Northern, RI – It’s the season of giving – and shopping for those presents to give, of course – and as such, this weekend is jam-packed with opportunities to purchase gifts from local vendors and to help out others in need.
To get in the spirit, catch the Burrillville High School theatre club’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, or catch a holiday concert at The Assembly Theatre or Slatersville Congregational Church.
Santa will be making plenty of stops at local businesses this weekend, and locals can catch him at Johnny’s Victory Diner or Beef Barn Restaurant, with details below. On Saturday, he’ll appear in a parade in Harrisville leading up to a toy drive at Post 88.
And of course, there’s a chance to take a break from your holiday preparations and catch some live music at one of our great local venues.
Wherever you go this weekend, we hope you’re in the holiday spirit, and that you consider these events close to home.
Friday, Dec. 9
Walmart, Dowling Village Way, North Smithfield, North Smithfield Police Department Christmas Toy Drive, 3-7 p.m. Collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children in need.
Johnny’s Victory Diner at 2731 Victory Highway, Burrillville, Polar Express special, 5-8 p.m. Children will receive a Golden Ticket upon entry good for a free meal of a pancake or grilled cheese – with a purchase of a parent meal. A Polar Express ticket/sticker and bell will also be given to each child.
Harmony Products, 474 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Holiday Lights train rides, 5-7 p.m. $7 per person, free for kids under 3.
Nicole’s Before & After Clubhouse, Hopkins Road, Chepachet, Parents Night Out, 5-9 p.m. Drop off kids age 4 and up to enjoy dinner, games, crafts and more. The cost is $50 per kid.
The Burrillville High School, 425 East Ave., Harrisville, BHS Theatre Club will present the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased at the door.
Uncle Ronnie’s Red Tavern, 2692 Victory Highway, Nasonville, live music, 8 p.m.
Dev’s Cafe, 341 Chapel St. Harrisville, Friday Meat Raffle, 8 p.m. DJ Wisevlad, 8:30 p.m-12:30 a.m.
Hill’s Tavern & Grill, 417 Putnam Pike Chepachet, Karaoke with DJ Sergio, 8:30 p.m.
Pascoag Cafe, 150 Main St. Pascoag, DJ Don, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Walmart, Dowling Village Way, North Smithfield, North Smithfield Police Department Christmas Toy Drive, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children in need.
Berard Desjarlais American Legion Post 88, 111 Chapel St., Harrisville, Santa parade & Toys for Tots collection, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Santa parade will step off from the Harrisville Fire Department on Callahan School St. at 9 a.m. Those who brings a new unwrapped toy will get a free picture with Santa. The post will also accept donations of IGA receipts; coats; worn flags; canned goods; and new clothes and toiletries for the Knights of Columbus Drive for the RI Veterans Home. There will be new flags for sale and a Hess Truck raffle, and guests are invited to stay for refreshments and the Army/Navy football game at 3 p.m.
Cady’s Tavern, 2168 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Everything Christmas Day, 9 a.m. The event will include breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon, with pictures and presents for the kids, and a calendar release/Christmas party starting at 2 p.m., including a Toys for Tots collection. Cool Beans, 8 p.m.
First Universalist Church, 134 Main St., Harrisville, Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Holiday shopping, bake sale, penny social, 50/50 raffle and more.
Mapleville Farm, 544 Victory Highway, Mapleville, Cookie Spectacular, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Selling all the holiday cookies in mix-and-match boxes so you can try an assortment. Visit in your ugliest sweater for a free cookie.
Fire House Pizza parking lot, 639 Great Road, North Smithfield, North Smithfield Heritage Association’s Heritage Walk of Waterford Village, 9:30 a.m. Walkers will meet in the Fire House Pizza parking lot and visit Coblin Rock, Mammoth Mills Ruins, the Blackstone Canal, Waterford School, St. Paul’s Church, the Waterford Railroad Station, Railroad Fountain and the covered bridge site.
The Meadows, 2 Village Way, North Smithfield, Teen Gift Drive & Holiday Craft Fair for “Operation Christmas! Adopt A Teen!” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will feature raffles, shopping with local crafters and vendors, and an ugly sweater contest. The organization is also seeking donations for teens 12-18 and young adults with special needs up to 21. Donors can purchase a gift for a teen on their Holiday Gift List Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/…/holiday/7ZLT5T5KE9XP/guest-view
The Farm, 463 Tourtellot Hill Road, Chepachet, Holiday Shopping in the Barn, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Food trucks Sunnyside on the Street, local vendors with handmade products, live music.
Johnny’s Victory Diner at 2731 Victory Highway, Burrillville, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the diner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests are invited to visit and receive free cookies for kids.
Art Box Studio, 180 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville, Pop Art Pet Paints Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn how to paint your pet in bold pop art style. Tickets $30. Call (401) 568-5000 or register online at www.artboxstudiori.com.
Bravo Brewing Company, 75 Pascoag Main St., Pascoag, Burrillville Farmer’s Market popup shop, 1 to 4 p.m. The event will include live music, with items from local artisans, fresh produce, baked good and meats for sale.
Jesse Smith Memorial Library, 100 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville, Holiday Cookie Swap, 1 to 2 p.m. Participants are asked to bring two dozen of their favorite cookies along with the recipe and will meet in the community room to sample cookies, swap recipes, and sip on a hot cup of coffee or tea. Swappers must register with the Reference Department by calling (401) 710-7800.
Harmony Products, 474 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Holiday Lights train rides, 5-7 p.m. $7 per person, free for kids under 3.
Toti’s Tavern, 8 Callahan School St., Burrillville, Pink & Randy, 7 p.m.
Hill’s Tavern & Grill, 417 Putnam Pike Chepachet, 80s Dance Party, 8 p.m.
Pascoag Cafe, 150 Main St. Pascoag, Karaoke, 8 p.m.- 12:30 a.m.
Spritzer’s Tavern, 63 Grove St., Pascoag, Back Rhodes Quartet, 8 p.m.
Uncle Ronnie’s Red Tavern, 2692 Victory Highway, Nasonville, Music Bingo, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Mapleville Farm, 544 Victory Highway, Mapleville, Cookie Spectacular, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Selling all the holiday cookies in mix-and-match boxes so you can try an assortment. Visit in your ugliest sweater for a free cookie.
Slatersville Congregational Church, 25 Green St., Slatersville, A Noel Celebration, Sounds & Stories of Christmas, 10 a.m. The public is invited to join a special musical program during worship featuring choir and confirmands under the direction of John Staples.
Pound Hill Creamery at Beef Barn Restaurant, 200 Industrial Drive, North Smithfield, noon- 4 p.m. Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and locally made cookies.
The Burrillville High School, 425 East Ave., Harrisville, BHS Theatre Club will present the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased at the door.
The Assembly Theatre, 26 East Ave., Harrisville, Christmas Time with the New Providence Big Band, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and will be available at the door or in advance at assemblytheatre.org.
Hill’s Tavern & Grill, 417 Putnam Pike Chepachet, The Tony Soul Project, 2-5 p.m..
Cady’s Tavern, 2168 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Roadhouse Blues Jam, 3 p.m.
