5 Weekend Musts: The Nutcracker + More

Festival Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Friday-Sunday  Based on the story The Nutcracker and the King of Mice by E.T.A. Hoffman, Festival Ballet Providence's holiday performance is sure to be a great time for all ages. It's the story you know and love, complete with little Clara and her Nutcracker doll, life-size toy soldiers, giant mice, a handsome prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Don't miss out on the magic, with beautiful sets, elegant choreography, and of course, world class dancers. Tickets and hours here. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence.

Joe Silva's "All For One" Concert at The VETS

Friday  Hasbro Children’s Hospital teams up with Sun Studios recording artist and Cumberland native Joe Silva for the “All For One” celebration concert at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. The event will celebrate the release of Silva’s new album, Blue, and will serve as a homecoming to his 20-city Autumn Blue U.K. Tour with Mike Peters of The Alarm. All profits generated by Silva’s “All For One” concert will go directly to benefit pediatric medical care, education and research at the hospital. 7:30pm, The VETS, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence. For more information go here.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Party

Sunday  Don your favorite hideous Christmas sweater and head to Karma Couture for their first annual Ugly Sweater Party. Everything in the store will be 35% off, and while the ugly sweater is optional, attendees that show up wearing one take an extra 5% off! Champagne and other refreshments will be served. Don't have an ugly sweater? Fear not–the store has extras for the occasion. RSVP here. 12-6pm. Karma Couture, 591 Main Street, East Greenwich.

Cookie Swap

Saturday  Join the Cumberland Public Library for their 1st Annual Cookie Swap. Bakers should bring three-dozen of their favorite holiday cookies to share and several copies of the recipe. In return, stay for a sampling of cookie creations, holiday food, memories, and conversation. The library will provide milk and tea. Registration is required by calling the library at (401) 333-2552 extension 2, or online at www.cumberlandlibrary.org. 2:30pm. Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road.

WinterFire Gondola Rides

Friday  A very special WaterFire will be held on December 14. Climb aboard a boat on the river with your loved one and be guided along the warmth of the fires under the winter sky. Warm beverages and holiday treats will be served. Only three trips will be made at 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30pm and tickets are selling out fast, so make sure to reserve a spot by calling (401) 440-6920. Tickets $20.

2nd Annual Teddy Bear Tea Series

Saturday  Children and their families are invited to bring their favorite teddy bears to enjoy Castle Hill’s signature high tea. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear to donate to children in need from Newport Child & Family Services. The Castle Hill Inn will provide a selection of sandwiches, pastries, teas, and hot chocolate, followed by readings of holiday stories. Call (401) 849-3885 to make a reservation. 3:30-5pm. Castle Hill Inn, 590 Ocean Drive, Newport. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, and all children are free with the donation of a new, unwrapped teddy bear.