South County, Rhode Island, is a vacation destination for all seasons. Of course, the region is well-known for its beaches and other summertime attractions, but visiting in the fall and winter also offers numerous great ways to spend your time.
For instance, the area has various holiday markets to attend in the weeks leading up to the big day. You’ll find an excellent selection of locally-made gifts for the whole family at these markets, and many have live on-site entertainment, as well.
Although South County is most popular in the summer, booking a vacation rental in the colder months provides outstanding value. Here’s a look at some of the Christmas markets in South County in 2022.
Charlestown Christmas Spectacular
If you’re in the Charlestown, Rhode Island, area on Friday, December 2, you won’t want to miss the town’s annual Christmas Spectacular. The celebration runs between 5:30 and 7:30 PM and features snacks, rideable mechanical animals, and a visit from Santa Claus.
The event includes a craft market, too, so you’ll have a couple of hours to pick up some gifts for friends and family. You’ll find this free festival at Charlestown Town Hall, which sits on South County Trail on the north end of town.
Narragansett Holiday Street Faire
There’s a holiday event in Narragansett on Saturday, December 3, 2022, called the Narragansett Holiday Street Faire. This event will feature more than 30 local artisan vendors selling crafts and other gifts in the event’s unique Artisan Barn.
You’ll also find an outdoor village with Santa, greenery, the famous Lobster Pot Tree, alpacas, and photo scenes, in addition to food trucks, live music, and holiday drinks. The Narragansett Holiday Street Faire is free to attend and runs from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Clarke Road Grounds at 170 Clarke Road, just a few blocks from Scarborough State Beach.
Matunuck Holiday Stroll
The village of Matunuck knows how to party, so it should come as no surprise that its annual Holiday Stroll takes place on four separate days, giving you all the time in the world to check it out. This event runs on December 1, 8, 15, and 22, with each day having different festivities to enjoy.
Thursday, December 1, will have photos with Santa between 5:00 and 10:00 PM, a tree lighting at 7:00, wreath and ornament making from 5:00-7:00, and live music at Ocean Mist from 6:00-9:00, so you can make an entire evening of it.
The second night of holiday cheer on December 8 will feature local artists and vendors, live music, and a raffle, with all events happening near Ocean Mist on Matunuck Beach Road. You can also sample a seasonal cocktail or two while you shop.
Day three on December 15 will feature an ugly sweater party with live music at Ocean Mist and a meat raffle at The Pub. These events are for charity, with proceeds going to Johnnycake.
Finally, December 22 will bring a concert by the Larry Brown Swinglane Orchestra to Ocean Mist starting at 8:00 PM. If you struggle to wrap gifts, there will also be a gift wrapping at The Pub between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, so you can have a drink while an expert wraps your presents for you.
No matter when you visit South County, there’s likely something going on in Matunuck that’s worth checking out.
Small Works Holiday Art Show
Finally, the Wickford Art Association will host art sales every Wednesday through Sunday between November 18 and December 21. You can head to these shows to grab some original artwork as a gift for a loved one or just enjoy the creations by some of Rhode Island’s finest artists.
The event runs between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM on those days, and admission is free, with donations accepted.
South County Holiday Markets
There are more than enough options for Christmas shopping in South County, especially when you consider that all of these markets have handmade gifts you won’t find anywhere else. The result is a unique, one-of-a-kind present for the special people in your life and a wonderful holiday memory.
Book your vacation rental in South County this winter to take advantage of everything this beautiful part of the country has to offer in the colder months of the year.