Kids' Holiday Activities in Providence050

It's merry, it's busy, it's the holiday season, and many family-oriented holiday activities fill up the calendar. Neighborhood by neighborhood, here are some of our must-do events.

Holiday Strolls: Some of our favorite festive events include the Federal Hill Holiday Stroll and the Downtown Holiday Stroll. In Pawtuxet, the village-wide open house includes carriage rides, a visit with Santa, crafts, carolers, and refreshments.

Santa Sightings: Santa arrives at the Roger Williams Park Zoo by helicopter (!) Thanksgiving weekend. He pays a visit to several Newport mansions, too.

Historic House Christmases: At Blithewold Mansion, visitors can wander through the mansion, lavishly decorated in the tradition of holidays from long ago. Afternoon tea is served in the Dining Room Wed-Fri, and a variety of live musical performances are given nightly at 6:30pm. Young visitors can enjoy a story time every Wednesday at 4pm or sign up for one of the Children's Teas (advance registration required).

During the annual Christmas at the Newport Mansions, where families can visit The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House, all decked out for the holidays.

Performances of The Nutcracker include those by the Festival Ballet Providence and the Heritage Ballet. The Island Moving Company dance troupe presents its annual holiday production of The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff in late November.
Ice Skating: Lace up for some outdoor skating at the Bank of America City Center and the Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center in Newport.

Farther Afield
In Carver, MA, Edaville Railroad hosts its annual Holiday Festival of Lights, during which families can hop on board the heated narrow gauge train for a tour of more than seven million twinkling holiday lights spread throughout the two-mile round trip, take a spin on the antique carousel or other vintage rides, and pay a visit to Santa.

What holiday activities are your family's favorites in the greater Providence area? Let us know by sending an email to ri@parentsconnect.com and we'll add it to our list here!