With the semester quickly coming to a close and finals ramping up, it can be easy to get lost in the stresses of school. Rhode Island, as small a state as it is, hosts many fun holiday events! Be sure to get off campus for a few hours and explore the holiday fun beyond Kingston, Rhode Island.
Outdoor Fun
Roger Williams Park Zoo hosts their annual Holiday Lights Spectacular. Beginning on November 29th, the public is welcome to attend the zoo and walk through the amazing light show throughout the park. The zoo also has a lake and offers rides on swan boats. With a variety of light displays, hot cocoa, cookies, and a walkable, accessible pathway, this event is for all ages, ranging from college students to families. Take a study break and venture up to Roger Williams Zoo to immerse yourself in some quality Christmas lights and holiday fun. Tickets and more information about the Holiday Lights Spectacular can be found through this link.
Some other holiday sites to explore are the beautiful Newport Mansions. During the holiday season, the Breakers Mansion, Marble House, The Elms Mansion, and Chateau-sur-Mer Mansion are all elaborately decorated for the holidays. With light displays, hundreds of wreaths, floral arrangements, and over thirty Christmas trees, each room is filled with decor that transforms the mansions into a warm and festive atmosphere. The mansions are decorated both inside and outside. Buy tickets online here, or just walk outside and admire the lights from afar.
After observing the mansions, explore the quaint town of Newport and all of the decorations. Newport has a warm, coastal, and holiday feel, with restaurants, light displays, shops, and Christmas trees. You are sure to be immersed in the holiday spirit.
A little closer to our campus, The Farmer’s Daughter is hosting a few Christmas events. With the festive tree farm, this is the perfect way to partake in some holiday fun with family and friends. The Farmers Daughter will be hosting holiday events and activities, welcome to all ages. Here, the public is welcome to come and have hot cocoa from the cocoa bar, make mocktails, participate in holiday crafts, and mingle in the beautiful greenery and firepits. Aside from this weekend, the Farmers Daughter is still open to the public and encourages people to come walk around the Christmas Tree Farm and enjoy treats and hot cider! More information about the farm can be viewed through the Farmer’s Daughter Website.
There are many other light shows and decorations to explore throughout Rhode Island. The Confreda Greenhouses will be decorated for the holidays and easily accessible. These locations allow the public to drive through and view their light displays. With multiple shows to attend, be sure to check out the website through this link.
Indoor Activities
While there is a variety of holiday happenings off campus, there is much to do at URI as well. URI’s very own Boss Ice Arena is a perfect way to have some winter fun right on campus. The ice rink is available to students, along with skates for free! Click here to check out available programs and times to skate on our website.
Also, our very own Music Department will be performing a Holiday Extravaganza in our Fine Arts Center. Explore for tickets and more information here. We hope that everyone gets to squeeze in some holiday fun before heading home for break. Good luck with the end of the semester, Rams!
Looking to get out of the cold and enjoy some entertainment? The Granite Theatre in Westerly will be hosting A Christmas Carol, The Musical. This show is the perfect way to have a relaxing evening, with family or friends, and enjoy some holiday music and spirit. The show will run until December 21st! Tickets are available online and can be accessed through this link.
By Erin Mullaney
Major: Political Science and Criminal Justice
Graduating May 2026