5 Weekend Musts: Newport Holiday Tours + More

5 Weekend Musts: Newport Holiday Tours + More

We think there's something scheduled on Sunday, and we're busy lighting the menorah every night this weekend, but that doesn't stop us from getting out and taking advantage of a great Rhode Island weekend. Here are the best five things you could be doing.

Holiday Lantern Tours in Newport

Friday  Discover the authentic history of Newport's holiday traditions during a lantern-lit stroll, led by professionally trained guides from the Newport Historical Society, through the exquisitely preserved streets of central Newport. On a visit inside the 1697 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, learn about changing approaches to holiday decorations and home festivities. Adults, $12; children 12 and under, $5; space is limited, reservations suggested. Call 841-8770, or visit the Newport History Tours Web site for more information.Begins at 4:30pm. The Museum and Shop at Brick Market, 127 Thames Street.

Holiday Decor Winter Tour in Smithfield

Friday  The beautiful Smith-Applebee House is decked out with festive candles, berries, and branches, and is open for tours presented by volunteers in Colonial period attire. The house was built, circa 1696, as a one-room stone-ender with loft by Elisha Smith, grandson of John "The Miller" Smith, one of Roger William's original party of six men who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle in Providence. $5 donation requested. Call 231-7363, or visit the Smith-Applebee House Museum Web site for more information. Smith-Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Road.

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Friday Night Live in Providence

Friday  Get irreverent before the holiday spirit gets too sweet, with some uproarious improv comedy from Everett Dance Theater featuring live music from guitarist/composer Bertrand Laurence. Get beside yourself with FNL’s

interactive scenes and on-the-spot musicals, featuring improvised song, dance, and skits. Performances are intended for audiences of all ages, personality types, and food groups.  $5 at the door, 7pm at The Carriage House, 9 Duncan Ave, Providence, 831-9479.

Soul/Jazz Guitar in Providence

Friday  Leave it to Cuban Revolution to spice things up on a holiday weekend with local up and comer Paul "Sweet P" Williams cooking up some guitar and vocals as part of Cuban's Soul/Jazz Series. Born and raised in Providence, Sweet P has earned his stripes gigging in local bars and night clubs since the age of 19. Catch him now before he grows out of his home town. 9pm, Cuban Revolution, 60 Valley St, Providence, 632-0649.

Christmas Eve Services in Newport

Saturday  The Schola Cantorum of St. John's will offer a Festival of Christmas Lessons & Carols for families, at 4 PM at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, located on "The Point" at the corner of Washington & Willow Streets. The service is patterned after that presented at King's College, Oxford, opening with “Once in Royal David’s City”. Repertoire will include ancient chant, traditional carols and hymns, as well as wonderful new settings of older texts, and will make full use of St. John’s beautifully restored Hook & Hastings organ. For further information, please call the Parish Office at 848-2561 or Organist/Choirmaster Jonathan F. Babbitt at 682-1630. A free will offering will be taken.