Fall 2019 Scoop: Holiday
The holidays in Newport are nothing short of magical, as described in our cover story in the newly released holiday issue of Yankee Magazine! While Christmas in Newport and Christmas at the Newport Mansions are pillars of the holiday season here, below are some new holiday happenings.
New Holiday Happenings
Christmas at Blithewold’s new theme this holiday season, “A Family Gathering,” recreates the Van Wickle family’s Christmas weekend in 1910 as inspired by their diaries. The 45-room Bristol mansion is elaborately decorated and hosts a bevy of holiday events including children’s story time, teas, festive workshops and more.
Gurney’s Newport Ice Skating Rink: The property transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays with the unveiling of the ice rink, opening November 22. Brightly lit and featuring family-appropriate music, the rink is located on the North Lawn near the Goat Island Lighthouse. Glide across the ice while taking in unobstructed views of the famed Newport Bridge. Warm up at The Lounge & Firepit for the ultimate après-skate experience. The seasonal menu will offer comfort foods including classic cheese fondue, chili cornbread and the “World’s Best Grilled Cheese & Tomato,” not to mention specialty cocktails like Naughty Hot Chocolate, Spiked Cider, Mexican Coffee and a Fig Cosmo. For kids, the menu includes favorites like mac n’ cheese, grilled cheese and chicken tenders with fries. The rink will be open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. Admission: $7 (with specials for children, seniors and military). Skate rentals: $5
Related: An annual tradition, Gurney’s will light their historic lighthouse on Nov. 30 with carolers, spiked cider and sweeping views of the Newport Bridge.
Also coming to Gurney’s: Newport Igloos – The Ultimate Magical Holiday Experience. A variety of themed igloo pop-ups will showcase a multi-sensory and individualized experience for visitors. Launching this Thanksgiving and available 7 days a week, unique themes come to life including Santa’s Workshop/Winter Wonderland, Log Cabin, Fortune Teller, Norther Light/Astronomy, Harry Potter, Roaring 20s/Great Gatsby, Après Ski and Tropical Summer. Each theme will offer specially crafted design, music, activities and cocktails as well souvenirs tailored to each experience.
Newport Art Museum will host a Holiday Marketplace Dec. 12-14 where you will find work from emerging and established artists alike. Peruse ceramics, paintings, wearable arts, ornaments and other works of art created by students and instructors from the Museum School and select artists curated by the museum. Also, a Victorian Christmas turns into tragedy at Mystery at the Museum’s “The Last Noël,” a 90-minute interactive murder mystery performed Saturdays at 7pm, Nov. 30 – Dec. 28).
After more than a decade, the Newport Restoration Foundation will be changing up their annual holiday program once known as “Undecked Halls” to a new experience titled, “A Rough Point Holiday.” The refreshed program takes place December 1, 8, 15, and 27 from 10am to 4pm at the Rough Point Museum with both self-guided and guided experiences being offered. $10 for adults. Free admission for children 12 and under.
