Holiday Celebration at WaterFire Providence: Part of Three Nights of Lights 2024

The WaterFire Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 7, is a must-see event in the heart of Providence. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the partial lighting in Memorial Park, part of the Three Nights of Lights series, will create a magical atmosphere along the RISD and Memorial Park areas. This event, presented by the City of Providence and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, brings together local organizations such as The AvenueConcept, FirstWorks, and WaterFire Providence.

Holiday Winter Market & Local Vendors

The Holiday Winter Market will feature 15 local artists and vendors showcasing unique jewelry, handcrafted items, and more. The WaterFire Marketplace will also offer an opportunity to purchase locally designed merchandise and make donations to support WaterFire. Additional mini WaterFire merchandise stations will be located at the RISD Auditorium and College Street.

Santa’s Village & Photo Opportunities

Santa will make a special appearance by boat at Memorial Park at 6:00 p.m., then head to Market Square for a meet-and-greet until 9:00 p.m. Guests can take free photos with Santa, with donations encouraged to support Adoption Rhode Island’s Holiday Gift Drive.

Gift Drive Supporting Adoption Rhode Island

Throughout the event, donation boxes will collect toys, clothing, household items, and gift cards to support children in foster care, teens aging out of the system, and young parents. Donations will help fulfill over 400 holiday wish lists, and items can also be dropped off at the WaterFire Arts Center until December 15.

Live Performances & Entertainment

The Nutcracker and Mouse King will perform at Memorial Park at 5:45 p.m. after arriving by boat. Other highlights include live music from Ben Shaw at the College Street Acoustic Stage, Cirque De Light performances at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., and interactive performances from the Silent Soapbox's "Holiday Fairy."

Food, Drinks & Family Fun

Food vendors, including Axelrods Fry Shack, Hot Potato RI, and Thrive Cakery, will be serving up delicious treats along College Street from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. White Dog Distilling will offer holiday cocktails and warm beverages like hot chocolate to keep everyone cozy.

Fired Up 50/50 Raffle

The Fired Up 50/50 Raffle gives attendees a chance to win cash prizes while supporting WaterFire Providence. Tickets are available in Market Square, College Street, and near the RISD Auditorium.

Starry, Starry Night & More

The Starry, Starry Night installation at Memorial Park will allow attendees to wish on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern. The Three Nights of Lights festival also includes other performances, including a special WaterFire-themed holiday song recorded by local volunteers.

Don’t miss this festive and magical evening in Providence! For more information on the Three Nights of Lights festival, visit the Providence Warwick Visitor Convention Bureau’s website.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Waterplace Park, Providence, RI