Christmastime in the City

50+ ways to eat, drink, and get your merry on all season long

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There’s something magical about December in the Capital City: Lampposts festooned in ribbon and garland; small shops stocked with holiday offerings; restaurants serving up cinnamon-spiced seasonal goodies. There are tree and menorah lightings, classic performances, art markets and craft shows. And while spots like Benefit and Westminster Streets offer a special charm all year round, they become especially festive in anticipation of holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. Whether you describe yourself as Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, or the Mensch on the Bench, we’ve assembled a stocking-full of ways for you to eat, drink, and get your merry on all month long – in Providence fashion, of course.

 

Through December 23: The hallowed Providence Art Club sets up shop for small art objects at affordable prices during their Little Pictures Show & Sale. 

December 5: Get into the holiday spirit with some, er, holiday spirits at Lippitt House Museum’s Christmas Scotch Party, featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, whiskey, and Victorian fanfare.  


December 6-7: City Hall’s tree lighting is accompanied by the PVD Winter Lights Market, a two-day city tradition with champion figure skating demonstrations, special giveaways, live performances, Eat Drink RI Market, and more. 

December 7: New Urban Arts adds edge to the Providence cultural scene – and its annual market wins for most original name: Cardboard Pancakes! 

December 8: Don your ugliest Christmas sweater and strut around the East Side during the Hope Street Winter Stroll, sipping, savoring, and shopping all the way. 

December 8: Entertainer Bill Harley performs a family concert at Temple Beth-El as part of their Hanukkah celebration. 

December 8 & 15: Check out the Providence Flea Holiday Market’s new indoor home at WaterFire Arts Center. 

December 13-15: Festival Ballet Providence’s production of The Nutcracker brings you on an enchanted journey through spectacular sets, choreography, and dancing. 

December 13-15: RI Philharmonic partners with Providence Singers to present Handel’s Messiah, the beloved holiday classic concert. 

December 14: Explore centuries-old Yuletide traditions like DIY tree decorations, candy-filled Christmas crackers, and guided tours of Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum

December 14: After a huge inaugural success, the Rat Pack returns to Skyline for a special seasonal show! Enjoy a night of music, cocktails, dinner, and DJ’d afterparty on the Providence River. 

December 15: Rhody’s young vocal star Billy Gilman performs his favorite Christmas tunes alongside the ones that made him famous during his Home for the Holidays concert at The Vets

December 15: The Arcade Farmers & Artisans Market pops up at the oldest indoor mall for some last-minute holiday shopping.

December 17-22: Your favorite grouchy, green Who from Whoville is coming to Providence in Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

December 18: WGBH brings talent from all over the Celtic world to The Vets to perform Celtic, Pagan, and Christian-inspired seasonal songs and sounds during A Christmas Celtic Sojourn

December 19: Grab tickets to The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Yes, you read that right! It’s a holly jolly mash-up between the classic score and not-so-classic dance moves. 

December 26-29: Okay, so Mickey, Moana, and the Frozen gang might not be your classic Christmas characters, but Disney On Ice: Celebrate Memories is still a magical wintertime show. 

December 31: Replicate a typical Italian New Year’s Eve dinner on Federal Hill at Chef Walter’s Cooking School

December 31: NYE at the Providence G has a party for everyone. In the Ballroom, find a glamorous red-carpet affair; on the Rooftop, they’re bringing it back to the ‘70s; and in the Pub, it’s a big ol’ party. 

December 31: There’s something about watching the virtual ball drop and fireworks show over the city that makes NYE at Skyline a magical welcome to 2020. 

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