12 Days Of Cheer In Coventry: 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 Coventry. 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 Coventry 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. Explore the Conway Christmas Lights Extravaganza.

If you’re looking for a festive way to kick off the season, the Conway Christmas Lights Extravaganza is a longstanding local favorite that’s been glowing since 1992. The display fills Maple Valley Road with more than 100,000 LED lights, blow molds, Nativity scenes and even a replica of The Polar Express. You can walk or drive through the experience, which feels especially magical after dark. The show runs Sunday–Thursday from 4:30–9 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 4:30–10 p.m., weather permitting, and admission is free.

2. Lace up your skates at Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink.

For a classic winter outing, the Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink offers public skating along with stick-and-puck and public hockey sessions. Located at 900 Phenix Avenue, the rink generally hosts public skating from 12:10–2 p.m. (hours are subject to change, so be sure to check the schedule before heading out). Admission is $10 for adults or $5 for kids under 6 and seniors, with skate rentals available for $10. Note: The rink is cash-only, and private lessons aren’t permitted during public skating hours.

3. Shop small at The Providence Flea.

Just a short drive from Coventry, The Providence Flea hosts its indoor market every Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall. It’s an easy place to discover handmade, vintage and small-batch goods from carefully selected small and micro-businesses. You can browse at your own pace while enjoying on-site food and drink, and parking is free.

4. Grab a cozy drink or bite at Bean Barn.

If you need a warm pick-me-up between errands, Bean Barn offers a cozy spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch or an early dinner. The café has plenty of outlets and free Wi-Fi, making it a popular homework or work-from-home escape, and it’s just as inviting for a casual meet-up. They also run weekday specials like Manic Monday’s free hash brown with any breakfast sandwich and Thirsty Thursday’s BOGO medium hot or iced coffees. When the weather cooperates, you can enjoy your order out on the sunny patio.

5. Roger Williams Park Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular

Less than a half hour from Coventry, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Holiday Lights Spectacular turns 40 acres into a glowing walk-through experience, boasting more than 3.5 million lights and a magical atmosphere. The event runs nightly November 28–January 4 from 5–9:30 p.m., with themed programming like Monday and Wednesday character meet-and-greets, Thursday evening visits with Santa and nightly storytime sessions with Roger the Red Panda. Discount Tuesdays offer $5 off admission for those looking to save. The event is open rain or shine, with no refunds or rescheduling; all tickets must be purchased online in advance. If you’re free during the week, take advantage of “Discount Tuesdays” to save $5 off admission.

6. Browse new and used treasures at Stillwater Books.

A great stop for readers and gift seekers, Stillwater Books in West Warwick offers a wide range of new and gently used titles across nearly every genre. After six years in downtown Pawtucket, the shop moved into a larger space in the New London Square Plaza at 1745 Main Street, where most used books are under $10 and many new releases are priced 40–60 percent below retail. The shop is open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Whether you’re picking up a book for yourself or grabbing a last-minute gift, it’s a friendly, relaxed place to browse.

7. Catch a live holiday show at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

If you’re in the mood for a night out, the Providence Performing Arts Center is a short drive away and has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts district for decades. The historic 3,100-seat theater regularly launches national Broadway tours and hosts concerts, comedy and special events. This season’s holiday lineup includes shows like RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute, Boston Pops Holiday Concert, Cirque Dreams Holidaze and The Nutcracker by BalletRI. You can explore the full schedule and purchase tickets through the PPAC events page.

8. Drive through the Rhode Island Holiday Light Show.

For an easy outing that lets you stay warm in the car, the Rhode Island Holiday Light Show at Confreda Farms offers a mile-long route of synchronized lights and oversized displays. Running on select dates through December 31, it’s the state’s longest-running drive-through holiday show and the largest in Eastern New England. General admission is $25–$30 per car, and Santa photo packages include free digital downloads. Tickets can be purchased online, and snacks and warm drinks are highly encouraged for the ride.

9. Explore the metaphysical at The Mystics Touch Gift Shop.

Known among locals as Coventry’s “’lil shop of tranquility,” The Mystics Touch offers a wide selection of crystals, sage, jewelry, organic teas, herbs, candles, books and goods from local artists. The shop’s offerings and environment focus on healing, empowerment and spiritual connection, creating a calm, welcoming space to browse and pick up holiday gifts. The Mystics Touch often hosts workshops, classes, guest readers and special events throughout the year; visitors can check their Eventbrite or Facebook page for upcoming sessions.

10. Try an escape adventure at Binds and Blooms (BaZaDa Games).

If your group is looking for something hands-on and immersive, Binds and Blooms at BaZaDa Games offers escape rooms, scavenger hunts and tabletop games in a newly relocated facility at 45 Sandy Bottom Road. The escape rooms are always private and designed for groups of 2–5, with themes suited for adults and kids over 6 (younger players just need an accompanying adult). Once inside, your team will have up to 60 minutes to uncover clues, solve puzzles, open locks and complete the story. You can book online or call 401-250-6527 to reserve a time.

11. Hit the slopes or snow tube at Yawgoo Valley.

About 30 minutes from Coventry is Yawgoo Valley, Rhode Island’s only ski area and a perfect way to get in a winter adventure near home. Skiing and snowboarding typically run daily from mid-December through March (weather permitting), while the tubing park operates on weekends from late December into March. All guests must have a lift ticket, season pass or lesson reservation; daily tickets for the 2025–2026 season are expected to release soon.

12. Unwind at BlackStone Herbs & Martini Bar.

After a busy stretch of winter outings, BlackStone Herbs & Martini Bar is an easy place to relax with globally inspired food, specialty coffee drinks or one of their popular martini flights. The space has a warm, earthy vibe with plants, cozy seating and a menu that ranges from breakfast and pastries to sandwiches, cocktails, CBD drinks and vegan or gluten-free options. Everything is prepared with care by their baristas and kitchen team, making it a great spot to slow down with friends or enjoy a low-key night out.

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

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