Smith’s Castle dates all the way back to 1678, making it one of the oldest houses in Rhode Island (and probably the country). This National Historic Landmark is fun to visit in the spring and summer, when guided tours are frequent. But in December, it’s all about Christmas in the Castle here — and quite frankly, this is one holiday event you shouldn’t miss.

Christmas at the Castle is a time honored tradition the locals anticipate all year.

Smith’s Castle Facebook The castle, which is located in North Kingstown, is closed to the public for most of the winter… but for this event, they deck the halls and open the doors wide.

Christmas at the Castle always takes place on the first weekend in December, so this year’s dates are December 7 and 8.

Smith’s Castle Facebook For many Rhode Island families, the event signifies the start of the holiday season.

When you enter the home, you’ll instantly notice all the seasonal decor and smell the scents of mulled cider and sweet treats.

Smith’s Castle Facebook Exhibits and decorations throughout the house will highlight the Dutch influence on colonial life through its theme, ‘I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In.’

This is meant to be a celebration of Dutch customs and the way they helped shape our early holiday traditions in New England.

Smith’s Castle Facebook n the 1600s, a colonist named Richard Smith, Sr. linked up with the Dutch trade developing from New Amsterdam. His descendants became stewards of the Castle for 130 years, incorporating Dutch customs into their lives and holiday celebrations.

Christmas at the Castle takes place from noon until 4 p.m. both days, and you’re free to drop in anytime.

Smith’s Castle Facebook There will be carolers, musicians, and employees dressed in period costumes, and plenty of exhibits.

There are always plenty of activities for little ones as well, and this year will be no exception.

Smith’s Castle Facebook You’ll see children’s craft activities, cookie decorating, photo ops, and hand painting, plus cookies and mulled cider. This is all available at no additional cost.

Admission to this holiday fun is just $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6.

Smith’s Castle Facebook They even have a family cap of $20, so you won’t have to spend more than that to make beautiful memories this holiday season.

Learn more about Smith’s Castle and their upcoming events here. This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Smith’s Castle Facebook

The castle, which is located in North Kingstown, is closed to the public for most of the winter… but for this event, they deck the halls and open the doors wide.

For many Rhode Island families, the event signifies the start of the holiday season.

Exhibits and decorations throughout the house will highlight the Dutch influence on colonial life through its theme, ‘I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In.’

n the 1600s, a colonist named Richard Smith, Sr. linked up with the Dutch trade developing from New Amsterdam. His descendants became stewards of the Castle for 130 years, incorporating Dutch customs into their lives and holiday celebrations.

There will be carolers, musicians, and employees dressed in period costumes, and plenty of exhibits.

You’ll see children’s craft activities, cookie decorating, photo ops, and hand painting, plus cookies and mulled cider. This is all available at no additional cost.

They even have a family cap of $20, so you won’t have to spend more than that to make beautiful memories this holiday season.

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Address: Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Dr, North Kingstown, RI 02852, USA