INFLUENCER: The big guy in red talks all things merry

By Sascha Roberts

Meet Santa Claus

The big guy in red weighs in on everything from the proper way to enjoy a Del’s, his summer place in Bristol, and how to live a life that’s merry and bright

Dear Santa, We’ve assembled some questions to get to know you better! First things first, when it comes to co ee milk, are you team Autocrat or Eclipse?

Both! I prefer Eclipse in the morning, and Autocrat in the evening. I find Eclipse has a stronger co ee flavor – great for those early morning meetings in the workshop. Autocrat is a little sweeter – just the thing to satisfy a late-night sweet tooth.

How do you enjoy Del’s frozen lemonade: straw or no straw?

A straw!? Even at the North Pole we don’t use a straw with a Del’s!

Favorite type of clam chowder after a cold night on the sleigh: Rhode Island (clear), New England (white), or Manhattan (red)?

Well, red and white are my two favorite colors, but I prefer my chowda Rhode Island-style.

Where do you land first in Rhode Island?

Our first stop on Christmas Eve is always Foster, then Glocester. They have the most snow.

After checking the naughty and nice list for the second time, what is your go-to snack: calamari or clam cakes?

I do love a good clam cake, but I prefer calamari – with the tentacles!

What type of Rhody treat would you like to see on your cookie plate this year?

Hmmm… One Christmas Eve a little girl left me a plate full of these delightful little mini pizzas. I think she called them pizza chips. Well, they were not quite cookies, but they were round and tasty!

When you find yourself in Little Rhody in the o -season, where do you and Mrs. Claus like to go?

Mrs. Claus and I have a beautiful summer home in Bristol. There are so many wonderful things to see and do there, and everyone is so friendly. We especially love strolling through the downtown, frequenting the shops, and visiting the local restaurants – incognito of course!

What is your number one tip to making the season merry and bright?

Be kind to one another. And give without expecting anything in return – not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year. Making the season merry and bright for others is the best way to make the season merry and bright for yourself.

It’s the It’s the Holiday SeasonHoliday Season

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY THE MAGIC OF THE EAST BAY AT THE MAGIC OF THE EAST BAY AT CHRISTMASTIME CHRISTMASTIME

BY ELYSE MAJOR BY ELYSE MAJOR

Donning a scarf and bundling up for the big town tree lighting event, neighbors and merchants merrily going all out decorating their doorways for prizes, and nearly half a dozen tree farms ready for tagging or buying are just a stone’s throw away. Common scenes include shoppers strolling along festooned main streets, and even the grouchiest souls smile as they hold open doors for others bustling into cozy pubs, eclectic cafes, and enchanting small shops. Sounds like the setting for a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie but it’s your typical December in the East Bay.

Each municipality of our coveted region has its own allure but as a whole shares a quintessential New England sensibility – from pastoral vistas to rocky shorelines to historic architecture – so adding candles to windows, wreaths on entrances, and swags of greenery across fences only contributes to its many charms. With the return of mostly in-person everything and a continued inventive use of outdoor spaces, events abound all month long – from Santa sightingsto workshops, concerts, and more, this entire month promises to be something special. So, keep a mask handy and venture about to revel in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of a uniquely coastal Christmas.

Our editorial elves have done their best to compile a comprehensive list of things to do in the area. Please let us know if we’ve missed your fave by emailing Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com and if you’ve snapped a stunning photo, tag us on Instagram @thebay_mag or using #heyrhodyphotos and we may share it or use it next year!

SANTA SAYS MASK UP & BE MERRY

Please note that events may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and mask-wearing regardless of vaccination status unless actively eating or drinking. For more information, visit COVID.RI.gov

Christmas Countdown

Mark your calendar for festive events around the area taking place all month long! For expanded statewide listings, visit HeyRhody.com

DECEMBER 1

O cial Opening of Christmas: Washington Square gets into the spirit with a tree lighting, cannon salute, and performances by the public school music program. Newport, ChristmasInNewport.org

Newport County Orchestra in Concert: Classical and Christmas music sponsored by the Salve Regina University Music Department. Newport, Salve.edu

DECEMBER 1-3

Newport Nutcracker: Island Moving Company performs the classic ballet in the ballroom, salon, and staircase of Rosecli mansion. Newport, IslandMovingCo.org

DECEMBER 1-9

Door Decorating Contest: Bristol residents and businesses are invited to enter the Deck The Doors contest, for a chance to win “Best Residential,” “Best Commercial,” or “People’s Choice.” Winners announced December 19. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com

DECEMBER 2

First Thursday: The first Thursday of each month, the East Bay Chamber encourages folks to shop local from 5-7pm. Barrington.RI.gov

LIBRARY FUN SANTA SIGHTING!

Ocean State Libraries have all kinds of reindeer games, crafty events, and even Santa visits planned. Visit your local library to see what’s lined up – or visit a new-to-you branch. With a valid OSL card, the state is your oyster! OSLRI.org

DECEMBER 3

SANTA SIGHTING!

Holiday Bright Night: The Bay Magazine is proud to sponsor this evening of energy-filled holiday shopping. Frolic through a festive, brightly lit neighborhood of galleries and shops as you enjoy holiday decor and special o ers to complete your list, plus the chance to see Santa paying the village a visit. TivertonFourCorners.com

DECEMBER 3-4

Newport Classical Holiday with Ensemble

Altera: Celebrate the holiday season with a program of treble voices, harp, and organ from the chamber choir Ensemble Altera, rounding the concert off with popular Christmas songs. NewportClassical.org

Wreath-Making Workshop: Register for this class where you’ll enjoy learning how to bundle greens and other items into a stunning handmade accent. Bristol, Blithewold.org

DECEMBER 3, 5

Michael DiMucci’s Fireside Christmas Concerts:

The carriage house-style ballroom at Linden Place Mansion provides the setting for two fundraiser concerts with pianist and singer, Michael DiMucci. These fireside concerts are a perennial sellout with a mix of classical numbers and Christmas standards. Doors open at 6:30pm with a cash bar. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

DECEMBER 3-11

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll: Hosts Tom and Sue lead a progressive stroll (over several hours and one mile in total) along Thames Street with stops to enjoy a three-course meal accompanied by selected wine pairings at three restaurants. NewportFoodiesStroll.com

DECEMBER 3-17

Annual Re-Tree Exhibition: Now in its eighth year, this unique showcase features trees created with recycled materials dispersed across the grounds of Tiverton Four Corners, with a chance to vote for your favorite. Tiverton, FourCornersArt.org

Photography by Kayla Mandeville

Holiday Bright Night all aglow in Tiverton

ROYAL Tenenbaums

Enjoy the experience of visiting your local Christmas tree farm this season where you’re sure to make memories that will last longer than an artificial tree.

CLARK’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

All hail the return of Clarks Christmas Tree Farm to the game this year! Find Fraser, Blue Spruce, Nordmann, Concolor, and Douglas Fir, while supplies last. Grab a cup of hot cider as you peruse tree stands, ornaments, local artisanal soap, Clarks Bee Farm honey, and farm-fresh wreaths and greens. Tiverton, Facebook: Clarks Christmas Tree Farm

ESCOBAR’S HIGHLAND FARM

Channel your inner Clark Griswold by cutting your own tree at Escobar’s Highland Farm. Tagging is also available this year and be prepared to take your tree home. Follow the corn maze driveway and go to the right toward the Christmas trees. Portsmouth, EscobarFarm.com

NAGETUCK FARMS

Looking for some good old-fashioned fun? You’ll find it just one mile up the road from Tiverton Four Corners at Nagetuck Farms. Enjoy a hot cuppa cider in the barn, hayrides, local products in their gift shop, and of course, greens and trees. Visit the website for tagging and pick-up dates. Tiverton, NagetuckFarms.com

PACHET BROOK TREE FARM

Hop on a hayride to the fields to select one of seven species of Christmas tree at this historic farm on 90 acres known for supplying the governor’s tree each year at the Rhode Island State House. Perfect for procrastinators, Pachet Brook Tree Farm o ers tagging on Christmas Eve. Tiverton, PatchetBrook.com

SWEET BERRY FARM

Everyone’s favorite post-and-beam cafe, known for fruit picking, delivering prepared foods to boats docked on Aquidneck Island, and tasteful gifts also has Christmas trees. Choose a tree from the Sweet Berry Farm field and they’ll cut, wrap, and tie it to the car for you. They also have precut premium Christmas trees available. Middletown, SweetBerryFarm.com

For a complete list visit RIChristmasTrees.com

SANTA SIGHTING!

Barrington Tree Lighting: A schedule of events starts at 2pm and includes decorating cookies from Vienna Bakery, holiday carnival games like snowman bowling, and a roster of musical performances, all leading up to the tree lighting at 5pm with a performance of the BHS Choral Ensemble. BarringtonLearningCtr.org

SANTA SIGHTING!

Bowen’s Wharf 51st Annual Christmas Tree

Lighting: The waterfront is transformed with a reimagined celebration kicking o the holidays by the sea with in-person programming and a live-streamed countdown to the tree lighting. Newport, BowensWharf.com

Christmas Bazaar and Greek Food Fair: Kick o the season with baklava at this annual event that includes ra es, delicious Greek foods to eat-in or takeout, a cash bar and more at St. Spyridon’s Hellenic Hall on Thames Street. 9am-5pm. 390 Thames Street, Newport

Coastal Queen’s Holiday Cruises: Experience the festive lights of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard the Coastal Queen. The boat has a weatherproof interior to keep guests cozy and warm. Each cruise is 60 minutes and departs from East Ferry Wharf. Jamestown, FareHarbor.com

Grand Illumination and Parade: Let it glow at this unforgettable East Bay tradition lighting up Bristol’s iconic Christmas tree, this year with a parade featuring Mt. Hope High School Band and the Bristol County Fifes and Drums. ChristmasBristolRI.com

Holiday Flash Mob: Get your jingle on and join the fun as illuminated and costumed revelers celebrate the season with a dancing flash mob at Queen Anne’s Square! Live music provided by the Providence Drum Troupe and there will be trophies. The fun begins at 4pm. Newport, Facebook: Holiday Flash Mob

21st Annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale: Find holiday greenery like wreaths and table top decorations created by local designers, artists, gardeners, and florists. Newport, LucysHearth.org

Traditional Christmas Tea: A special seasonal high tea at St. Columba’s Chapel. Middletown, StColumbasChapel.org A Colonial Christmas: Enjoy a Colonial Christmas at the home of the 18th century philosopher George Berkeley. Admission free, donations gratefully accepted. Begins 2pm. Middletown, WhiteHallMuseumHouse.org

Wreath Making Workshop: Create your own holiday wreath at Blanc & Bleu using all locally grown and foraged foliage and blooms. Ticket includes materials, instruction, and refreshments. Bristol, BlancAndBleuHome.com

DECEMBER 9

Christmas at Mt. Zion: Both old and new, sacred and secular, holiday music by the Voices of Unity/RPM Voices of Rhode Island. Newport, ChristmasInNewport.org

Student’s Impressions of Christmas: An exhibit of artwork by students K-12 and the commemorative Christmas in Newport postmark by United States Postal Service. Newport, NewportYachtClub.org

DECEMBER 10

Christmas in Song: The annual concert of the Newport Navy Choristers benefits the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm, an educational project of Portsmouth Middle School and Eastern RI Conservation District, begins at 7:30pm. Portsmouth, NewportNavyChorusters.org

DECEMBER 10-11

Annual Holiday Arts Market: The work of 15 exhibiting artists will be on sale at this yearly event at the Jamestown Arts Center. To ensure safe social distancing, participating artists and artisans were selected by invitation only. JamestownArtCenter.org

DECEMBER 11

A Holiday Happening with Bike Newport: A must for bike enthusiasts featuring snacks and hot cocoa; coincides with the annual Holiday Bike Giveaway where kids are matched with lovingly restored bicycles. Begins 11am. Newport, BikeNewport.org

Christmas Open House at the Irish History Museum:

View exhibits while enjoying Celtic holiday music, eggnog, and cookies. From 3:30-4:30pm, there will be caroling by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Men’s Singers and Celtic-inspired bracelets and lapel pins available for sale with proceeds to benefit the museum. NewportIrishHistory.org

Christmas Pop-Up Market at the Tiverton Farmer’s Market

Photo by Meredith Brower

Festival Weekend: For the 35th year, the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee is hosting a European-style Christmas market in front of the Burnside Building. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com

DECEMBER 12

Holiday on the Common: Gather at the First United Methodist Church of Warren for a holiday folk concert by Atwater Donnelly and Bank of Ireland benefitting Hope & Main’s Nourish Our Neighbors program. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org

Messiah at the Mansion: Newport Classical presents the Christmas portion of Handel’s celebratory Messiah, featuring the singers of The Choir School of Newport County, Brown University Chorus, and Providence Baroque Orchestra. NewportClassical.org

Painting with Paper: Artist Galen Snow will lead participants in crafting a holiday-themed piece of art using a sancase board and paper at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Registration required. Bristol, ASRI.org

DECEMBER 18

Christmas Pop-Up Market: Head to the Sandywoods Center for the Arts for an afternoon of holiday shopping. Find gifts from local makers and artists, artisanal food, live music, food trucks, and more. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

Christmas Story Time: Tune into the Bristol Christmas Festival’s annual story time, a live broadcast featuring members of the fire and police departments and surprise guests reading holiday classics. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com

Holiday Dinner Dance: A Gilded Age gala at The Breakers featuring cocktail hour on the loggia, three-course dinner in the Great Hall, and dancing in the Music Room. Newport, NewportMansions.org

DECEMBER 19

SANTA SIGHTING!

Annual Snowflake Ra e: Presented by Bristol Merchants Association, earn tickets throughout the season by shopping local participating merchants, leading up to a visit from Santa Claus, who will draw winning tickets at the bottom of State Street. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com

SANTA SIGHTING!

Readings of ‘Twas the Night Before

Christmas: Gather at Eisenhower Park to hear locals read the classic poem at noon, 12:30, 1:00 and 1:30pm. There will be live music, treats, and Santa will be available to pose for pics (BYO camera). ChristmasInNewport.org

UNIQUE STAY: TREE FARM

Ever dream of spending a night on a Christmas tree farm? Stay in a six-bedroom, 18th-century farmhouse located on the former Maciel’s Christmas Tree Farm on 33 beautiful acres in Little Compton. AirBNB.com

HOLIDAY GIVING

Giusto is bringing back its “Buy One, Give One” holiday promotion this year. Led by executive chef Kyle Stamps, the charitable promotion is in partnership with the MLK Center in Newport. From November 17 – December 23, for every full lasagna purchased (serves 6-8), Giusto will donate one to the MLK Center. They will have both meat and vegetarian options available, ready to bake with full heating instructions. Ordering requires 24 hours notice for pick-up and can be placed by calling 401-324-7400. 4 Commercial Wharf, GiustoNewport.com

All Season Long

SANTA SIGHTING!

Thursdays at Blithewold: Register for Sing-Along with Santa events, held at the mansion from 6-8pm. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Saturdays at Mount Hope Market: Start Saturdays early at this year-round Farmers Market held 9am-12:30pm at idyllic Mount Hope Farm, a historic piece of conserved property. In the winter months, the market takes place in the farm’s large converted barn. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 8

Newport Doorway Contest: Decorated doors vie for making an entrance; judges will select the winners. Newport, ChristmasInNewport.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 22

Singing For Shelter: Virtual ‘living room concerts’ by local musicians for the benefit of Lucy’s Hearth and The McKinney Shelter daily at 6pm and 7pm. Go to Facebook.com/SingingForShelterNewport for viewing; donations at www.LucysHearth.org/donate and/or the McKinney Shelter www.McKinneyShelter.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 30

Holiday Lantern Tours: On select dates through the season, tour Newport by lantern light as you learn about American holiday traditions through the ages. NewportHistory.org

THROUGH JANUARY 1

Holidays at the Newport Mansions: Backdropped by the sound of music, The Breakers will be awash in thousands of sparkling lights, while the interior of both The Breakers and The Elms are adorned with poinsettias. DiscoverNewport.org

THROUGH JANUARY 2

A Rough Point Holiday: On select dates through the season, meander through the Christmas- and winter-themed rooms of Rough Point Museum. Newport, NewportRestoration.org

THROUGH JANUARY 7

Night Lights: Stroll lit paths throughout the Blithewold grounds featuring stunning displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, and the natural beauty of the arboretum. RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will serve hot drinks, some with a kick! Bristol, Blithewold.org

THROUGH MARCH 31

Gurney’s Newport Skating Rink: Open to the general public, enjoy skating by the sea at the Goat Island resort. Visit the website for rental fees and hours. GurneysResorts.com