Looking for some ways to get in the holiday spirit? Warwick, RI has two wonderful, family-friendly, affordable events planned and shopping options galore that’ll get you saying “ho, ho, ho!” in no time!
On Thursday, December 5, the Mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department will host the annual Christmas Tree lighting. This perennial favorite will take place from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Thayer Arena, 975 Sandy Lane. Costumed characters will be on hand to mingle with attendees, a DJ will be playing seasonal music, and skilled ice carvers will be holding demos. Local Girl Scouts will sing carols. Dance and synchronized ice skating performances are also sure to wow the crowds again this year!
Indoor ice skating is a favorite part of the festivities for a cost of $5, or free entry with the donation of a canned good/non-perishable item. Children will likely work up an appetite with craft activities, but, not to worry – food trucks will be on site, and there will also be donuts and hot chocolate available. The evening wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa Claus, and the jolly ol’ elf himself will be there if you’d like to have your photo taken with him (bring your own camera).
Then, on Saturday, December 7, the second annual “Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival” will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the historic village. This event, paid for in part this year with grant funding through Commerce RI, was extremely well received by attendees last year, and we’re happy to be able to provide family-friendly fun at no cost to participants (unless they opt to purchase food from the food trucks or at the local vendor marketplace). Inside City Hall, Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum will hold a greenery workshop. The Wildlife and Conservation Commission, the Warwick Historical Society, and the Warwick Historic Cemeteries Commission will have informational tables and handouts. Elementary school choir performances are slated for 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. upstairs in Council Chambers.
Outside, there will also be plenty of food trucks, touch-a-trucks, the Save The Bay Traveling Touch Tank and outdoor marketplace vendors, along with non-profit partners who will have informational tables.
A parade will step off at 10 a.m. and will end in front of City Hall, delivering Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Santa Station, where kids can have their photos taken. Glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon twisting, K9 and karate demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, DJ, and a snow machine are also part of the fun!
Our community partners are also taking part. The Warwick Central Baptist Church will have family-friendly activities, the Warwick Library will have their pop-up van, holiday-themed crafts, movies, and a story walk. We hear they may also have a puppy brigade walking in the parade! Warwick Center for the Arts and the Apponaug Babe Ruth League will also have kids’ activities. Hay rides offered from Confreda Farms will loop through a village block.
With two festive events planned so close together, why not make a long weekend of it and do some shopping as well? As RI’s “Retail Capital,” we boast many quaint gift shops, including Tiger Eye, Noon Designs, Changing Tides, Ocean State Souvenirs, The Crafty Cottage, and the Chocolate Delicacy, where you’ll find unique items perfect for gift giving! We’re also home to plenty of national and regional retailers that will help make finishing up your to-buy-for list a breeze.
In between the tree lighting, winter festival fun and shopping, you’ll find Warwick’s central location, 16 affordable hotels, and fantastic restaurants also make us a great home base from which to explore and enjoy the Ocean State this holiday season!