Providence shares new festival details along with winter services, Providence Rink winter programming details, local business support, and seasonal events
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Councilman John Goncalves, and the Providence Tourism Council (PTC) today announced a full slate of holiday programming across Providence and introduced PVD Holiday Fest, a new celebration of light, culture and community running from December 4 through December 7. The announcement also includes updates on winter services, seasonal initiatives, and support for local businesses to help residents and visitors plan for the months ahead.
“Providence shines during the holidays, and I invite everyone to take part in the experiences that bring us closer as a community,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “These coming weeks offer meaningful moments to celebrate and connect with neighbors and loved ones. Whether you are spending time Downtown at one of our incredible events, supporting your favorite neighborhood shops, or taking in the lights throughout our parks and public spaces, I hope you feel the sense of community and celebration that defines our city.”
PVD Holiday Fest features more than a dozen community events from December 4- December 7. The City’s signature City Hall Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 6, with entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. Programming at the Providence Rink includes DJ Corva at noon, Party with Rami from 3 to 5 PM and DJ LadyRuck from 7 to 9 PM. Beginning at 4 PM, The City Hall stage lineup includes the Saxophone Choir, Lillian Feinstein Choir, and the Mixed Magic Exult Choir, followed by a special headline act that has toured and performed at venues and music festivals around the country. Santa will arrive in style just in time to count down to the spectacular tree lighting on the steps of City Hall.
In addition to the City Hall Tree Lighting and Rink programming, PVD Holiday Fest weekend will feature a range of public activities produced by local partners. Highlights include:
· FirstWorks’ presentation of Le Patin Libre’s “Glide,” a free ice performance at the Providence Rink on Friday, December 5 followed by a community skate party with a local DJ.
· The Avenue Concept will host guided Holiday Lit Mural Tours on December 4 and 5, offering families a chance to explore downtown public art starting from the PVD Downcity Holiday Market on Grant’s Block.
· Illuminate PVD will return with a festive holiday stroll led by the Providence Drum Troupe and pop-up performers from Biltmore Park to Grant’s Block and the rink.
· WaterFire will hold a partial holiday lighting on Friday, December 5 at Waterplace Park with Santa, roaming entertainment, and activities hosted by partner organizations.
· Christmas on the Hill on Saturday, December 6 will bring choirs, festive displays, and pop-up performances to Atwells Avenue.
· Burnside Park will host Pneufest for four nights with large-scale soft sculptures by Pneuhaus, music from Stay Silent, and specialty holiday drinks.
· The PVD Downcity Holiday Market at Grant’s Block will run throughout the weekend with vendors, entertainment, workshops, and family activities that showcase local artists and small businesses. A full schedule of events is available on the PVD Holiday Fest website.
Supported by the Providence Tourism Council, a special Downtown Trolley will run on Saturday, December 6 from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. Riders can board and exit at The Graduate Hotel on Dorrance Street, DePasquale Square on Federal Hill, the corners of Eddy and Westminster and Mathewson and Westminster, The Renaissance Hotel on Avenue of the Arts, and Grant’s Block Park. The trolley provides convenient connections to shopping, dining, performances, and PVD Holiday Fest events.
Two-hour free parking at metered spaces in commercial districts will be available from November 29 through January 1. This annual effort supports Providence merchants by encouraging people to shop and dine locally.
Free Holiday Parking areas include:
· Broad Street from Public Street to Montgomery Avenue
· College Hill
o Angell Street from Brook Street to Prospect Street
o Brook Street from Angell Street to Bowen Street
o Euclid Avenue from Brook Street to Thayer Street
o Hope Street from Rochambeau Avenue to Blackstone Boulevard
o Meeting Street from Brook Street to Brown Street
o Prospect Street from George Street to Angell Street
o South Water Street from Crawford Street Bridge to Wickenden Street
o South Main Street from Wickenden Street to College Street
o Thayer Street from Bowen Street to Waterman Street
o Waterman Street from Prospect Street to Hope Street
· Downtown Providence bounded by Sabin Street, Memorial Boulevard, Dyer Street, Clifford Street, and Dave Gavitt Way
· Federal Hill
o Atwells Avenue from Bradford Street to Sutton Street
o Brayton Avenue from West Exchange Street to Spruce Street
o Dean Street from Atwells Avenue to Spruce Street
o Spruce Street from Dean Street to Acorn Street
· Fox Point
o Ives Street from Wickenden Street to Preston Street
o Hope Street from Wickenden Street to Angell Street
o Wickenden Street from Benefit Street to Ives Street
· Jewelry District bounded by Clifford Street, Eddy Street, Point Street, and East Franklin Street
o Point Street from Point Street Bridge to East Franklin Street
· State House and Train Station Area
o Canal Street from Smith Street to Park Row
o Francis Street from Hayes Street to Smith Street
o Gaspee Street from Smith Street to Francis Street
o North Main Street from Steeple Street to Smith Street
o Park Street from Smith Street to Orms Street
o Park Row and Park Row West from North Main Street to Exchange Street
o State Street from Orms Street to Smith Street
· Olneyville Square bounded by Route 10, Delaine Street, Atwood Street, and Magnolia Street
· Wayland Square
o Angell Street from Butler Avenue to Gano Street
o Wayland Avenue from Angell Street to Waterman Street
Mayor Smiley reminded residents to show support for local shops on Small Business Saturday, November 29, and throughout the season. “Providence stores offer distinctive gifts and experiences that strengthen neighborhood economies and reflect the city’s creative character. When you shop small, you support the people who make Providence the city we all love most.”
The Providence Rink opens Friday, November 28 with public skating from 10 AM to 10 PM. Ice bumper cars begin on Monday, December 1, with online reservations now available. This year also introduces the Rinkubator program, which provides pop-up space at the Biltmore Park kiosk for local entrepreneurs during rink hours.
“Every December, Providence comes together to celebrate in the creative spirit of the city with music, skating, and activities for the whole family,” said Councilman John Goncalves. “I am excited to join Mayor Smiley, the Providence Tourism Council, and other partners in once again welcoming our neighbors downtown to experience the magic and warmth of the holiday season.”
City Council Tree Lightings will take place this season with support from the City’s Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism and Providence Parks Department. The following dates and times are subject to change; please visit the City Council’s website for information.
· December 7
o Christmas at the Parkway: Councilwoman Jo Ann Ryan (Ward 5), 12 PM, 590 Pleasant Valley Parkway
· December 8
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), 6 PM, 246 Magnolia Street
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12), 7:30 PM, 60 Camden Avenue
· December 9
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), 5 PM, 1450 Broad Street
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Justin Roias (Ward 4), 7 PM, Hopkins Square
· December 10
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), 5:30 PM, Mt. Pleasant Fire Station, 136 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), 7:30 PM, Fargnoli Park, 945 Smith Street
· December 11
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman Juan Pichardo (Ward 9), 5 PM, Roger Williams Park Gateway Center, 1197 Broad Street
· December 14
o Holiday Lights Celebration: Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), 7 PM, Lippitt Memorial Park, 1015 Hope Street
· December 16
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), 5 PM, Jacqueline M. Clements Memorial Park, 333 Dudley Street
· December 18
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), 5 PM, 24 Reservoir Avenue
· December 19
o Christmas Party: Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7), 6 PM, A. Vincent Igliozzi Recreation Center, 675 Plainfield Street
· December 20
o Christmas Tree Lighting: Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), 5 PM, Cabral Park, 555 Wickenden Street
This year, six Providence Fire Department stations will also be decorated and illuminated for the season at Admiral Street, Brook Street, Hartford Avenue, Reservoir Avenue, Messer Street, and Mount Pleasant Avenue.
Later in December, the City’s annual Hanukkah Spectaculah will return on Thursday, December 18 from 4:45 PM to 6 PM at City Hall. The celebration begins with remarks and the menorah lighting led by Rabbi Friedman on the front steps. Guests will then gather on the second floor for refreshments including latkes, sufganiyot from NAVAD, and lo mein from Veggie Fun. Families can take part in a drop-in mural activity led by Hannah Pearlman. Live music will be provided.
To round out a full month of festivities, the Providence Tourism Council also announced that the 3rd annual citywide New Year’s Eve celebration with Illuminate PVD Fireworks will be held at the 195 District Park and the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 5-9 PM. More information is available on the PTC’s website.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to celebrate the holidays in Providence as we launch the PVD Holiday Festival and a month-long slate of festive events—from the PVD Downcity Holiday Market and ice-skating shows to community workshops, live music, performance artists, tree lightings, WaterFire, and more,” said Alexis Gorriarán, Chair and Commissioner of the Providence Tourism Council. “We invite everyone to experience the magic of the season in the Creative Capital and discover the vibrant charm of our city.”
For a complete list of seasonal events, visit the PTC’s new holiday programming website at pvdholidayfest.org.