Weekend 401: Your guide to holiday markets and events in Rhode Island and the South Coast

From Warren’s town-wide celebration to artisan markets in Providence, Pawtucket and beyond, here’s where to shop, stroll, sip and support local this holiday season

Warren's Holiday Festival takes over the whole town every year and includes Santa arriving via fire truck.
Warren’s Holiday Festival takes over the whole town every year and includes Santa arriving via fire truck.
Courtesy of Elwood Donnelly
Share
Warren's Holiday Festival takes over the whole town every year and includes Santa arriving via fire truck.
Warren’s Holiday Festival takes over the whole town every year and includes Santa arriving via fire truck.
Courtesy of Elwood Donnelly
Weekend 401: Your guide to holiday markets and events in Rhode Island and the South Coast
Copy

Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo and producer James Baumgartner.

If you’re ready to lean fully into holiday mode - lights, markets, cocoa, fire spinners (yes, really!) - this weekend and the next few weeks are stacked with ways to support local makers and small businesses. Bundle up, bring a tote bag for your treasures and go make some seasonal, and local, magic!

Warren Holiday Festival, throughout Warren, Friday, Nov. 28- Saturday, Nov. 29

Although not a holiday market, Warren goes all in for the holidays. Expect a trolley looping through town with live music, local vendors, magic shows, puppetry, carolers, and festive drinks like hot chocolate and cider. Friday night features circus performers — including fire spinners — lighting up the waterfront. The whole town transforms with lights and decorations.

Warren's Holiday Festival
Warren’s Holiday Festival includes fire spinners, who are set to perform at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.
Courtesy of Elwood Donnelly

Christkindlmarkt 2025 (Christmas Market) Saturday,Nov. 29, 12-5:00 p.m. in Pawtucket

This Christkindlmarkt brings together 25+ local artisans selling everything from ceramics and ornaments to jewelry, knits, wreaths, and holiday greens.

Come hungry: there’s goulash in the Ratskeller, bratwurst and potato pancakes in the Biergarten, pastries galore, plus Liege waffles from Burgundian and Argentine-style grill plates from DQ Asados.

And yes — there’s plenty to drink. Grab Weihenstephaner beer, hot cocoa, the full Ratskeller bar, or lean fully into the season with a mug of warm Glühwein.


Providence Flea’s Holiday Night Market, Farm Fresh Market Hall in Providence, Friday, Nov. 28, 5-9:00 p.m.

Browse dozens of vendors selling unique local goods, artists, indie makers, vintage clothing, and food and drink. If you can’t make Friday night, the Flea is also hosting Sunday holiday markets every Sunday leading up to Christmas (11 a.m.–3 p.m.).

The 13th Annual Holiday Markets at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall is on November 28 from 5 - 9 p.m. and Sundays, November 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The 13th Annual Holiday Markets at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall is on November 28 from 5 - 9 p.m. and Sundays, November 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Courtesy of Providence Flea/ Maria Tocco

Learn more.


Tomaquag Museum Nikommo/Indigenous Artist Market, Saturday, Dec. 6, 12-4:00 p.m

Explore the annual Indigenous Artist Market and celebrate Nikommo – described as “a feast honoring the Creator’s gifts” – with the Tomaquag Team. Do some holiday shopping and support Indigenous artists. Stop by anytime between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM at the Quonochontaug Grange. The community is also encouraging patrons to donate clothing or toys to families in need via their community partner, the Jonnycake Center.


Can’t get enough holiday cheer? Here’s a list of more holiday happenings in the Ocean State and beyond!

In Rhode Island, the suicide and crisis hotline call center received over 1,500 calls in July. That’s a more than 200% increase from when 988 first launched

Caucus analysis claims the state’s housing finance agency devotes outsized resources to administrative costs compared with peers in Massachusetts and other New England states; RIHousing CEO pushes back, calling the criticism political and highlighting billions invested in homes
‘We care. We’re worried about the jobs right now,” the mayor said. “We’re worried about the people.’
Secretary of State Gregg Amore said he objected to providing personally identifiable information, like the last four digits of one’s social security number, contained in the state’s voter rolls
2023 final approval wasn’t actually final without plans on national security, fisheries, according to affidavit