Good morning, Newport.

Local firefighters, police and volunteers across Newport County will escort Santa through neighborhoods throughout December to bring holiday cheer and candy canes.

In Newport, he rides with first responders on four nights—Dec 9, Dec 11, Dec 16 and Dec 18—departing from Fire Station No. 2 at 5 p.m. with neighborhood visits starting at 5:30 p.m.

Small Business Collective launched Tuesday in Middletown to support Rhode Island entrepreneurs by offering collaborative workspaces and networking events—Mollie Frazer Williams was named executive director as the group, backed by People’s Credit Union, welcomes its first members and develops new programming.

Irish traditional music group Dervish will perform at The JPT Film — Event Center on Sunday, March 22 at 7 p.m.; Spectacle Live is presenting the concert and tickets go on sale Friday, Dec.

5 at 10 a.m. The band, led by singer Cathy Jordan, earned a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 after over 30 years of touring.

Matthew Gray, owner of Gray Matter Marketing and Ragged Island Brewing Company, has been elected chair of Discover Newport (he represents Portsmouth and has served on the board since 2019).

His term begins immediately as he aims to boost off-season visitation while preserving residents’ quality of life.

Rep. Joseph McNamara announced a statewide bill Tuesday—after hazing incidents at Rogers and Smithfield High Schools—that would impose strict penalties like team suspension and season cancellation; he will work with RIDE and RIIL to introduce the legislation in the next assembly session.

Brown University Health Retail Pharmacy at Newport Hospital expanded its hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec.

1 — pharmacist Eric M. D’Agostino advised on using over-the-counter medicines to treat cold, flu, COVID, and allergies.

Newport Restaurant Group will host two holiday events this month at its local restaurants.

The Boat House in Tiverton will hold the annual Operation: Blue Santa toy drive on Dec. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. while The Mooring in Newport will host Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 21 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.—both events include special treats for guests.

Holiday Sip & Shop

4-7 p.m. — OceanCliff Hotel — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening with cocktails and local shopping featuring unique designs and artisan goods.

Joyride - 80's Mixtape Live

6:30-9 p.m. — Ragged Island Brewing Company — Cover charge applies — Groove to your favorite 80's hits in a vibrant atmosphere of big hair and neon lights.

Alicia @ Christmas by the Sea

11 AM – 3 PM — The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina — Free entry — Explore handcrafted items including energy clearing sprays and Reiki-infused jewelry at this festive market.

Nighttime Christmas Experience at Blithewold

4-7 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Admission included — Immerse yourself in holiday magic with illuminated gardens and guided tours of the decorated manor.

Wednesday Night Trivia

6-8 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Reservations recommended — Bring friends for trivia fun with prizes and themed rounds.

Kate Voegele and Tyler Hilton Live

8-9:30 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of music from two talented artists with roots in the hit series 'One Tree Hill'.

Billy Gilman - Home For The Holidays

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the holiday season with a special performance by Billy Gilman.

Bonsai Bar at Crafted Hope

1-3 p.m. — Crafted Hope Brewing Company — Workshop fee applies — Discover the art of bonsai as you create tiny trees with friends over drinks.

Wednesday Trivia Night

6-8 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Reservations recommended — Bring your friends and a thinking cap for 5 exciting rounds of trivia with prizes.

Winter Afternoon Tea

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost TBA — Delight in freshly baked scones and a variety of sweet and savory treats with friends.