Take a break from the holiday season hustle and bustle at these weekend events
The holiday season is officially upon us, which means there plenty happening.
From the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and family events to grabbing that photo with Santa, our weekends are going to be pretty busy for the next month. Of course that doesn't mean we can't take some time to enjoy the things we like most about the season.
Maybe it's live music or finding the perfect wreath to hang on the front door. Shopping Christmas fairs to find something unique and support local crafters and businesses, or maybe just watch the twinkle in a child's eye as a Christmas tree is lit while Santa watches nearby.
If that's the type of event you're looking for then this weekend will have you covered. Check out some great events and start making your plans.
Central Baptist Church’s Christmas Fair
On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., shoppers at Central Baptist Church’s Christmas Fair, will find the ever-popular gift baskets, fresh evergreen wreaths, baked goods, Re-gift Table bargains and – new this year – decorative shells and unique birdhouses made from license plates. Shoppers will also find a wide selection of handmade gifts for sale by more than a dozen R.I. artists and crafters. Gift items include handcrafted wallets, wind chimes, children’s books, pottery, gourmet dog treats, recycled/redesigned jewelry, handmade books, fiber arts, Alpaca yarn and clothing, candles, bath salts and paintings on slate. In addition, shoppers interested in purchasing a professional holiday photo (families, children, couples, pets!) against a seasonal backdrop should come dressed in their holiday best.
Newport String Project concert series
The Newport String Project is delighted to host the second installment of its Newport County Concert Series on Saturday and Sunday. The project’s resident ensemble, the Newport String Quartet, will perform dazzling works by Bartók, Bacewicz, Kodály, Schulhoff and Darvishi at Newport Art Museum on Saturday and Four Corners Arts Center on Sunday.
The Newport String Quartet will perform an eclectic program of duos, trios and quartets by composers whose music has been subject to various forms of oppression and censorship. From familiar voices of the 20th century (Bartók and Kodály), to lesser known voices, whose work is finally getting its due (Bacewicz and Schulhoff), to important voices of today (Aftab Darvishi), this atmospheric and thought-provoking program is not to be missed.
For tickets to Saturday's show at 2 p.m. at the Newport Art Musuem visit https://newportartmuseum.org/events/newport-string-project-winter-concert/
For tickets to Sunday's show at 2 p.m. at the Four Corners Art Center in Tiverton visit https://www.fourcornersarts.org/concerts-events
Designer wreath sale
The annual designer wreath sale to benefit Lucy's Hearth will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Easton's Beach Rotunda.
For more information visit lucyshearth.org
Newport Navy Choristers concert
The Newport Navy Choristers present their annual concert on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. Proceeds will benefit the Women's Resource Center of Newport County.
Visit wrcnbc.org/events/christmas-in-song/ for more information and to buy advance tickets.
Portsmouth tree lighting
On Sunday, Santa will arrive at the Portsmouth Public Free Library on a firetruck to lead us in a song and light our tree. Once inside, families will have a chance to meet Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.. Santa arrives at around 6 pm on the firetruck (this is an estimate!). There will be cookies and hot chocolate for all. This event is free and open to the public.
Ben and Chet Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree
The 30th annual Ben and Chet Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree will be held in the Wilbur-McMahon School gymnasium on Little Compton Commons on Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. Dozens of theme-decorated trees and other items will be available to win.
The town's tree lighting will be held on Pike's Peak at 5 p.m., with caroling led by Phoebe Simmons and friends. (It is also rumored that Santa will be helping us with the caroling).
Santa will also visit everyone at the Tree Spree at 6 p.m. Once again, the Village Improvement Society will be offering food for purchase to help support the upkeep of the historic Brownell House. The annual Marketplace will again be held in the Commons area of the school, adjacent to the gymnasium, offering a great opportunity to get some of your holiday shopping done.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Things to do in Newport Dec. 1-3: Christmas season events fill schedule
