Festival Of Lights Returns This Weekend

Thanksgiving's over, the wreaths are up, and the Christmas lights are out: it's time for the Festival of Lights.

Running from Thursday through Sunday, Wickford Village's 25th Annual Festival of Lights returns to the streets of the historic village with everything from a tree lighting to carolers to Santa...coming in by boat, in true Wickford fashion.

6 p.m. After dinner, head over to Updike Park for the town tree lighting and a visit from Santa, sponsored by the . The North Kingstown Community Youth Chorus and The Lafayette Band will perform as well.

5:30 p.m. Santa arrives to the town dock aboard The Sea Princess, led in by kayaks – courtesy of the . 

6 - 7:30 p.m. Stop by to see the live nativity, performed by youth groups.

6 - 8 p.m. Hayrides aren't just for Halloween: join Santa for hayrides around Wickford Village. Rides start off at the parking lot by the town dock and are $2 per person.

6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Wickford's streets will be filled with the stylings of the North Kingstown Community Chorus as they carol in Updike Park.

7:15 - 8:15 p.m. Following the N.K. Community Chorus will be the Lafayette Band as they perform their holiday concert at the on Main Street.

Throughout the night, be sure to enjoy various musical entertainment around Wickford, including The Old English Carolers. Most shops will have extended hours, staying open until 9 p.m.

8 - 11 a.m. Go for a more unconventional breakfast this Saturday: eat your toast and have breakfast with Santa at the at the North Kingstown Community Center on Beach Street. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 years and under.

12:30 p.m. Missed Santa's grand entrance on Friday? Catch him again as he arrives at the town dock, escorted by kayaks.

1 - 4 p.m. More hayrides with Santa fill the afternoon, kicking off at the parking lot near the town dock at $2 per person. The Parallel String Band is set to perform holiday tunes while The Old English Carolers stroll about the village.

3:15 - 4 p.m. More musical entertainment will take over Updike Park as The Ladies of the Rolling Pin – a Border Morris dance team – performs with live music.

7 p.m. Head over to the for the N.K. Community Chorus and Youth Chorus' Winter Concert.

Once again, most shops will be open until 9 p.m.

12:30 p.m. Kicking off the day, Santa once again makes his grand entrance at the town dock via The Sea Princess with his kayak escort.

1 - 4 p.m. Seize your last opportunity to enjoy a hayride with Santa throughout the village. The Parallel String Bad will also make its last performance of the celebration.

3:15 -4 p.m. Catch The Ladies of the Rolling Pin in their final performance of the weekend.

3 p.m. Check out the last installment of the North Kingstown Community Chorus and Youth Chorus' Winter Concert at the high school.