscovering. Our firsthand review looks at this year's production and why the tradition continues to resonate with Rhode Island audiences. Read Our Full Review โ Performance Schedule & Tickets Ballet RI's The Nutcracker The VETS, Providence | December 17โ27, 2026 Professional ballet dancers and talented local youth performers bring Clara, the Mouse King and the Land of Sweets to life in this beloved seasonal production. Selected performances offer special experiences. Performance Schedule & Tickets The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff Rosecliff, Newport | November 25, 27โ29 & December 1โ4, 2026 Newport Contemporary Ballet's distinctive production moves through the rooms of Rosecliff mansion, surrounding guests with a Nutcracker performance in a spectacular Gilded Age setting. Limited-capacity performances for ages six and older. Performance Schedule & Tickets Newport Classical Holiday Concerts Newport | December 5, 6 & 12, 2026 The holiday series includes Christmas with Cantus, Messiah at the Mansion at Rosecliff, and Classical Christmas with Frisson. Check individual concerts for venues and tickets. Concert Schedule A Musical Retelling of A Christmas Carol at The Breakers Newport | Thursday, December 17, 2026 7 p.m. The vocal ensemble Skylark presents a one-night musical adaptation of Dickens' classic, narrated by Christine Baranski, inside The Breakers mansion. Event Information Ice Theatre of New York at the Providence Rink Downtown Providence | Friday, December 4, 2026 7 and 8:15 p.m. Professional ice dancers perform two free shows during the PVD Holiday Festival, followed by a skating dance party with a DJ. Event Details 'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil Providence Performing Arts Center | November 24 โ December 6, 2026 Cirque du Soleil comes to PPAC with its first holiday-themed family theatrical production. Inspired by the classic Christmas poem, the show combines breathtaking acrobatics, festive music, colorful characters and a heartwarming holiday story. Approximately 85 minutes with no intermission. Performance Schedule & Tickets โ Back to Top Family Experiences & Seasonal Traditions Blackstone Valley Polar Express Woonsocket | Weekends, November 6 โ December 20, 2026 Depart from Woonsocket's historic train depot for a magical holiday outing featuring a train ride, storytelling, music, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. The complete experience lasts approximately three hours, including a 90-minute train ride. Tickets often sell out. Event Details & Tickets Newport Holiday Lantern Walking Tours Historic Newport | Selected dates in November and December 2026 Explore Newport's historic streets by lantern light while learning how residents celebrated the winter holidays in earlier centuries. Tours depart from the Colony House in Washington Square. Tour Schedule & Tickets Ice Skating at The Providence Rink Downtown Providence | Winter season, weather permitting Downtown Providence's outdoor rink offers a classic winter outing with public skating, seasonal programming and ice bumper-car experiences. Check the calendar for hours and reservations. Holiday Festival Information โ Back to Top New Year's Eve & New Year's Day Planning to welcome 2027? Our separate New Year's Eve in Rhode Island Guide covers fireworks, parties, special dinners, live entertainment and New Year's Day activities. We'll continue updating that guide with confirmed 2026 celebrations as venues announce their plans. Be sure to verify the year and event details before making reservations. Help Us Keep This Guide Current Know about a Rhode Island Christmas light display, holiday festival, tree lighting, market or performance we've missed? Let RI Recommends know. We'll continue adding events throughout the season. Please note: Event dates, admission policies, prices and schedules may change. Confirm details with organizers before traveling or purchasing tickets. โ Back to Top Carl DeLuca Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Events Seasonal Guides Christmas