Christmas in Rhode Island: 14 things to do to get in the holiday spirit

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

It's true, sometimes it might seem like the most stressful time of the year, between the long gift lists to shop for, navigating family dynamics, and the endless to-do lists (decorating, baking, shopping, meal planning, Christmas cards, special events on the calendar – it goes on and on). But, it can also be magical, oftentimes because of the exact things that are stressing you out.

If you're looking for a little fun and some ideas for how to get in the Christmas spirit, we've rounded up 13 things happening around Rhode Island that are almost guaranteed to do the trick.

Take in 'All Aboard for the Holidays'

Nobody does plants like the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park, and this year for the holidays they've brought in thousands of poinsettias and mixed in the palms for a magical setup. They've also brought in two model train displays to chug through the greenhouses. On Thursdays through Sundays in December, cider will also be available for sale. The display as a whole will be up through Jan. 7 and is included in the regular admission price.

Go see 'A Christmas Carol'

If Ebenezer Scrooge can find some Christmas spirit, so can you. A Trinity Rep tradition for the past 45 years, this classic story about the meaning of the holidays serves as a timeless reminder that it's never too late to make amends and find the joy of community. The show runs for about two hours, and ticket prices range from $20 to $155 at trinityrep.com.

On stage: Trinity Rep plans to cast a neurodivergent performer as Tiny Tim this year. Why it matters

Take a ride on the Polar Express

Do one better than a Polar Express movie night at home (though that’s great too, don’t get us wrong) and ride the North Pole Express departing from the Historic Blackstone Valley Train Station in Woonsocket. It’s a 90-minute ride, with sing-alongs, hot chocolate and a silver bell from Santa for every child. It sells out fast though, so be sure to plan ahead and definitely buy tickets in advance at blackstonevalleypolarexpress.com.

Go to the Holiday Lights Spectacular

With 3.5 million lights, the Holiday Light Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo is sure to dazzle. Spread over 40 acres of walking paths, it's a chance to enjoy a seasonal chill while taking in the lights. The Holiday Lights Spectacular is open Nov. 24 through Dec. 31 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 5 to 9:30 p.m. rain or shine. Tickets are $14 for adults, and $12 for children ages 2 to 12. Zoo members save $2 on adult tickets and $1 on a child ticket. Tickets are only sold online at rwpzoo.org.

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Take in the decorations at the Newport Mansions

A 15-foot poinsettia tree created with over 150 plants. Nearly 30 Christmas trees dripping in ornaments. Garlands. Wreaths. Fresh floral arrangements. The opulent, Christmas card-worthy displays at the Breakers, Marble House and the Elms are a sight worth seeing. To get the most holiday sparkle, head to the Breakers in the evening for Sparkling Lights at The Breakers, where you can tour the inside of the mansion and take in the thousands of lights on the grounds. Tickets are $40 at newportmansions.org.

Shop at a small business

As you're making your list and checking it twice, consider spending some time shopping at Rhode Island's many small businesses. The state's downtowns are packed with cute shops that will put you in the Christmas spirit with curated displays that will help you find just the right thing for that person who's hard to shop for. Plus, according to American Express, when you shop local 67 cents stays in the local community versus 46 cents when shopping at a national retailer.

For extra spirit, consider attending one of the events like the three candlelight shopping nights in Historic Chepachet Village on Dec. 7, 14 and 21.

Take your picture with a mall Santa

Whether the kids are smiling or crying because they're afraid of the man in red, you'll cherish these pictures for years. It's quite simply a memory maker. At the Providence Place mall, time slots can be reserved in advance, but walk-ins are also welcome, according to the website. Photo packages range from $40 to $50.

See Ballet RI perform The Nutcracker

When "The Nutcracker" first premiered in Russia 150 years ago it was considered a flop, but today it's a timeless classic. Whether your holidays have the chaotic feeling of the Russian Dance or the sweetness of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, it's worth making time to see this show. Ballet RI will be presenting The Nutcracker from Dec. 15 to 24 at The Vet. Tickets are $45 to $105 at thevetsri.com.

Go ice skating at the Providence Rink

Feel like you're in a Hallmark movie and go ice skating in the heart of downtown Providence at BankNewport City Center's Providence Rink. Opening for the season on Dec. 1 (dependent on the weather), they have daily skating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There's also the bumper cars if you want to take the outing in a different direction.

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Take a festive boat cruise

Take the kids to see Santa on the Candy Cane Express, a boat cruise around Newport Harbor and the Bay where an elf reads to the kids while hot chocolate is served. Or, if you're looking for a more grown-up outing, switch the hot chocolate out for a glass of prosecco on the Holiday Bubbly Cruise. Either way, Coastal Queen Cruises will deliver a nautical take on the Christmas spirit. See the prices at coastalqueencruises.com.

Shop a holiday market

If you love the idea of a European holiday market, consider shopping at one of the many local markets that pop up around the state at this time of year. There are specialty markets like the Providence Art Club's annual Little Pictures Show & Sale, which has been happening since 1904 with over 600 works of art sized at 16” x 16” or less and priced at no more than $350. There's Providence Flea, which is filled with local vendors. In fact, there are so many that we have a whole other article about them with all the details here.

Do some volunteering

As all of the Christmas grumps (Scrooge, the Grinch, etc.) eventually learn the spirit of Christmas is really about giving. If you're looking to find the reason for the season, spend some time volunteering with one of Rhode Island's many charities. The website volunteermatch.org can help you find a volunteer opportunity that works for you.

Visit one of Rhode Island's local tree farms

There's nothing quite like walking through a field of trees on a cold day, hunting for the one with the right height and girth and branches that hang just so. And when you find the right one, that rewarding smell of sap as you saw it down. Many of the farms also sell wreaths that they're making with the offcuts, making them the freshest evergreens you can get anywhere.

Visit Pawtucket's Winter Wonderland

Started in 1999, the 30-acre Christmas display in Slater Park calls itself Rhode Island's "largest Christmas display and festival." There are 650 decorated Christmas trees, more than 100 light displays and 20 Victorian-style houses, and it's free to see. You can see the display any night in December from 4 to 9 p.m., but on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 there are special festivities happening in the park, including visits from Santa and train rides.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Christmas in RI: Plays, lights, shopping to get in the holiday spirit