One of the holiday traditions we remember with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is boarding a double-decker bus or trolley and leading visitors/residents on a holiday light tour of the Blackstone Valley. We traveled through neighborhoods mostly in Cumberland and Lincoln and awed at all the homes decked out with holiday light displays.
Where did the idea of decorating lights come from? Let’s take a look at some of the other December holidays. In addition to Christmas, these other holidays share the tradition of sharing the light. They are:
Chanukah or Hanukkah: In the Jewish tradition this is also known as the “Festival of Lights” and it commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, a fight for religious freedom. This year the holiday begins y December 10 at sundown thru December 18. Celebrated for eight days, one of the notable traditions is the lighting of the Menorah. The eight candles represent the miracle of light. With enough oil available for only one night, the candle remained lit for eight nights during the re-dedication.
Winter Solstice: Also known as midwinter, in many cultures it signifies the celebration of the death and rebirth of the sun and marks the Northern hemisphere’s shortest day. Following the solstice is the increasing return of daylight hours. Celebrated this year on December 21, it is also considered Blue Christmas (Western Christian), Yule (early Germanic/Norwegian), and Saturnalia (Roman) or St. Lucia (Scandinavia) depending on the culture. Many of the Christmas traditions we know today were carried over from these ancient celebrations.
Kwanzaa: This African-American, Pan African holiday is by no means stemmed in ancient tradition but began in the 1960’s to celebrate family, community, and culture. This year celebrated December 26 – January 1, the custom is to light seven candles that symbolize the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith). This holiday will be celebrated locally at Mixed Magic Theater on January 1, 2021.
This year we have seen an increase in Christmas & holiday decorations around the state, with folks going all out to put up holiday lights to bring light into the darkness of winter and also into the darkness of the disease. However, the holiday lights and return of daylight also signifies the hope that new dawn brings.
Here are a few places to find some Holiday Cheer of lights and decorations in the valley.
- Blackstone River Christmastime Outdoor Marketplace,Central Falls
- Slater Park Winter Wonderland, Pawtucket
- Cumberland Monastery Memorial Trees and the Town of Cumberland
- Hearthside House Old-Fashioned Christmas, Lincoln
- Winter Wonderland at River Island Art Park, Woonsocket
Whether you are coming from North, South or Western parts of Rhode Island, you can start your journey to Blackstone Valley via 146 to the Breakneck Road (route 123) exit (from the south take a right off the exit, coming from the north take a left).
Follow Route 123 to Historic Great Road to pass by Butterfly Farm and Chase Farm. If you leave in time for a sunset walk with the family either Chase Farm or nearby Lincoln Woods will suit just fine to see the light displays of nature as sunset flows into twilight. Along the way you may see the outdoor decorations of the Hearthside House. If you happen to wait until December 27th, head out early so you can take a self-guided Old-Fashioned Christmas tour to see the inside decorations or shop in their gift shop.
Continue east on 123 to cross the river and continue into Cumberland and watch for other holiday displays along the way. Make a right onto Broad street at the CVS and as you approach Central Falls, you will not miss the amazing holiday lights coming from the Central Falls Landing.
At the Marketplace, Broad Street & Madeira Avenue, stop and view Rhode Island’s largest man-made Christmas tree all lit up from 4 – 9 pm. Visit one of our local vendors to get a bite to eat like a hot dog from St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center or baked goodies from Bake My Day and a cup of hot cocoa from Mimi & Pops. You can also do a little shopping. St. Ann has some lovely holiday ornaments, unique Christmas cards with photos of the beautiful frescos and stained glass that adorns the church and decorated boxwood trees. Plouffe’s food truck will also be on hand each weekend as well as other local craft & food vendors. You may also want to try one of many restaurants located along Broad Street. A stop here at our marketplace will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
Once you’ve warmed up by the riverside fires, you may continue south into Pawtucket. Once in Pawtucket take Cottage Street exit off Route 95 and continue on to Armistice Boulevard (Route 15) to Slater Memorial Park and visit their displays of memorial Christmas trees and tiny decorated houses.
If you prefer you can head North from Central Falls Landing through Cumberland from Broad Street to High Street (Route 114 North) to make your way to The Monastery at Cumberland Library to view their field of Christmas memorial trees. You may be amazed by some of the home holiday displays along the way. Make it an adventure by driving down through some of the neighborhoods.
Be sure to check out the Webber light display just off 123 East at 32 Minerva Avenue. It is pretty spectacular. Read More.
Of course, you can always just make one big loop from the Monastery to Slater Park with a stop in between at the Blackstone River Christmastime Marketplace. Have fun and please share your favorite holiday displays at #blackstonevalleyri.