Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is celebrating the holiday season with Thanksgiving dining, a public Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, hands-on workshops, and two New Year’s Eve parties. The Forbes Five-Star hotel, spa, and restaurant and Relais & Châteaux resort overlooks a private beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
Thanksgiving at the resort starts with In the Kitchen: Thanksgiving Tips and Techniques, a hands-on class led by Ocean House chefs. Guests will learn to make gravy, mashed potatoes, and other sides at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27 in the Center for Wine and Culinary Arts. On Saturday, Nov. 14, a Children’s Ballet Clinic with Ballet RI begins at 1 p.m. in the Seaside Ballroom, with tickets at $75 per child and free admission for accompanying adults.
On Thursday, Nov. 26, Ocean House will serve a Thanksgiving Buffet in the Seaside Ballroom, with seatings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu includes maple-brined turkey, honey-glazed ham, a raw bar, seasonal sides and holiday desserts, with live music. An Ice Cream Social featuring penguins from Mystic Aquarium follows on Nov. 27.
The Christmas season begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. Santa will arrive by firetruck for the outdoor event, which includes fireworks, complimentary hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies. It is open to the public with no reservation required, and guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped, boxed toy for donation. Hotel interior access during the event is reserved for overnight guests.
Families can continue with Christmas Dinner with Santa at 5:30 p.m. in the Ballroom and Drawing Room. Brunch with Santa will be held Sunday, Nov. 29, and Dec. 6, 13, and 20, in the Seaside Ballroom and Drawing Room. Santa will visit with guests from 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and reservations begin at 10 a.m.
December events include Ornament, Holiday Wreath, and Gingerbread House workshops, along with Cookie & Cupcake Decorating with Mrs. Claus. A Vodka & Latke class takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, and a Truffle Tree Workshop with the resort’s pastry chef is set for 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, in the Drawing Room. On Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., students from Chariho, Lincoln, Exeter-East Greenwich and Westerly high schools will display gingerbread houses in a free community celebration in the Seaside Ballroom, with guests asked to RSVP. The Christmas Soirée follows at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with food stations, an open bar, live music, and dancing.
Ocean House will ring in 2027 with two London-inspired parties on Thursday, Dec. 31. The Big Ben Black Tie Bash begins at 8 p.m. for guests 21 and older, with live entertainment, open bars and food stations featuring Beef Wellington, Maine lobster, black truffle risotto and caviar. The London Calling New Year’s Eve Ball begins at 9 p.m. in the Seaside Ballroom, with 1960s British music and style, a DJ, costume prizes and an Abbey Road-inspired photo setting. In the Kitchen: New Year’s Eve Small Bites classes will be held at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18.
Follow us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Tiktok • Newsbreak
Visit our other sites
Finding Connecticut • Finding New York City • Finding The Hudson Valley • Finding Lehigh Valley • Finding Westport
