12 Days Of Cheer In Charlestown: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Charlestown. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Charlestown feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Soak in a galaxy of lights at the Sullivan Family Christmas Lights.

From Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, the Sullivan family home at 11 Laudone Drive in nearby Bradford turns into a full-on holiday spectacle, with thousands of lights, Star Wars figures and Santa in his sleigh. Jay Sullivan has been adding to the display for nearly 20 years (the home displayed around 60,000 lights in 2024), so there’s always something new to spot. Lights are on nightly from 5:00 to 9:30 PM, making it perfect for an after-dinner drive. Mark your calendar for Dec. 13, when Santa stops by in person from 5:30 to 7:30 PM for extra magic.

2. Wander the whimsical grounds of The Fantastic Umbrella Factory.

A Charlestown landmark since 1968, The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is a quirky blend of gardens, greenhouses, shops and a bamboo forest tucked into a historic 19th-century farmyard. Stroll the clamshell paths between unique boutiques, including global gift shop Small Axe Productions, funky vintage-inspired Frills and the candy-filled Bee Suite (see the full lineup on their Our Stores page). Kids will love the toy shop and farm-like setting, while adults can browse art, plants and handcrafted goods. The shop is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the holiday season.

3. Hit the slopes at Yawgoo Valley.

About 30 minutes from Charlestown, Yawgoo Valley offers family-friendly skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing with 100 percent snowmaking to keep the fun going all season. Weather permitting, the ski and snowboard area is typically open daily from mid-December through March, while the snow tubing park runs on winter weekends. Check current ticket options and rental details on the Yawgoo tickets and rentals page before you go.

4. Warm up with small-batch coffee at Dave’s Coffee.

Dave’s Coffee serves expertly roasted, small-batch coffees in a laid-back atmosphere that feels just right on a brisk winter morning. What started as a tiny café in a historic farmhouse has grown into a beloved Rhode Island roastery, sourcing beans from around the world and roasting them to highlight their unique flavors. Visit their Old Post Road location here in Charlestown and order a classic espresso drink, try their upscale take on Rhode Island coffee milk or grab a bag of beans to enjoy at home.

5. Unleash your creativity at Create! Color Art Studio.

Create! Color Art Studio offers a relaxed, family-friendly space in Charlestown where you can paint, craft and explore your artistic side. Staff are on hand to guide you just enough while still letting you discover your own style, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned maker. During the holidays, the studio hosts special workshops like sea glass trees, gnomes and kids’ gift-making sessions. Check the online booking and events page for seasonal offerings and to reserve your spot.

6. Glide across the ice at Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink.

Roughly 45 minutes from Charlestown, the Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink offers daily public skating, stick and puck sessions, and public hockey—perfect if you’re craving a classic winter rink experience. Public skating is generally held midday, with skate rentals available and discounted pricing for young kids and seniors. The rink is cash-only and schedules can change frequently, especially around holidays and special events. Before you lace up, check the latest public skating hours and any event updates on their public skating information page.

7. Browse new reads at Wakefield Books.

Just up the road in Wakefield, this locally owned bookstore is a cozy place to escape the cold and get lost in the shelves. You’ll find books for every age and interest—from mysteries and romance to travel, culture and nonfiction—plus staff who are happy to offer recommendations or place special orders. During the holiday season, Wakefield Books often hosts author events, book signings and special shopping days. Visit their events calendar to see what’s happening and plan a festive bookstore visit.

8. Feast lakeside at The Nordic.

For a truly over-the-top holiday meal, The Nordic on Nordic Trail in Charlestown is a destination in itself, known for its all-you-can-eat buffet featuring lobster, prime rib and decadent desserts. The lakeside grounds include hammocks, fire pits, lawn games and even farm animals, making it easy to enjoy the property if there’s a wait. Reservations are required on Sundays and for large groups, while Fridays and Saturdays are walk-in only. The 2025 season runs through Dec. 13, so plan ahead if you want to make it part of your holiday celebrations.

9. Sip seasonal ciders and wines at Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery.

A short drive into Westerly brings you to Tapped Apple, where apples are the star of both the hard ciders and fruit-forward wines. The cozy tasting room is ideal for a winter afternoon with friends, whether you’re sampling flights or settling in with a favorite pour. Small-batch production and creative flavor combinations keep the menu interesting for repeat visits. For something extra festive, check their events page for holiday workshops like Sip & Quill 3D Christmas trees or seaglass tree and gnome craft nights.

10. Catch a big-city holiday show at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

About an hour from Charlestown, the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) anchors the city’s arts district with touring Broadway productions, concerts and holiday specials. December typically brings a full slate of festive performances, from RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute and Cirque Dreams Holidaze to the Boston Pops and “The Nutcracker” by BalletRI. Browse the full holiday lineup and snag tickets on the PPAC events page.

11. Shop local makers at The Providence Flea.

The Providence Flea is a year-round curated market featuring small and micro-businesses, with vendors offering handmade, vintage and small-batch goods. During the holiday season, the market is hosted indoors at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall on Sundays through Dec. 21, plus a special Holiday Night Market on Black Friday (Nov. 28). You’ll find everything from art and jewelry to home goods and treats, along with food and drink on-site. Check the market schedule and details to time your visit for a festive shopping day in the city.

12. Drive through the Rhode Island Holiday Light Show at Confreda Farms.

About 45 to 50 minutes from Charlestown, the Rhode Island Holiday Light Show at Confreda Farms in Hope is billed as the largest drive-through holiday light spectacular in Eastern New England. On select dates from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, you can travel a one-mile route filled with hundreds of larger-than-life displays, all synchronized to music through your car radio. General admission is priced per carload, and you can reserve different types of tickets on their website. If you opt for photos with Santa, you can later download your images through the show’s Santa photo gallery.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Charlestown!

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