Grant’s Block, the Downtown Sweetheart of small outdoor event space, is host to Holiday magic this season. Schartner’s Farm has wandered out of the forests of East Greenwich to kick it in the city and sling Christmas trees to us urban Providence folk at Grant’s Block. This season, instead of driving out to the suburbs and increasing your carbon footprint or strapping the tree to the bike rack of a RIPTA bus, you can pick up a country-grown tree in Downcity. Schartner’s Farm also donated a twelve foot tree to Shop Downcity that is now on display at Grant’s Block for us all to enjoy. Next year, maybe they’ll donate some of those delicious pies? One can only hope.
Shop Downcity secured Santa, despite his busy schedule, for mingling with weekend shoppers along Westminster Street Saturdays throughout December. Downcity shops have extended hours, and are participating in the Buy Art initiative, distributing custom pins designed by local artists to those who purchase art this holiday season. Butterfield, a designer home goods boutique on Westminster Street paired with RISD artists to offer hand-crafted ceramic pieces at affordable prices.
And, who can forget that candy-colored place of magic and enchantment, Craftland. Local 
Craft divas have worked to gather an assortment that puts Etsy to shame. Local and not-so-local products from over 175 artists have been gathered into one temporary boutique and are available to holiday shoppers and craft lovers alike for the month of December. Located at the temporary retail space on the corner of Union and Westminster Street, across from Tazza, the official opening is Friday, December 5th from 5-9pm. It’s going to be crowded, and it’s going to be wonderful.
The Providence Preservation Society’s Holiday Stroll is Downcity this Saturday, December 6th. Usually held on Benefit Street, this classic event features festive walking tours of historic homes, decorated for the holidays. It’s a fantastic opportunity to view the interiors of historically preserved buildings in Providence. This year’s tour takes you into the Peerless building and the Dreyfus Hotel, along with other hot historic properties. Also, join us at City Hall for the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6pm.
We all remember mild summer nights watching Movies on the Block under the stars. Well, those days are over, so let’s strap on our mittens, get ourselves an eggnog latte and venture out into the surprisingly warm December weather to catch the Downcity holiday spirit.
