RI’s Blackstone Valley offers many wonderful holiday shopping experiences to support our beloved local businesses!
Here are seven events worth checking out…

1. Brown & Hopkins Country Store in the village of Chepachet is hosting a Thankful Gathering and Small Business Weekend beginning Friday November 24. Support the local food pantry by bringing a non-perishable food item on Friday. Then stop in over the weekend for a champagne toast to small business, and shop for unique and country-inspired gifts for loved ones on your list. Brown & Hopkins will also be open during Chepachet’s Candlelight Shopping (see #7 below).
2. Be sure to visit the Blackstone River Glass Center in Cumberland this weekend (November 25-26) for its first Holiday Glass & Craft Show. Shop for beautiful glass ornaments and gifts… plus, peruse other local artisan’s work as they showcase their craftsmanship!
3. Experience traditional German Christkindlmkt (Christmas market) on Saturday, November 25. The German American Cultural Society in Pawtucket does a wonderful job in recreating this holiday market featuring local artisans, crafters selling a large variety of gifts. They also offer traditional German food and drink  throughout the day!
4. While in Pawtucket you don’t want to miss the annual Foundry Artist Holiday Show at the Arts Armory on Exchange Street.  With over 65 artisans, this holiday show has become an annual tradition for many to shop for unique gifts, fine art and original designs. The holiday show kicks off Thursday evening November 30th and continues for two weekends, ending on Sunday December, 10.
5. Another favorite you don’t want to miss is the Blackstone River Theatre Holiday Craft Fair and Festival on Saturday, December 2nd. In addition to the holiday market shopping experience, you will also enjoy lively traditional holiday music while you peruse the many crafts and gifts! The market supports this renowned music venue and helps to bring traditional and cultural music to the Blackstone Valley.
6. Stay in the Valley for more shopping on December 2nd. Continue north to the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket for the Rhode Island Historical Society’s first Global Market at the Museum. This market coincides with the annual Woonsocket Holiday Stroll, and features Rhode Island makers with international connections. Admission to the museum is free and several family crafts and activities are included!
7. Starting Thursday, December 7 and continuing each Thursday through December 21st, enjoy exploring the quaint village of Chepachet in Glocester as they invite you to their annual Chepachet Candlelight Shopping. Local shops will be decked out for the season with welcoming old-fashioned “Yankee Hospitality.” The sounds of holiday music will add to the ambiance.  This annual shopping tradition in The Valley, is a wonderful time to get out with family and friends!

For many more holiday shopping and other events visit tourblackstone.com/events. Be sure to check out the coupon discounts in our destination guide for savings as well!

If you’re looking to shop local while visiting RI’s Blackstone Valley you can also visit Buy Local RI.

And while you are out shopping, you’ll likely get hungry so why not check out the Blackstone Valley International Food Trail and download the trail guide for numerous options to dine around the world!

Happy Holidays Everyone!