Holiday decorating is my thing, along with the events that surround the holidays. Lucky for us, Newport does not disappoint. Newport’s Christmas charm shines through its Gilded Age architecture dressed for the season with twinkling white lights, abundant fireplaces, historical lantern tours, and cozy shops dripping in holiday décor. Its beauty and holiday cheer can convert even the biggest Scrooge into a holiday lover.
Christmas in Newport is a month-long celebration complete with festive events and happenings to honor the season and give back to local charities. The city’s charm and history make Newport a perfect holiday destination. Here are a few of our favorite seasonal activities:
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
November 23, 2019- January 1, 2020 The Breakers, The Elms & Marble House
Bowen’s Wharf Block Party & Boat Parade
Block Party: November 29, 4-8 p.m. The City of Newport lights up the harbor with the Illuminated Boat Parade. Caribbean Christmas and Holiday tunes on the steel pan with Panoramic View will be live at the North Pole.
Newport Harbor Illuminated Holiday Harbor Lights Boat Parade
Nov. 29, 2019, 6 p.m. View the parade from Newport Yacht Club (Open to the Public), Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, and all points around Newport Harbor.
December 6-8, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. in stores at Bowen’s Wharf and throughout Newport. In-store specials with refreshments and complimentary gift wrapping
Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff
November 27, 29, 30, December 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, Various times. Island Moving Company’s 18th annual holiday traditional ballet performed throughout the first floor of Rosecliff.
Admission: Premium Gold $195, Gold $140, Silver $99, Pillow $60 (children ages 6-10 only) Reservations suggested.
Holiday Evenings at The Mansions
Holiday Evenings at The Breakers
Saturdays, November 30, December 7, 14 & 28, 2019, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday Evening Duet: The Elms & Marble House
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
Holiday Evening tickets go on sale beginning October 1, 2019. They are limited and sell out quickly.
Included in tour admission.
Sunday, December 1, 2019 – The Breakers – Noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2019 – Marble House – Noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2019 – The Elms – Noon to 3 p.m.
Glen Manor House Christmas Open House
Sunday, December 15th – 2-4pm. Annual Holiday Celebration, Santa will arrive at 2:45pm for pictures and in addition to local entertainment
Dickens Christmas Dinner Theatre Train
Saturdays, November 30-December 21
Departs Portsmouth Junction Station, One Alexander Road, Portsmouth
This interactive retelling of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” by the Marley Bridges Theatre Company is an evening of music, laughter, food, and spirits certain to cure even the biggest “Scrooge.” Join Ebenezer himself, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and all the Christmas Spirits on a dinner journey along the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad.
Official Opening of Christmas in Newport
Sunday December 1, 3-5 p.m., Washington Square
Join the Newport Historical Society in celebrating the holiday season. Take a lantern-lit tour of the streets of Newport or sing hymns inside the Colony House before the proclamation from the Mayor to declare the official opening of Christmas in Newport, followed immediately by the tree-lighting ceremony.
Friday & Saturday at 4 p.m. on November 22-December 28, 2019. Tours depart from The Museum of Newport History and Shop, 127 Thames Street, Newport, RI, and cost $15 per person, $10 for Society members and active-duty military with ID. Advance registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Purchase tickets by calling 401-841-8770 or by visiting https://newporthistorytours.org or at the Museum of Newport History & Shop.
Bowen’s Wharf – 49th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Bowen’s Wharf (rain or snow!)
4:30 p.m. – Frosty the Snowman
5 p.m. – Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long
6 p.m. – Tree Lighting & Santa arrives
December 7, 9 a.m.-Noon, Rotunda at Easton’s Beach. Christmas wreaths and table-top decorations created by designers, artists, gardeners and florists from the community. Also gourmet sweets bake sale. All proceeds go to Lucy’s Hearth.
Newport Candlelight Tour of Historic Private Homes
Saturday, December 28th 4-7 p.m. – Three homes in the historic Point neighborhood will be showcased. Free Trolly transportation to the homes, $3 per person, per house. No children under 10 and no high heel shoes please. Listing of home addresses will be available after December 15th.
Wishing you and yours the best for the holiday season!
Up next on the blog, where to cut down your own tree on or around Aquidneck Island…
