Family Holiday Events in Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be a small state but don't let size fool you... It isn't small in its holiday spirit. If you are visiting Rhode Island for the holidays this year make sure you don't miss these Christmas-filled events.

Christmas Feast in Newport, Rhode Island

Would you like to experience a typical Christmas feast from the 1800's? Visit the Astors' Beechwood Mansion in Newport where you will be treated to beautiful holiday decorations, lavish feasts, ballroom dancing, and singing with music by the Beechwood Theatre Company. Your evening will begin with a tour of the Beechwood Mansion. You'll be treated to hot mulled cider in the ballroom. Course after course of delicious food will be served; from Boursin beef Wellington to herb crusted roast turkey breast with cranberry cornbread stuffing. There's something for the vegetarian as well with wild mushrooms, Boursin with pesto cream, and many Christmas vegetables with roasted chestnuts. Come join the Beechwood Mansion for an unforgettable night of food and holiday spirit.

Christmas Pops in Westerly, Rhode Island

The Chorus of Westerly was founded by George Kent in 1959. The Chorus has turned into one of New England's highly respected performing arts organizations. The Chorus has over two hundred singers from 30 communities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Thirty-five percent of the Chorus is made up of children who contribute their angelic voices as well. They perform some of the greatest works within a choral repertoire that teaches teamwork and discipline. The Chorus has an unusual mix of children and adults singers who have developing promise, along with professionally trained singers all working together to create an artistic team.

All the concerts are performed with the Boston Festival Orchestra and professional soloists. You'll certainly enjoy with your own family the Christmas Pops concerts that are beautiful in orchestration as well as the singers themselves sounding almost like one voice as they sing you into the holidays.

Pawtucket's Winter Wonderland in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Pawtucket's Winter Wonderland started with two women who had an idea to create a Christmas event in Slater Memorial Park and their idea turned into a place to celebrate your holidays at. Among the 20 village buildings that line both sides of the road around the pond and winding up the hill are hay rides, two miniature trains, a visit with Santa, and an unforgettable ride on the Looff Carousel. You'll also enjoy the bell ringers and choral groups throughout the park. Kids are welcome to attend puppet shows and have their faces painted, too. There is a heated food court so you can relax and enjoy all of the festivities while munching on hot dogs, hamburgers, and hot cocoa. The Looff Carousel is one of the oldest carousels in the world. Every tree and building is aglow with lighted displays and you little one may be visited by a giant talking snowman. This is a wonderful family affair that you will cherish for years to come.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

You can't go to Rhode Island for the holidays without visiting the Newport Mansions. The Mansions are America's collection of historic houses and gardens. The spirit of Christmas reigns all throughout the mansions where you will experience amazing Yuletide decorations set in historic architecture, with the sparkle of silver and the glitter of gold. Evergreen trees and thousands of poinsettias, along with fresh wreaths and flowers, will delight you and your family. The dining tables are set in period silver and china, and of course there are tours and music to round out your Mansions experience. Make some grand holiday memories with your family at the Newport Mansions.

Christmas Dinner at Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island

Hotel Viking is the place to go on Christmas Day for a beautifully laid out feast. This dinner is worth traveling to Rhode Island just to have a, epicurean sample of a traditional Christmas feast. You'll enjoy a sumptuous a three-course plated meal beginning with Onion Bisque, Butternut Squash Tortellini, Seared Crab Cakes, or Warm Spinach Salad with Caramelized Apple. Your entrée will consist of Stuffed Lobster with Clams, Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon, Seared Duck Breast, or Porcini Ravioli. Your final course is well worth waiting for, with your choice of Chocolate Lava Cake, Grand Mariner and Ricotta Cheesecake, or Traditional Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream and Brown Sugar Caramel. Is your mouth watering yet? You can have it all with a trip to Rhode Island for the holidays, and the calories don't count until January 1^st!

Resources:

Christmas Feast: http://www.astorsbeechwood.com/

Christmas Pops: http://www.chorusofwesterly.org/

Pawtucket's Winter Wonderland: http://www.pawtucketwinterwonderland.org/

Christmas at the Newport Mansions: http://www.newportmansions.org/

Christmas Dinner at the Hotel Viking: http://www.hotelviking.com/