Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 47th year, it spams 30 days of celebration hosted by residents, shopkeepers and local do-gooders who raise thousands of dollars to give back to charities throughout the community. Luckily for participants, that means multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar.
Christmas in Newport officially kicks off on Friday, December 1 at 6:00 PM in Washington Square with an address from the mayor, a tree lighting, live entertainment and a cannon salute from Newport Artillery Company. The event is free and open to the public.
Arrive early to visit the Newport Historical Society's Holiday Open House. Tour the colony house and enjoy festive music from around the world in celebration of the holiday season. 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The program spans through December 31 with a robust roster of festival holiday events and happenings. The schedule below is courtesy of christmasinnewport.org
ONGOING
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
When: November 18 - January 1, 2018
Where: The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House
Admission: Price of mansion admission
Details: Three magnificently decorated houses adorned with period-inspired ornaments, elaborate yuletide decorations, fresh flowers, trees, wreaths and garlands. Details.
Gingerbread Lighthouse: Sugar Spice and Everything Gingerbread
When: December 6 - January 1, Saturday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Newport Visitor Center
Admission: Free
Details: The 16 foot tall lighthouse made of 350 pounds of gingerbread and over 2,400 pieces of candy was created by the culinary staff at the Newport Marriott in conjunction with discover Newport. Free to view, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to fill the sleigh for local community food pantries.
Newport Holiday Stroll
When: December 1 - 3 and 8 - 10, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Newport's shopping and dining districts
Admission: Free
Details: Stroll Newport's shopping and dining districts for unique holiday gifts, locally sourced dining, entertainment and events.
Golden to Gilded Walking Tour
When: Sundays, 10:30 AM
Where: Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street
Admission: $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID
Details: Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street. From Newport’s Colonial Golden Age to Gilded Age summer colony, discover the transformation of the city and its people. Reservations Suggested. Walk in space may not be available. Reservations: 401-841-8770
ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE WALKING TOUR
When: Mondays through December 18, 10:30 AM
Where: Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street
Admission: $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID
Details: Learn about Newport's role in the American Revolution. Reservations recommended. Walk in space may not be available. Reservations: 401-841-8770.
Rogues and Scoundrels Walking Tour
When: Fridays, 10:30 AM
Where: Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street.
Admission: $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID
Details: See where scoundrels lived, pirates profited and criminals were punished. Find out why this colony was known as “Rogue’s Island.” Reservations Suggested. Walk in space may not be available. Weather permitting. Reservations: 401-847-8770
Discover Colonial Newport Walking Tour
When: Saturdays, 10:30 AM
Where: Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street
Admission: $15, adults; $10, NHS members and active duty military with ID
Details: Hear stories of religious diversity and entrepreneurship during Newport’s colonial era. Reservations Suggested. Walk in space may not be available. Weather permitting. Reservations: 401-847-8770
Newport Holiday Lantern Walking Tour
When: Saturdays starting December 9, 4:00 PM
Where: Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street
Admission: $15 adults; $10, NHS members and active duty military with ID. $5 children ages 5 - 12.
Details: Hear the history of early American holiday traditions on an evening walking tour. Learn how colonial Newporters recognized (or didn’t) the holidays. Reservations Required. Walk in space may not be available. Weather permitting. Reservations: 401-846-0813.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
Victorian Boutique
When: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Edward King House, 35 King Street
Admission: Free
Details: Unique gifts for the most discerning tastes, estate sale items, fine china, jewelry, and many one of kind items.
Newport Historical Society Holiday Open House
When: 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Colony House, Washington Square
Admission: Free
Details: Tour the Colony House before the Christmas in Newport official opening ceremony. Enjoy the sounds of 18th century caroling performed by costumed interpreters. Learn the origins of the songs and where they would have been sung. Donations welcome.
The Salve Regina University Madrigal Chorus
When: 4:00 PM
Where: Seaman's Church Institute
Admission: Free
Details: The Salve Regina Univ. Madrigal Chorus performs at Seamen’s Church Institute
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Annual Newport Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Shopping Event
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Middletown Knights of Columbus Hall, 7 Valley Rd
Admission: Free
Details: Handiwork and craftsmanship of local artisans and employees. Bake sale and raffle. Proceeds will support auxiliary patient programs.
Annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale
When: 9:00 - 12:00 PM
Where: Easton’s Beach Rotunda
Admission: Free
Details: 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.
Holiday Stroll on Bellevue Avenue
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Bellevue Avenue
Admission: Free
Details: Stroll Bellevue Shopping District and enjoy holiday carolers, refreshments and special store promotions along the Avenue.
Undecked Halls: Behind the Scenes at Doris Duke’s Mansion in Winter
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Rough Point
Admission: Adults $15, children under 12 free
Details: Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Tours offered every ½ hour.
Santa's Workshop
When: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Easton's Beach Rotunda
Admission: $5 per child
Details: Crafts, goodie bag, 2 rides on the carousel, 1 ride on the mini train and cookie decorating.
Christmas Cards for Mariners
When: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Seamen's Church Institute, 18 Market Square
Admission: Free
Details: Drop in to warm up with hot chocolate and write a Christmas card to men and women serving on the seas this Christmas.
Newport County Orchestra Concert
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody Street
Admission: $8 admission, $5 seniors, students.
Details: Classical and holiday music sponsored by the Salve Regina University Music Department. Email: davispa@salve.edu.
Annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting
When: 4:30 PM
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Admission: Free
Details: Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate the tree at historic Bowen's Wharf during as the towering evergreen tree is lit for the first time. Enjoy caroling along with a visit from Frosty the Snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus at ‘The North Pole’. Restaurants & shops are open before and after the event. Some businesses will offer free refreshments, early afternoon caroling, and shopping specials.
SCHEDULE:
- 4:30 PM: Meet with Frosty the Snowman
- 5:00 PM: The Christmas Carol Sing-a-long
- 6:00 PM: the Mayor lights the tree, immediately followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat (weather permitting).
Swanhurst Chorus Concert
When: 8:00 PM
Where: United Congregational Church
Admission: $15
Details: Newport County’s standing choral ensemble for over 87 years, will offer “Beethoven’s Missa in C and other Works ” under the direction of conductor Edwin Milham.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
Visit with Santa Claus at the Breakers
When: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: The Breakers
Admission: Price of mansion admission
Details: The Jolly old elf will visit with children and hear their Christmas wish list. Refreshments.
Christmas at Whitehall
When: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Whitehall Museum House, 311 Berkeley Ave., Middletown
Admission: Free
Details: Enjoy wassail and Christmas treats while viewing 18th century Whitehall by candlelight. Sponsored by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the state of RI.
Newport Community Band Holiday Concert
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody Street
Admission: $8, $5 seniors & students
Details: SRU Newport Community Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Flute Ensemble performing holiday favorites.
Joint Advent Service of Lessons and Carols
When: 5:00 PM
Where: St. John the Evangelist, 61 Washington Street at Willow Street
Admission: Free will offering
Details: Advent carols with congregational hymns, sung by the combined choirs of St. John's Church, Emmanuel Church, with the professional choristers of the Choir School of Newport.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
The Nativity of Christ Puppet Show
When: 7:00 PM
Where: The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown
Admission: Free will donation
Details: The Christmas story in music and larger than life puppetry. 401-849-5444.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
Annual Singing for Shelter Acoustic Christmas Concert
When: 7:00 - 9:30 PM
Where: Channing Church, 135 Pelham Street
Admission: $18 in advance, $20 at the door, Children with an adult are free
Details: Various Local Musicians. For the benefit of Lucy's Hearth and the McKinney Shelter. Call 401-835-7209 for tickets
The Nativity of Christ Puppet Show
When: 7:00 PM
Where: The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown
Admission: Free will donation
Details: The Christmas story in music and larger than life puppetry. 401-849-5444.
Holiday Cabaret
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Edward King House, 30 King Street
Admission: $10 suggested donation
Details: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is this year’s theme. Holiday favorites sung by members of the Newport County Community Chorus.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Newport Skating Center Grand Re-Opening and Tree Lighting
When: 5:00 PM
Where: Newport Skating Center, 4 Commercial Wharf
Admission: Free
Details: Celebration with a sprinkle of holiday magic. Santa and The Elves, carolers & treats.
A Christmas Carol
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Guild Hall of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar Street
Admission: $20, students $15
Details: A unique interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic by What Cheer, Shakespeare? Theatre Company.
Christmas Concert: The Reason for the Season
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Mt. Zion A.M.E Church, 31-33 Van Zandt Avenue
Admission: Free will offering
Details: An evening of contemporary and traditional Christmas by the voices of Zion.
The Nativity of Christ Puppet Show
When: 7:00 PM
Where: The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown
Admission: Free will donation
Details: The Christmas story in music and larger than life puppetry. 401-849-5444.
Christmas in Song by the Newport Navy Choristers
When: 7:30 PM
Where: St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth
Admission: Admission $12 adults, children/seniors/PHS members $8; $25 Family
Details: Concert to benefit Portsmouth Historical Society
St. George’s School Service of Lessons & Carols
When: 7:30 PM
Where: 372 Purgatory Road, Middletown
Admission: Free
Details: The birth of Jesus is told by lesson and song. Congregational singing and carols by the school choir and hand bell choir.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Undecked Halls: Behind the Scenes at Doris Duke’s Mansion in Winter
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Rough Point
Admission: Adults $15, children under 12 free
Details: Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Tours offered every ½ hour.
The Emmanuel Church Woodwind Trip Choir
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Seaman's Church Institute, 18 Market Square
Admission: Free
Details: 401-847-4620 for details.
A Visit with Saint Nick
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Newport Visitor Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue
Admission: Free but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to fill the sleigh for local community food pantries
Details: Bring your Christmas wish list and visit with Santa at the Largest Gingerbread Lighthouse in New England.
Christmas Open House at the Irish Museum
When: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
Where: The Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center, 648 Lower Thames Street
Admission: Free
Details: View the exhibits while enjoying Celtic holiday music, eggnog and cookies. Celtic-inspired bracelets and lapel pins available for sale with proceeds to benefit the Museum. 3:30-4:30 p.m., caroling by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Men Singers.
Trinity Christmas Silver Tea
When: 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Honyman Hall, Trinity Church, Queen Anne Square
Admission: $12
Details: Holiday high tea.
House tour of Seaman's Church Institute
When: 12:00 PM
Where: 18 Market Square
Admission: Free
Details: Behind the scenes tour of this 1930 waterfront institute, featuring the Chapel of the Sea which was designed and painted by the well-respected artist Durr Freedley, living in Newport in the early 1900s. Display exhibition, Wood, Wind and Water: The Genius of F. Spaulding Dunbar.
A Christmas Carol
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Guild Hall of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar Street
Admission: $20, students $15
Details: A unique interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic by What Cheer, Shakespeare? Theatre Company.
Christmas Choral Concert
When: 8:00 PM
Where: Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Avenue
Admission: $8 general admission, $5 seniors, students.
Details: Performances by the Salve Regina Chorus and Madrigals.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
Visit with Santa Claus
When: Noon - 3:00 PM
Where: Marble House
Admission: Regular admission
Details: The Jolly old elf will visit with children and hear their Christmas wish list. Refreshments.
Holiday Silver Tea
When: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Edward King House, 35 King Street
Admission: $10 per person
Details: Including an old fashion holiday sing-along.
Traditional Christmas Tea at St. Columba’s Chapel Parish Hall
When: 3:00 - 5:00 PM, Seatings at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Where: 55 Vaucluse Ave., Middletown
Admission: $12 adults, $5 children under 12
Details: Bring your friends and enjoy an oasis of calm in a busy season.
Christmas Open House at Glen Manor House
When: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: 3 Frank Coelho Drive, Portsmouth
Admission: Free
Details: 401-683-4177 for details.
Christmas Choral Concert
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Avenue
Admission: $8 general admission, $5 seniors, students.
Details: Performances by the Salve Regina Chorus and Madrigals.
Music of the Season
When: 7:00 PM
Where: First Presbyterian Church, Broadway at Everett Street
Admission: Free
Details: Brass, organ, hand bells and vocal choir, and an opportunity to sing some favorite carols. In the event of inclement weather the re-schedule date is December 17.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11
Caroling on Broadway
When: 3:30 PM
Where: Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island
Admission: Free
Details: Starting at the Colony House and sponsored by the Off Broadway Neighborhood Association. Join local musician Christopher Carbone, Thompson Middle School chorus and OBNA in a Carol' along Broadway. 401-481-5135
St. Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Concert
When: 6:30 PM
Where: Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway
Admission: $10
Details: Wakefield Concert Band performing.
Hanukkah Celebration of Light
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Edward King House, 35 King Street
Admission: Goodwill offering
Details: Featuring lighting of the menorah, the story of Hanukkah, live music and traditional foods of the season and dancing to the sounds of the Touro Band. 401-846-7426.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
106th Annual Medieval Christmas Pageant
When: 7:30 PM
Where: St. George's School Chapel
Admission: Free
Details: Candlelit service of the portrayal of the Christmas story.
Annual WADK Christmas Concert at The Newport Marriott
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Newport Marriott
Admission: Free. donations of non-perishable food items for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center welcome
Details: Larry Brown's Swinglane Orchestra and a local choral group
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
Student’s Impressions of Christmas in Newport
When: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: Newport Yacht Club, 110 Long Wharf
Admission: Free
Details: Student K-12 art exhibit, commemorative Christmas in Newport postmark, United States Postal Service. Light refreshments. 401-846-9410.
Pell Elementary Winter Concert
When: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: Pell Elementary School, 35 Dexter Street
Admission: Free
Details: Enjoy the harmonious sounds of the 3rd and 4th grade chorus. 401-218-9951.
Christmas on the Point
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Church of St. John the Evangelist, Washington and Willow Street
Admission: Suggested donation $15, seniors/students $10
Details: Featuring Mozart's Coronation Mass in C with choir, strings, and organ, along with a traditional reading of the Christmas Story.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
Holiday Choral Concert
When: 11:15 AM
Where: Edward King House, 35 King Street
Admission: Free
Details: Holiday favorites sung by the Edward King House Singers. 401-846-7426
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
Undecked Halls: Behind the Scenes at Doris Duke’s Mansion in Winter
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Rough Point
Admission: Adults $15, children under 12 free
Details: Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Tours offered every ½ hour.
Wreaths Across America
When: 12:00 PM
Where: Common Burying Ground, 30 Warner Street
Admission: Free
Details: Honor our veterans through the laying of wreaths on the graves of our county's fallen heroes. Sponsored by the Surface Navy Association. 919-999-0234.
Community Tree Decorating at Seaman's Church Institute
When: 1:00 PM
Where: Seaman's Church Institute, 18 Market Square
Admission: Free
Details: Bring an ornament and help decorate the tree.
Christmas Story Hour and Bookmark Workshop
When: 2:00 PM
Where: Seaman's Church Institute, 18 Market Square
Admission: Free
Details: A variety of classic Christmas tales will be read and kids can make holiday themed bookmarks. Bring a children’s book to share and swap. 401-847-4260.
Holiday Ornament Program
When: 2:00 PM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free
Details: Children ages 6-12 are invited to create a variety of holiday ornaments. Cookies and candy canes will be served. Registration is required and begins on December 5. To sign up, visit the children's Desk or call 401-847-8720 X204.
Annual Christmas in Sign Presented by James L. Maher Center
When: 5:00 PM
Where: Casino Theater, 9 Freebody Street
Admission: Free
Details: Christmas and holiday music presented in sign language under black light.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
St. Petersburg (Russian) Men’s Ensemble In Concert
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street
Admission: $20 suggested donation for the 2:00 PM concert
Details: This ensemble will present a dazzling concert of Russian choral music and folk songs for the season. 401-847-0675.
Visit with Santa Claus at the Elms
When: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: The Elms
Admission: Regular daytime admission
Details: The Jolly old elf will visit with children and hear their Christmas wish list. Refreshments.
Rhode Island Ballet Theater Presents Madeline Meets the Nutcracker
When: 4:00 PM
Where: Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody Street
Admission: $25 per person
Details: Rhode Island's Ballet Theater, with excerpts from The Nutcracker and Madeline.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
Winter Stories & Crafts
When: 10:30 AM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free
Details: Celebrate Winter Solstice, the first day of winter, with stories, treats and craft! Children ages 2-6 are welcome to drop-in, no registration is required. Held in the John Clarke Children's Program Room. 401-847-8720.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
Annual Christmas Day Breakfast
When: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Seamen's Church Institute, 18 Market Square
Admission: Free.
Details: 401-847-4260.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26
Holiday Traditions Open House
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Throughout town
Admission: Free
Details: Experience different holiday traditions when 9 historic houses of worship open their doors. Participating houses of worship include: Channing Unitarian, Emanuel Episcopal, First Presbyterian, Mount Zion AME, Newport Congregational, St. Mary’s Catholic, St. Joseph’s Catholic and Touro Synagogue. 401-290-7535.
Touro Synagogue Chanukah Party
When: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Levi Gale House, 85 Touro Street
Admission: Free; Reservations required
Details: Congregation Jeshuat Israel at Touro Synagogue will host a community Chanukah Party. Light the Chanukah candles and stay to enjoy latkes and all the trimmings, music, dancing, Children’s entertainment and more. We welcome you to join us. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please email cji@tourosynagogue.org or call 401-847-4794 X201.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Undecked Halls: Behind the Scenes at Doris Duke’s Mansion in Winter
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Rough Point
Admission: Adults $15, children under 12 free
Details: Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Tours offered every ½ hour.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
Christmas on Historic Hill: A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Trinity Church
When: 4:00 PM
Where: One Queen Anne Square
Admission: Free will offering to support Martin Luther King Center
Details: A holiday tradition! Join the choir of Trinity and the Newport Community Youth Choir in a festive celebration of Christmas.
