Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Rhode Island

The Ocean State can be quite an enchanting place to be in the winter. There were so many things I enjoyed doing here during the coldest season of the year when I was growing up. From sledding at high speeds downhill to visiting Newport’s Gilded Age mansions all decked out with holiday decor to grabbing a hot apple cider from Jaswell’s Farm in my hometown or checking out Trinity Reperatory’s latest iteration of A Christmas Carol, I have so many memories attached to the winter season. There are so many fun things to do in Rhode Island in winter despite fall being almost everyone’s favorite season. Here are some of the best (and some of my favorites):

Holiday Events In Rhode Island

The holidays are such a magical time of year in Lil’ Rhody. They will always hold a special place in my heart. And if you’re looking for Rhode Island winter activities like holiday events, you’ve come to the right place!

Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Bowen's Wharf/Facebook

• Location: Bowen's Wharf, Newport
• Popularity: Newport is popular any time of the year, especially during the summer and the holiday season.
• Price: Free

Revel in the magic of Christmas during the first Saturday while attending the Bowern's Wharf Tree Lighting. For over 50 years, locals and visitors from all over New England have attended this magical event. The festivities kick off in the early afternoon with a visit from Santa followed by music and entertainment. During the evening, after the sun goes down, the massive tree on the wharf will be lit to start the holiday season in Newport. This is one of the best free things to do in winter in Rhode Island.

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA

Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village/Facebook

• Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
• Popularity: A very popular seasonal event.
• Price: $14/adults, $12/children ages 2-12, free for children ages 1 and under.

Just as with the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, the annual Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo is a very popular and much-anticipated event. From the last weekend in November until the end of December, holiday lights are turned on nightly between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The only times it's closed during the season in Christmas Eve and Christmas. Come and take a stroll through 3.5 million lights strewn about the entire zoo. Festive displays will illuminate the walkways as well. Be sure to purchase a cup of hot cocoa or an adult beverage as you make your way through the stunning displays.

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Wawaloam Campground, 510 Gardiner Rd, Richmond, RI 02892, USA

WAWALOAM CAMPGROUND/Facebook

• Location: West Kingston, RI
• Popularity: In popular demand.
• Price: $25/vehicle

Load up the car with your family or friends and head on out to the Festival of Lights at Wawaloam Campground this holiday season! This popular drive-thru event features millions of lights synced to the best tunes of the season that will put you in the holiday spirit. Check the Festival of Lights at Wawaloam Campground for more information on its Festival of Lights and to purchase tickets.

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WaterFire, 4 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

WaterFire Providence/Facebook

• Location: Providence, RI
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Price: Free

Want to start the holiday season out strong? Head to Providence the first three nights of December to celebrate the holiday season at Three Nights of Lights. This event features citywide events including WaterFire on one of the nights. (And if you've never been to a WaterFire event, I urge you to go! It's magical no matter what time of year.)

Christmas Towns In Rhode Island

This state, as those of us who grew up here know, is filled with charming small towns. Not only that but there are several that are considered Christmas towns in Rhode Island. Here are a few of my favorites:

Newport, RI, USA

mgiampaolo96/Flickr

• Location: Newport, RI
• Popularity: Newport is popular year-round.
• Price: Select attractions and events may have a fee.

The holiday season just isn't complete without a trip to Newport which turns into a winter wonderland this time of year. Christmas in Newport is a two-week festival held citywide. You can expect twinkling lights, the annual Illuminated Boat Parade in Newport Harbor, tree lighting on Bowen's Wharf, holiday events at Newport's Gilded Age mansions, and so much more! You should also check out the events happening at Gurney's Newport Resort on Goat Island which offers cocktails served in heated igloos. And even though it's cold, you can still take a stroll along the picturesque Cliff Walk. Newport is a coastal New England city must not be missed during the holiday season.

Wickford, North Kingstown, RI 02852, USA

North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

• Location: North Kingstown, RI
• Popularity: A somewhat popular spot for the holidays.
• Price: Select attractions and events may have a fee.

The Village of Wickford in North Kingstown knows how to celebrate the holiday season. This was always my favorite place to visit in December when I was growing up in RI. The first part of December brings about the annual Wickford Village Festival of Lights. This old-fashioned Christmas celebration features a town tree lighting ceremony, the arrival of Santa by boat, horse-drawn hayrides with Santa, and a variety of entertainment. Don't forget to check out all the quaint shops around town for unique holiday gifts while you're here!

Bristol, RI 02809, USA

Bristol Christmas Festival/Facebook

• Location: Bristol, RI
• Popularity: A somewhat popular town for the holidays
• Price: Select attractions and events may have a fee.

There's something so charming about the town of Bristol at any time of the year but perhaps more so during the holiday season. If you've never experienced the Bristol Christmas Festival, you're missing out on an event that could put anyone in the holiday spirit. The festival kicks off with the lighting of the town's Christmas tree along with music and singing and Santa. There are also carolers and a Christmas market featuring food and gift items along with a variety of events. It's a bucket list holiday festival in the state of Rhode Island!

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The Ice Skating Rink In Rhode Island Where You Can Skate All Winter Long

Outdoor Activities In Rhode Island

While many people love to stay inside and hibernate until the spring, getting outdoors to go sledding, ice skating, horseback riding, or hiking are all splendid activities this time of year. So, why not spend some time outdoors this winter enjoying a few cold-weather activities?

2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903, USA

DenisTangneyJr/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

• Location: Downtown Providence, RI
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Price: $9/adult, $6/children ages 12 and under, and $6/senior age 65 and older.

Ice skating at BankNewport City Center in downtown Providence is something we all look forward to during the long winter months. Bundle up, head on into the city, rent a pair of ice skates, and glide across the ice for a maximum of 3 hours with your admission. Ice skating hours are from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily weather permitting, of course. From beginners to die-hard skaters, this outdoor ice skating rink is a true winter gem in Providence.

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BankNewport City Center, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903, USA

BankNewport City Center/Facebook

• Location: Downtown Providence, RI
• Popularity: Extremely popular so book your session ahead of time on the website.
• Price: For shared: $15/person per ride (Dec.-Jan.), $12/person per ride (Feb.-Mar.). For single riders: $18/person per ride.

Ice bumper cars at this Providence rink is one of the best family things to do in Rhode Island in winter. Not only is it a great way to get outside during these long cold days but it's incredibly exhilarating! Each session is 15 minutes long and you'll wish it was longer. You can book your ice bumper car time slot on the BankNewport City Center website.

Yawgoo Valley Snow Tubing Park, 220 Yawgoo Valley Rd, Exeter, RI 02822, USA

Luis Ortega/Google Reviews

• Location: Yawgoo Valley, Exeter, RI
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Price: Check the Yawgoo Valley website for price information.

One of the greatest American winter crazes in recent years has to be snow tubing. Luckily there's a snow tubing park in our great little state of Rhode Island! Yawgoo Valley Snow Tubing Park offers up to seven snow tubing lanes for some fun during the long nights and weekends of winter in New England. The park is open from mid-December through March depending on the weather and the park's snow-making.

Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd, Warwick, RI 02818, USA

Michael Brown/AllTrails

• Location: Warwick, RI
• Popularity: Relatively popular for cross-country skiing but there are times you may have the trails to yourself.
• Price: Free

Goddard Memorial State Park is a popular place to spend time year-round. During the winter months, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are popular activities here along with hiking. Spend some quiet and solitude gliding through the snow on your skis. This park is absolutely beautiful especially covered in a blanket of white.

Winter Getaways In Rhode Island

Looking for ideas for a winter getaway? One of the most romantic things to do in Rhode Island in winter is to cozy up in front of a fireplace with a hot chocolate or a glass of wine in a forest cabin or perhaps a vacation rental with a hot tub. Either way, taking a break during the winter, especially after the frenetic energy surrounding the holidays, may just be what you need.

Portsmouth, RI, USA

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• Location: Portsmouth, RI
• Price: $274/night

Have a relaxing getaway this winter at a vacation rental like this Newport County Waterfront Home. Located in Portsmouth, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home sits at Blue Bill Cove. View the water from the home's large windows or the private hot tub. Trust us, you won't want to leave!

Cranston, RI, USA

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• Location: Cranston, RI
• Price: $175/night

This stunning Carriage House has one bedroom with a king-sized bed and one bathroom and is in a convenient location. Close to Roger Williams Park, downtown Providence, and Narragansett Bay, you'll have easy access to some of the best winter events and activities around the state.

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Jamestown, RI, USA

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• Location: Jamestown, RI
• Price: $680/night

If you stay at this Modern Cottage, a New England salt box-style home, in Jamestown, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the island. You can also head to Newport on the other side of the bridge to enjoy all that this popular coastal city has to offer in the winter. This vacation rental has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and can accommodate up to six guests. So, bring the whole family for some R&R here this winter!

Charlestown, RI, USA

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• Location: Charlestown, RI
• Price: $445/night

It doesn't have to be summertime to enjoy the beach. In fact, the winter is one of my favorite times to enjoy being seaside in Rhode Island -- no crowds, it's quiet, it's peaceful, it's perfect! This oceanfront beach house offers panoramic views that will make you long for life along the water no matter the time of year. And with two bedrooms and the ability to accommodate up to five guests, it's a wonderful family-friendly winter getaway.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Rhode Island in winter? We are so lucky that the smallest state in the country has so much to offer in terms of charming locales and wonderful activities throughout the year, even in the coldest months. Happy winter!