Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Coventry Calendar

COVENTRY, RI — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in Coventry to attend.

Outside these religious and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of holiday light shows, parades, fairs and festivals to attend in Coventry. Here are some to consider:

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.

30th Annual Tree Lighting

Santa arrives at 1277 Main St. Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. with the help of the fire district to help light the town's main Christmas tree.

Winter Wonderland Celebration & Craft Fair

On Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1670 Flat River Road enjoy holiday craft vendors, free gift wrapping station, food trucks, holiday hayride with Liberty Farms, free pictures with Santa, live music by Nicole Bruno, and more.

As you plan your calendar, here are some key dates to consider:

• Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods, begins at sundown on Dec. 14 and continues until sundown on Dec. 22. The dates vary every year.

• Christmas, of course, is always Dec. 25.

• Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration primarily held in the United States to honor African heritage and African-American culture, is observed from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, culminating with gift-giving and a lavish feast. The dates of this holiday do not change.