Good morning, Providence.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Councilman John Goncalves, and the Providence Tourism Council announced a slate of holiday events that will run from Dec.

4 to Dec. 7 including the new PVD Holiday Fest. The programs feature over a dozen community events with the City Hall Tree Lighting (with a Downtown Trolley running on Dec. 6) and a Hanukkah Spectaculah (with menorah lighting and live music on Dec. 18) as well as free two-hour parking from Nov. 29 to Jan. 1.

A multi-family home on Althea Street was burned to the ground earlier this week and is flagged as a safety hazard by officials who say it will be demolished—if the owner cannot provide a demolition crew, the city will secure one.

Since the westbound lane of Washington Bridge closed in late 2023, local restaurants, bakeries, and dance studios in East Providence experienced a drop in customers and quickly changed their services to serve nearby residents.

Many owners shifted to food trucks, expanded menus, or adjusted hours — all to keep their business running amid ongoing challenges.

Record Store Day on Nov.

28 will see the official release of a Talking Heads demo recorded in a Providence apartment in 1974 when the band was just starting out as RISD students. Drummer Chris Frantz said the digitally restored tape shows the band's raw creative spirit and now forms part of a collection that charts the early evolution of their music—an important piece of local history.

Barrington teacher Benjamin Fillo, who posted a video calling Charlie Kirk 'piece of garbage', will return to the classroom on December 1 after his administrative leave was lifted following an independent investigation into his social media comments—school officials say the decision comes as part of efforts to restore stability amid national scrutiny and heightened safety measures. The school committee supports the move and has coordinated with police to ensure increased security for students and staff.

Rhode Island has no state law that requires holiday lights to be taken down—but some HOAs and local displays set their own deadlines.

A USA TODAY NETWORK poll showed that nearly 40% of Providence Journal readers believe lights should go up the first week of December, while fewer think any time before Christmas is acceptable.

Home sales dropped in October as delays with FHA and USDA loans slowed closings during the shutdown, with single-family, condo and multi-family sales falling 7%, 20% and 17.5% respectively—while median prices for single-family homes still climbed to $505,000.

Realtors expect sales to rebound if no new shutdown disrupts the market in the coming months.

Eric Rueb previewed The Providence Journal’s state championship Super Bowl coverage on November 21 — his preview outlined details for local fans ahead of the major game.

God Shammgod, the former Friars point guard known for his famous crossover move, released his memoir The Word of God and shares his Providence story that includes rooming with Kobe Bryant at a youth camp and facing homelessness while studying.

He explains how coach Bobby Gonzalez helped him avoid legal trouble after a subway incident—leading to a second chance when he was given a dorm room at age 33.

Ornament - A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Stadium Theatre — Tickets $28-$39 — Experience a dazzling rock orchestra tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with a holiday-themed production.

Windborne's The Music of Pink Floyd

7-8:30 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — $30+ — Experience the fusion of rock and classical as the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and a full rock band perform Pink Floyd's iconic music.

Farleigh Dickinson Knights at Providence Friars Basketball

7-10 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Cost info not provided — Watch the Providence Friars take on the Farleigh Dickinson Knights in an exciting NCAA basketball matchup.

The Planet Smashers Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $22.66 — Catch this very special intimate show with none other than The Planet Smashers!!

PVD Downcity Holiday Market (December 4-7)

This holiday season, from Thursday, December 4th, through Sunday, December 7th, Grant's Block Park and adjacent Westminster Street will transform into an enchanting outdoor marketplace for visitors and residents alike to meet, shop, drink, eat, and support local businesses. The Market will showcase a unique rotation of high-quality local and regional makers, artists, farmers, food vendors, entertainers, and more.

Jason Ringenberg Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $17 — Experience the solo career of Americana legend Jason Ringenberg, frontman of Jason And The Scorchers.

Providence College vs. URI Men's Basketball

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Check the official site for ticket pricing — Watch the exciting rivalry as the Providence Friars take on URI in NCAA Division I basketball.

Providence Bruins vs. Springfield Thunderbirds

3:05 – 4:35 PM — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting matchup as the Bruins take on the Thunderbirds in a thrilling hockey game.

Meghan Patrick Live

6-10 p.m. — Moonshine Alley — Limited menu available — Enjoy an intimate night of country music with CMT's Next Women of Country 2025 singing her hits.

Earth Wind and Fire Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless hits of music legends Earth, Wind & Fire and groove to their unforgettable sound.