Festival of Lights Returning For 27th Year

It's not Christmas in Wickford Village without Festival of Lights. The historic village's holiday celebration returns for a 27th year, running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

The festival begins on Thursday, Nov. 29 with the official lighting of the tree at Updike Park, accompanied with a performance by the North Kingstown Community Youth Chorus and the Lafayette Band. Store owners across the village will also be showing off their holiday spirit with decorated storefronts, competing for the much-coveted "Best Display" contest.

On Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, Santa will arrive at Wickford's town dock via boat aboard the Sea Princess – followed by hayrides and carols throughout the village. 

Many shops will have extended hours on Friday and Saturday night to coincide with the celebrations. Check below for the complete schedule.

Wickford Village Festival of Lights Schedule

Thursday, November 29

• 6 p.m.  –  Town tree lighting and visit from Santa in Updike Park, sponsored by the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce kicks off the weekend of festivities. The North Kingstown Community Youth Chorus and Lafayette Band will perform.

Friday, November 30

• 5:30 p.m.  –  Santa arrives to the town dock aboard the Sea Princess, led by kayaks from the Kayak Centre.
• 6 - 7 p.m.  –  Ongoing live Nativity scene at St. Paul's Church, performed by the Youth Groups.
• 6 - 8 p.m.  –  Hayrides with Santa around the village, starting at the town dock parking lot. $3 per person.
• 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.  – North Kingstown Community Chorus carols in Updike Park.
• 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.  – Lafayette Band performs their holiday concert at the First Baptist Church in Wickford.
• Throughout the evening –  Various musical entertainment about the village, including Ye Old English Carolers.

Saturday, December 1

• 8 - 11 a.m.  – Breakfast with Santa. Visit www.northkingstown.com for details
• 12:30 p.m.  – Join the Elf Parade! Open to elves of all ages: come dressed in your elfiest costumes and march from The Wickford Collection to the Town Dock to greet Santa!
• 1 - 4 p.m.  – Hayrides with Santa around the village, starting at the town dock parking lot. $3 per person.
• 12 - 4 p.m.  – Christmas at the Castle: Celebrate Christmas Past at Smith’s Castle.  Sip hot cider, listen to live music… enjoy a simple Christmas!  Visit www.smithscastle.org for details.
• 7 p.m.  –  North Kingstown Community Chorus and Youth Chorus Winter Concert at North Kingstown High School.

Sunday, December 2

• 12:30 - 4 p.m.  –  Wickford Decks the Halls! A Holiday Kitchen Tour.  Historic Wickford presents a walking tour of eight historic village homes decorated for the Holidays. Visit www.historicwickford.org for details.
• 12:30 p.m. – Santa arrives at the town dock aboard the Sea Princess, escorted by kayaks.
• 1 - 4 p.m.  –  Hayrides with Santa around the village, starting at the town dock parking lot. $3 per person. The Parallel String Band performs (see above for details).  Ye Olde English Carolers stroll about the Village.
• 12 - 4 p.m.  –   Christmas at the Castle: Celebrate Christmas Past at Smith’s Castle.  Sip hot cider, listen to live music… enjoy a simple Christmas!  Visit www.smithscastle.org for details.
• 3:15 - 4 p.m.  – The Ladies of the Rolling Pin perform at Updike Park.
• 3 p.m.  –  North Kingstown Community Chorus and Youth Chorus Winter Concert at North Kingstown High School.