Happy Tuesday, Providence. In today’s edition: Bridge rebuild plans advance, holiday lights spectacular, Providence winter farmers market, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Bridge rebuild plans advance: Two years after closure, Gov. McKee promises visible construction before summer, with a $427 million replacement targeting Nov. 3, 2028, and total crisis costs expected to reach $572 million — get the timeline and costs.

Lives remembered: Local residents are coming together to mourn and support the families of two Brown University students whose lives were tragically cut short alongside nine others who were injured over the weekend. Memorial funds and support efforts are underway throughout the city — read the full story.

Blood donations: After the Brown University shooting, Rhode Island Blood Center is seeking donations, especially O negative and O positive, and has extended hours at donation centers — see how you can donate.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Stroll through 3.5 million twinkling lights
• Celebrate Indigenous cultures at solstice bazaar
• Experience Twas the Night ballet magic
• Join Harry Potter trivia supporting cancer patients
• Shop the indoor Farm Fresh Flea
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Seasonal sips and happenings: Stuck on gifts? This Rhode Island craft beverage guide spotlights local picks, from a Brewers Guild puzzle and Narragansett’s retro sweater to Sowams cider and ready-to-shake espresso martinis, plus January festivals (Real Ale Jan. 9-10 and Brew Fest Jan. 31). Small sips: Rejects Beer Co. is for sale, and Uncommon Pair Brewing secured its occupancy. See the full gift guide.

Schedule change for holiday run: Organizers postponed the Providence Downtown Jingle Run 5K slated for Sunday following the Brown University shooting. Citing safety and respect for victims and first responders, they’re aiming for Dec. 21 pending city approval and will confirm details soon. They also asked for patience as they work through the situation. Get the postponement details.

Your indie movie night: The historic Art Deco glow at Avon Cinema lands just right for a no-fuss escape. Hamnet is on this week…a perfect reason to sink into the big screen, silence the group chat, and let plush seats and popcorn handle the rest.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎤 Darlene Love – Love for the Holidays @ Uptown Theater | Tuesday (12/16) at 7:30pm – It’s not really the holidays until the Queen of Christmas says so. Darlene Love brings the classics, the warmth, and the kind of timeless sparkle that makes the season feel official. Expect powerhouse vocals, nostalgic favorites, and a joyful start to the week.

🍷 Journey Through The Vines @ Gracie’s | Thursday (12/18) at 5:30pm – Consider this your theology class with better glassware. Gracie’s sommeliers lead a tasting through wines of myth and religion, so expect tales of Dionysus, communion, and a few legends you can actually swallow. Smart, relaxed, and very pour-forward.

💐 Christmas Floral Centerpieces – Gift an Experience @ Bloom Back Flowers | Thursday (12/18) at 6:00pm – Skip the mall and gift an experience with a hands-on workshop where you’ll make Christmas floral centerpieces that actually look intentional. You craft, they gush, and your table finally gets a centerpiece that looks thoughtfully made.

✨ Holiday Lights Spectacular presented by Rhode Island Energy @ Roger Williams Park Zoo | Friday (12/19) at 5:00pm – Rhode Island’s brightest winter tradition is back and practically begging you to bundle up and wander through 3.5 million twinkling lights. Expect glowing trails, giant shimmering displays, and enough holiday charm to thaw even the frostiest moods. Grab a hot chocolate (or something spiked), toast s’mores, and catch nightly storytime with Roger the Red Panda.

🎅 Santa Stroll @ Track 15 | Friday (12/19) at 5:30pm – Take a merry lap of downtown with Motif’s Santa Stroll, featuring the Providence Drum Troupe, four stops, and the kind of holiday chaos we actually enjoy. Track 15 to Reiners to GPub to Medici, with drinks, games, caroling, photos, ornaments, and prizes. Tickets: https://square.link/u/u3znoFYo

This weekend

🧺 Providence Winter Farmers Market @ Farm Fresh Rhode Island | Saturday (12/20) at 9:00am – Saturday mornings at Sims Ave mean one thing, the indoor winter market with over 75 local farmers and food vendors under one roof. Stock up on greens, bread, and gossip, then navigate the new one-way system near the Kinsley area with ease.

🛍️ Cultural Survival Bazaar @ WaterFire Arts Center | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00am – If your holiday shopping could use less algorithm and more meaning, skip the mall for a Winter Solstice Indigenous art market. Meet makers, buy or craft something real, hear music, catch presentations, dance, savor cultural foods, and welcome the longer days, reciprocity included.

🎪 Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ Providence Performing Arts Center | Saturday (12/20) at 11:00am – If the holidays aren’t dazzling enough already, this high-flying spectacle is here to fix that. Expect jaw-dropping acrobatics, glitter-soaked costumes, and a soundtrack that makes even your most cynical relative feel festive. It’s holiday magic turned up to 11 — and yes, your jaw will probably be on the floor the entire time.

🌳 Tree of Life Resin Tray – Painting Class @ Paint and Vino | Saturday (12/20) at 1:00pm – Trade scrolling for a paintbrush and craft a Tree of Life resin tray, plus a complimentary beer, wine, or soda. It’s hands-on, low-pressure, and yes, there’s free parking in Pawtucket, which feels like a minor miracle. Arrive on time so you can settle in and enjoy.

🎨 Jolly Gnome Porch Leaner – Painting Class @ Paint and Vino | Sunday (12/21) at 5:00pm – Swing by the Pawtucket studio to paint a jolly gnome porch leaner for your stoop, beverage in hand. Complimentary soda, beer, or wine, free parking, and seats with your crew if you book together, so arrive a smidge early and call it quality time.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/16 Darlene Love @ Uptown Theater – 7:30 pm
• 12/17 Wakelee and more @ The Parlour – 7 pm
• 12/17 John Faraone @ Myrtle – 7 pm
• 12/17 Clay Pigeons @ Nick-a-Nees – 8:30 pm
• 12/18 Cheat Death and more @ The Parlour – 7 pm
• 12/18 Hemlok and more @ Myrtle – 7 pm
• 12/19 Tragedy (Bee Gees tribute) @ Alchemy – 8 pm
• 12/20 B.A.F. Volume III @ AS220 – 6 pm
• 12/20 Sue’s Garage and more @ Alchemy – 6 pm
• 12/21 Big Road @ Nick-a-Nees – 4 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Carol Schneider (RI Real Estate Services)

A 5-bed, 2.1-bath East Side condo near Brown with brick and shingle charm and a new slate roof. The porch-to-foyer arrival leads to an open plan where a fireplaced dining room and living room show off hardwoods, high ceilings, and oversized windows. The updated kitchen brings stainless gas cooking, white cabinetry, granite, and a walk-in pantry.

Three bedrooms and a full bath land on the second floor, with two more flexible bedrooms up top for office or gym space. A fenced yard with sprinklers keeps cookouts easy, and the location means quick walks to schools, Brown, and shopping.

Take a peek inside →