South County, Rhode Island, is full of first-class events around the holidays, but few are as highly anticipated as the Wickford Festival of Lights. The 38th edition of this event is coming to coastal Rhode Island between November 30 and December 3, 2023, and will feature multiple days of fun for the entire family.
Many of these events are free to attend, and the attractions that cost money are reasonably priced, so you won’t have to break the bank to participate. This experience is a throwback to Christmases of the past and will surely bring back memories from your childhood.
Booking your vacation rental anywhere in South County during this festival makes it accessible because North Kingstown is close to most communities. Here’s a look at what to expect at the 38th Annual Wickford Festival of Lights.
November 30, 2023
The entire event gets started on Thursday, November 30, at 6:30 PM with the tree lighting ceremony at Updike Park in Wickford Village. There will be an appearance by Santa Claus, and hot cocoa will be flowing at this family-friendly experience.
Updike Park sits on the corner of Brown Street and Main Street, making it easy to find. Parking is available on Main Street, behind the Old Library, and at Wickford Town Dock if the ceremony gets overly busy.
December 1, 2023
Things kick into high gear the following evening in Wickford when Santa arrives by boat at the dock on Brown Street at 5:30 PM. Santa’s vessel will be pulled by paddling reindeer in the form of kayakers, and there will be hayrides through downtown with Old Saint Nick between 6:00 and 8:00. These rides cost $3 per person.
If you aren’t into the hayrides, you can head to Old Narragansett Church for caroling, and there will be photo opportunities with Santa later in the evening, as well. There’s also a concert with the Lafayette Band at the First Baptist Church at 7:00 PM.
December 2, 2023
Saturday, December 2, will be the busiest day of the weekend, starting with the elf parade at noon. You’re free to participate in the parade, as all you have to do is dress your family in elf attire by 11:00 AM and meet at Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage on West Main Street. You’ll receive free cocoa and cookies for your participation.
At 12:30 PM on December 2, Santa arrives by boat in Wickford Cove yet again. This event will be a repeat of the previous evening, complete with hayrides and caroling.
December 3, 2023
Things start to wind down on the Sunday, although Santa will arrive in the harbor for a third time at 12:30 PM. So, if you miss out on the first couple of arrivals, show up on December 3 to check it out. It’ll probably be a little less busy on this date, so you won’t have to fight the crowds as much.
Shopping Throughout the Weekend
Every day of the Wickford Festival of Lights will feature all kinds of shopping opportunities, as you can find one-of-a-kind gifts from the artisan market or grab some presents from a local boutique.
You can also wander over to North Kingstown High School and check out a concert by the North Kingstown Community Chorus on the Saturday or Sunday, with tickets costing $15 in advance or $20 at the door. https://www.nkchorus.org/concerts.html
The Wickford Festival of Lights offers an old-fashioned Christmas experience like the ones you had as a kid. It isn’t about the presents or technology, as everything is incredibly simple and family-orientated. Planning your South County vacation around this festival helps you keep the true Christmas spirit alive and is reason enough to visit South County this winter.