Providence celebrates annual Christmas tree lighting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A festive crowd in downtown Providence as the city continued the annual tradition of light its Christmas tree in Kennedy Plaza.

Santa Claus declared that the Christmas spirit was in the city as the centerpiece celebration of the PVD Holiday Festival took place.

For Art, Culture, and Tourism Director Joe Wilson, Jr., the weekend was the culmination of months of hard work.

“This is now a four day festival that we modeled after PVD Fest,” he said. “And of course the city looks amazing.”

Wilson credited his team for helping putting it all together.

The tree lighting was preceded by events including holiday markets and a special WaterFire lighting.

“Activating public space is so important, supporting local businesses is so important, and god knows we need a little joy right now, so this is all about fun tonight,” Wilson said.