Spending the holiday season in South County is a magical experience. After all, where else can you enjoy beautiful ocean views, take in some holiday festivities, and wander a historic small town on the same day?
As we get closer to the big day, holiday events start to wind down a bit. You won’t find any Christmas strolls or holiday parades in the week leading up to December 25, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be short on things to do in South County.
Here’s a look at some activities and entertainment options for the week of Christmas 2021 near Rhode Island’s shoreline.
Christmas in Song Concert
The Watch Hill Chapel in Westerly frequently hosts events, and on December 23, you can visit for the Christmas in Song concert. The show begins at 5:30 PM, is about an hour long, and includes performances of your favorite Christmas carols, holiday readings, and bell ringers.
Admission to Christmas in Song is free, but you’ll need to reserve a spot before you arrive because there’s limited seating.
The Watch Hill Chapel is located at 5 Bluff Avenue, across the street from Ocean House and about a block from the sights and sounds of Bay Street.
Christmas Cocktail Cabaret
Also on December 23 is the 8th Annual Christmas Cocktail Cabaret at The Towers, a night of Christmas music, carols, and your favorite holiday scenes. You can enjoy a cocktail or two during the performance, and there will be food available, as well.
Everything kicks off at 7:30 that night, although doors open at 7:00, so it’s advisable to show up early to get a good seat.
Note that tickets are $40 each, and you’ll need to purchase your admission before you arrive to ensure you get in.
The Christmas Cocktail Cabaret takes place at The Towers, a historic venue overlooking the water on Ocean Road in Narragansett.
Christmas Eve Dinners
Enjoying a Christmas Eve dinner with the family is a holiday tradition for many, but you might not want to cook a huge meal if you’re on vacation. Fortunately, there are some alternatives in South County.
First, there’s the Christmas Eve Dinner at the Farmhouse Kitchen & Bar in Westerly. Executive Chef Albert Cannito has created a three-course meal featuring appetizers like butternut squash ravioli and calamari, mains like roasted duck and prime rib, and assorted holiday desserts. The dinner is $89 per adult and $40 for kids 12 and under.
Another option is the Feast of the Fishes Christmas Eve Dinner at the Weekapaug Inn in Westerly. This meal costs $85 for adults and $45 for kids 12 and under and is a traditional Italian-American seafood feast that includes options like local quahog, calamari, grilled seabass, and cannolis for dessert.
Of, if you’d rather enjoy your meal at your vacation rental, the Carriage Inn & Saloon in North Kingstown is accepting pre-orders of their to-go Christmas Eve meals. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a traditional dinner of turkey or ham or go with a coastal option like baked shrimp. Prime rib and filet mignon are available, too.
You can also reserve tickets to the Christmas Day Brunch at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. This meal has everything you could ever want from a meal on Christmas morning and comes with unlimited sparkling wine. There’s live jazz music in the dining room all day long, as well.
The Crazy Christmas House
If you feel like making the drive up to Coventry, you can visit the Crazy Christmas House any time after 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
This event runs throughout the holiday season and features a display of over 63,000 Christmas lights and 64 computerized sections at a private residence at 9 Blue Spruce Drive.
You can also tune your car radio to 107.5 when you arrive, and the lights will move to the beat of the music.
Your family is sure to love the Crazy Christmas House just like countless South County residents do every holiday season.
Decorating For the Holidays
Just because you’re away from home for the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on decorating the house in the days leading up to Christmas. South County has a couple of local vendors specializing in Christmas decor that are sure to make the season more enjoyable for you and your family.
Clark Farms in Matunuck has a greenhouse with all the holiday decorations you’ll need. Whether you’re searching for a Christmas tree, some poinsettias, or garland to get your vacation rental looking like home, they have you covered.
The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown also has a greenhouse with a significant amount of holiday decor. Here, you can grab ornaments for your tree or pick up some natural components for your display, including bows, branches, and other greenery. If you aren’t planning to take your Christmas decor home with you, the perishable items at the Farmer’s Daughter are worth a look.
Your South County Christmas
Those enjoying a South County Christmas in 2021 will never find themselves short on activities, as the area is bustling with life throughout the holidays.
Check out a few of these events during your vacation to ensure you make the most of your time in this incredibly festive part of the world.