The Providence area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston on November 9 to Holiday Lights Spectacular in Providence, which runs through January 3. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Rhode Island, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Providence for 2026, in Providence, Cranston, Lincoln, Warwick, Cumberland, East Providence and Pawtucket
- First: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central, Cranston, November 9. Runs latest: Holiday Lights Spectacular, Providence, through January 3
- Free: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central, Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet, Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central, Maker Stations: Holidays, Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival, Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass, Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central, A Visit with Santa at the Library, The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn, Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause, Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In and Once Upon a Story Hour
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Rhode Island Christmas train rides page.
Providence Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Providence, Cranston, Lincoln, Warwick, Cumberland, East Providence and Pawtucket
- Season
- November 9, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 12
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday crafts, holiday lights and Santa visit
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Providence Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston on November 9; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ CentralCranston · Nov 9 to Dec 7
- Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage BalletCumberland · Nov 14
- Holiday Lights SpectacularProvidence · Nov 27 to Jan 3
- Jingle Jam Storytime @ CentralCranston · Dec 3
- Maker Stations: HolidaysLincoln · Dec 5
- Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter FestivalWarwick · Dec 5
- Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained GlassLincoln · Dec 7
- Gingerbread Story Hour @ CentralCranston · Dec 8
- A Visit with Santa at the LibraryPawtucket · Dec 12
- The Snowy Day Painting @ OaklawnCranston · Dec 16
- Family Movie Night: The Santa ClauseWarwick · Dec 22
- Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-InLincoln · Dec 23
- Once Upon a Story HourEast Providence · Dec 30
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Providence? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Providence
1 confirmed event for kids in Providence, soonest first.
Providence: Holiday Lights Spectacular
Holiday lightsRoger Williams Park Zoo · Providence
- Host
- Roger Williams Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly), 5 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- $13 to $15; tickets must be bought online in advance
- Ages
- Family and friends
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Roger Williams Park Zoo turns its grounds into a walk through holiday light show every night from November 27 through January 3. The route covers 40 acres of larger than life luminous displays with more than three and a half million lights, and it takes most families about an hour to an hour and a half. The show is open rain or shine, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Tickets cost $13 to $15 and must be bought online in advance, with no refunds or rescheduling. Zoo members save $2 per adult and $1 per child. Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are welcome, and single or double strollers can be rented at the entrance. Snacks like hot chocolate, s'mores and sugar cookies are sold along with dinner options such as hot dogs and chicken tenders. Parking is free but first come, first served.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online before you go, since none are refundable. Traffic off Route 95 can be slow between 5 and 8 pm, so allow extra time.
See dates and details from Roger Williams Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cranston
4 confirmed events for kids in Cranston, soonest first.
Cranston: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central
Holiday story timeFreeCranston Public Library · Cranston
- Host
- Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cranston Public Library, Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920 (near Providence)
- When
- Mon November 9, Mon November 16, Mon November 23, Mon November 30 and Mon December 7, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Babies ages 0 to 2 with caregivers
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Jingle Bell Babies Storytime is a Monday morning series at Cranston Public Library's Central Library, geared toward babies from birth to age 2 and the grown ups who care for them. Each session features books and songs all about winter, a gentle way to share the season with the littlest listeners.
Sessions run for half an hour in the Children's Program Room on five Mondays from November 9 through December 7. Registration is required and space is limited. Families who need an accommodation are asked to contact the library at least seven days before the session. The program is free and offers a calm, social outing for new parents and caregivers during the holiday season.
Parent tip: Each Monday session needs its own registration and space is limited.
See dates and details from Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Cranston: Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central
Holiday story timeFreeCranston Public Library · Cranston
- Host
- Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cranston Public Library, Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920 (near Providence)
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Get the sleigh bells ringing at this morning story time for children from birth to age 5, attending with a caregiver. Each session starts with a traditional 20 minute story time of songs, rhymes and a read aloud about dashing through the snow, then wraps up with a 10 minute dance party.
The program meets in the James T. Giles Community Room at the Central Library. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up through the library's online calendar. The library asks anyone needing a service or accommodation to contact access@cranstonlibrary.org at least seven days ahead. For the youngest children, the library also offers Jingle Bell Babies Storytime for ages 0 to 2 on Monday mornings in late November and early December, with winter books and songs, also with registration required.
Parent tip: Register in advance. Babies under 2 may enjoy the separate Jingle Bell Babies Storytime on Mondays, including December 7 at 10 am.
See dates and details from Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Cranston: Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central
Holiday story timeFreeCranston Public Library · Cranston
- Host
- Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cranston Public Library, Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920 (near Providence)
- When
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 2 to 8 and their families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cranston's Central Library hosts an evening story hour built around a gingerbread man adventure. Kids ages 2 to 8 and their families will read the book together, sing songs, and then decorate an edible gingerbread man to enjoy.
The program takes place in the James T. Giles Community Room on a Tuesday evening, which makes it a good fit for families who cannot attend daytime story times. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up in advance through the library's events calendar. Families who need a service or accommodation to participate fully should contact access@cranstonlibrary.org at least seven days before the event. The Central Library is on Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, just southwest of Providence.
Parent tip: Register ahead, since space is limited. Note any food allergies, as kids decorate an edible gingerbread man.
See dates and details from Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Cranston: The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn
Holiday story timeFreeCranston Public Library · Cranston
- Host
- Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cranston Public Library, Oak Lawn Branch, 230 Wilbur Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921 (near Providence)
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Grades K to 5
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Oak Lawn Branch of Cranston Public Library is pairing a beloved winter picture book with an art project. Kids listen to a reading of The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and then paint their own snowy day picture on a canvas to take home.
The program is designed for children in kindergarten through grade 5 and runs for 45 minutes in the branch Program Room. Space is limited and registration is required. Note that the library closes at 5 pm, right after the program ends, and accommodation requests should be sent at least seven days ahead. The program is free, and kids take their painted canvas home.
Parent tip: Register early since space is limited; the branch closes at 5 pm.
See dates and details from Cranston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Lincoln
3 confirmed events for kids in Lincoln, soonest first.
Lincoln: Maker Stations: Holidays
Holiday craftsFreeLincoln Public Library · Lincoln
- Host
- Lincoln Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lincoln Public Library, 145 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865 (near Providence)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 4 and up
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Lincoln Public Library is filling its Children's Program Room with holiday themed maker stations for a Saturday drop in. Kids ages 4 and up can move between stations set up with seasonal crafts, DIY activities and small building challenges, working at their own pace.
No registration is needed, and families can stop by any time between 10 am and 3 pm, which makes it easy to fit around other weekend plans. The library notes that children share program materials in the room and that masks are optional. The program is free, and kids can stay for as long or as short a time as they like.
Parent tip: Drop in any time during the five hour window; no sign up needed.
See dates and details from Lincoln Public Library (opens in a new tab)Lincoln: Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass
Holiday craftsFreeLincoln Public Library · Lincoln
- Host
- Lincoln Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lincoln Public Library, 145 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865 (near Providence)
- When
- Monday, December 7, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 8 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Lincoln Public Library's monthly Art Club for kids ages 8 to 12 has a holiday project in December. Participants create faux stained glass pieces using picture frames, markers and aluminum foil, a colorful decoration or gift that looks great in a window.
The club meets for an hour in the Children's Program Room on a Monday evening. The library asks families to respect the age range for this program so that every child has an enjoyable and safe experience. Check the event page before you go for any sign up details. The program is free, and kids take their finished piece home. It is a good fit for older kids who want a more detailed project than a typical drop in craft.
Parent tip: This one is for ages 8 to 12 only; younger siblings can try the drop in holiday crafts on December 5 or 23 instead.
See dates and details from Lincoln Public Library (opens in a new tab)Lincoln: Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In
Holiday craftsFreeLincoln Public Library · Lincoln
- Host
- Lincoln Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lincoln Public Library, 145 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865 (near Providence)
- When
- Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10 am to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children with caretakers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Two days before Christmas, Lincoln Public Library is opening its Children's Room for an all day holiday craft drop in. Kids can come in with their caretakers any time from 10 am to 7 pm to make holiday cards and ornaments.
The activity runs while supplies last, so earlier in the day is safest. It is a handy, free stop during winter break for making last minute cards for relatives or a homemade ornament for the tree, and the long hours make it easy to fit around school vacation plans. The program is free, and no registration is required. Caretakers should plan to stay and help younger children with their projects.
Parent tip: Supplies are limited, so visit earlier in the day if you can.
See dates and details from Lincoln Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Warwick
2 confirmed events for kids in Warwick, soonest first.
Warwick: Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival
Santa visitFreeWarwick Public Library · Warwick
- Host
- Warwick Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Warwick Public Library, Apponaug Branch, 3267 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 (near Providence)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Warwick Public Library's Apponaug Branch is joining the Apponaug Stroll winter festival with a day of drop in holiday fun. Families can stop by to make crafts and write a letter to Santa, a sweet activity for kids who are working on their wish lists.
Each household can also pick up a Santa key, provided by Jon's Locks, while supplies last, with a limit of one per household. The branch is open from 9 am to 3 pm for the festival, so it is easy to combine with other stops along the Apponaug Stroll. The activities are free, and no registration is listed for this drop in program.
Parent tip: Santa keys are limited to one per household while supplies last, so come early in the day.
See dates and details from Warwick Public Library (opens in a new tab)Warwick: Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause
Holiday eventFreeWarwick Public Library · Warwick
- Host
- Warwick Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Warwick Public Library, Central, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI 02889 (near Providence)
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration requested
- Ages
- Kids and teens with families
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Warwick Public Library invites families to a holiday movie night featuring The Santa Clause, the PG rated story of a dad who ends up taking over Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. The film runs 98 minutes, and kids are encouraged to come dressed in their holiday pajamas.
The library will provide a treat, and families are welcome to bring their own snacks as well. The movie is shown in the Large Meeting Room. The library asks families to register so it knows how many people to expect, and registration opens November 24, 2026 at 6 pm. The movie night is free. The library lists the audience as kids and teens with their families.
Parent tip: Register after November 24 at 6 pm, wear holiday pajamas, and pack extra snacks if you like.
See dates and details from Warwick Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cumberland
1 confirmed event for kids in Cumberland, soonest first.
Cumberland: Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet
Holiday story timeFreeCumberland Public Library · Cumberland
- Host
- Cumberland Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 (near Providence)
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Children of all ages and their families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cumberland Public Library's Children's Room and Heritage Ballet are teaming up for a Nutcracker storytime. Children listen to a reading of The Nutcracker while dancers from Heritage Ballet bring the characters to life by performing an excerpt from the ballet.
Kids also get to see the exercises dancers use to warm up, learn about the costumes and pointe shoes used in performances, and try a few ballet steps with the dancers. The program is for children of all ages with their families and is held in the Community Room. Registration is required, and the form asks how many children and adults will attend. The program is free and lasts about an hour.
Parent tip: Register ahead and let the library know if you can no longer attend so another family can take your spot.
See dates and details from Cumberland Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in East Providence
1 confirmed event for kids in East Providence, soonest first.
East Providence: Once Upon a Story Hour
Holiday story timeFreeEast Providence Public Library · East Providence
- Host
- East Providence Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Providence Public Library, Riverside Branch, 475 Bullocks Point Avenue, East Providence, RI 02915 (near Providence)
- When
- Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 3 and up
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
During the week between Christmas and New Year's, the Riverside Branch of East Providence Public Library welcomes Mother Nature from Once Upon a Story Hour. She will share some winter tales, teach kids a little sign language and lead a fun craft.
The program is for ages 3 and up and takes place in the Riverside Program Room. Once Upon a Story Hour is a nonprofit that uses literature and hands on activities to support children's learning and confidence. It is a nice story based outing for the quieter days of winter break. The program is free and lasts about an hour. The branch calendar lists it under children's programs.
See dates and details from East Providence Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Pawtucket
1 confirmed event for kids in Pawtucket, soonest first.
Pawtucket: A Visit with Santa at the Library
Story time with SantaFreePawtucket Public Library · Pawtucket
- Host
- Pawtucket Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pawtucket Public Library, Campbell Auditorium, 13 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 (near Providence)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2:30 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Children and families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa is visiting the Pawtucket Public Library for a Saturday afternoon story time in the library's Campbell Auditorium. Children will hear a story read by Santa, enjoy cookies and a drink, and make a simple craft. Every child also receives a free book.
Space is limited and registration is required, so sign up through the library's online calendar ahead of time. The library reminds families to bring a cell phone or camera to take a picture with Santa. The event is listed for children and families and runs about an hour and a half. Pawtucket is just north of Providence, so it is an easy drive for families across the metro area.
Parent tip: Register early, since space is limited. Bring your phone or camera for a photo with Santa.
See dates and details from Pawtucket Public Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Rhode Island Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonProvidence Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Providence in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Providence for 2026 on each host’s own page: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston (November 9), Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet in Cumberland (November 14), Holiday Lights Spectacular in Providence (November 27), Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central in Cranston (December 3), Maker Stations: Holidays in Lincoln (December 5), Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival in Warwick (December 5), Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass in Lincoln (December 7), Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central in Cranston (December 8), A Visit with Santa at the Library in Pawtucket (December 12), The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn in Cranston (December 16), Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause in Warwick (December 22), Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In in Lincoln (December 23) and Once Upon a Story Hour in East Providence (December 30). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Providence, Rhode Island?
For families in and around Providence, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Lights Spectacular (Nightly, Nov 27 to Jan 3, 5 to 9:30 pm, $13 to $15; tickets must be bought online in advance). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Providence section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Cranston, Rhode Island?
For families in and around Cranston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central (Mondays, Nov 9 to Dec 7, 10 to 10:30 am, free, registration required); Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central (Thu, Dec 3, 10 to 10:30 am, free, registration required); Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central (Tue, Dec 8, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free, registration required); The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn (Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 4:45 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cranston section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Lincoln, Rhode Island?
For families in and around Lincoln, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Maker Stations: Holidays (Sat, Dec 5, drop in 10 am to 3 pm, free); Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass (Mon, Dec 7, 6 to 7 pm, free); Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In (Wed, Dec 23, drop in 10 am to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lincoln section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Warwick, Rhode Island?
For families in and around Warwick, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 3 pm, free); Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause (Tue, Dec 22, 6 to 7:45 pm, free, registration requested). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Warwick section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Cumberland, Rhode Island?
For families in and around Cumberland, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet (Sat, Nov 14, 10 to 11 am, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cumberland section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in East Providence, Rhode Island?
For families in and around East Providence, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Once Upon a Story Hour (Wed, Dec 30, 1 to 2 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the East Providence section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Pawtucket, Rhode Island?
For families in and around Pawtucket, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: A Visit with Santa at the Library (Sat, Dec 12, 2:30 to 4 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Pawtucket section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Providence?
Yes. 12 of the 13 events here are free: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston, Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet in Cumberland, Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central in Cranston, Maker Stations: Holidays in Lincoln, Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival in Warwick, Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass in Lincoln, Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central in Cranston, A Visit with Santa at the Library in Pawtucket, The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn in Cranston, Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause in Warwick, Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In in Lincoln and Once Upon a Story Hour in East Providence. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Providence this December?
Santa appears at Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival in Warwick (December 5) and A Visit with Santa at the Library in Pawtucket (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Providence?
Holiday story times on this page: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston, Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet in Cumberland, Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central in Cranston, Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central in Cranston, A Visit with Santa at the Library in Pawtucket, The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn in Cranston and Once Upon a Story Hour in East Providence. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Providence Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston (Babies ages 0 to 2 with caregivers) and Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central in Cranston (Ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Providence on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Holiday Lights Spectacular in Providence (through January 3) and Once Upon a Story Hour in East Providence (through December 30).
How much is Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central in Cranston?
Free, registration required. Jingle Bell Babies Storytime @ Central is on Mon November 9, Mon November 16, Mon November 23, Mon November 30 and Mon December 7, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am at Cranston Public Library, Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet in Cumberland?
Free, registration required. Nutcracker Storytime with Heritage Ballet is on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Cumberland Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Lights Spectacular in Providence?
$13 to $15; tickets must be bought online in advance. Holiday Lights Spectacular is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly), 5 to 9:30 pm at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central in Cranston?
Free, registration required. Jingle Jam Storytime @ Central is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am at Cranston Public Library, Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Maker Stations: Holidays in Lincoln?
Free. Maker Stations: Holidays is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm at Lincoln Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival in Warwick?
Free. Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm at Warwick Public Library, Apponaug Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass in Lincoln?
Free. Art Club: Holiday Faux Stained Glass is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Lincoln Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central in Cranston?
Free, registration required. Gingerbread Story Hour @ Central is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Cranston Public Library, Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A Visit with Santa at the Library in Pawtucket?
Free, registration required. A Visit with Santa at the Library is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2:30 to 4 pm at Pawtucket Public Library, Campbell Auditorium. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn in Cranston?
Free, registration required. The Snowy Day Painting @ Oaklawn is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm at Cranston Public Library, Oak Lawn Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause in Warwick?
Free, registration requested. Family Movie Night: The Santa Clause is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm at Warwick Public Library, Central. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In in Lincoln?
Free. Holiday Cards and Ornaments Drop-In is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10 am to 7 pm at Lincoln Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Once Upon a Story Hour in East Providence?
Free. Once Upon a Story Hour is on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at East Providence Public Library, Riverside Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Providence?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Providence Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.