Come December, unparalleled Christmas charm practically envelops this coast. Snow-kissed treetops, Gilded Age architecture dressed in twinkling white lights, cozy boutique shops and bustling wharves boasting decadent Christmas trees make this coastal enclave like something straight out of a Charles Dickens novel.
Each year since 1971, December 1 has marked the kick off of Christmas in Newport, a month-long celebration complete with festive events and happenings to honor the season and give back to charities throughout the community. Experience events for nearly each day throughout December as part of the celebration.
ABOUT
Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Today, it comprises 31 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 us, that means multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar.
The schedule below is courtesy of christmasinnewport.org | More events will be added on a rolling basis, please check back for updates.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
HOLIDAY AT THE HOTEL VIKING
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Hotel Viking
Admission: Free
Artisans by the Bay presents Holiday at the Hotel Viking. New England crafters will be showing and selling their one-of-a-kind items.
SANTA SUNDAYS AT THE MANSIONS
When: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: The Breakers
Admission: $35 adults (includes all three houses), $10 children ages 6-17
Santa visits to listen to children's wish lists. Great photo opp. Included in price of admission.
COLONIAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT WHITEHALL
When: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Whitehall Museum House
Admission: Donations welcome
Enjoy the Christmas season with wassail, live period music and carols.
OFFICIAL OPENING OF CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT
When: 5:00 PM
Where: Washington Square
Admission: Free
Features proclamation from the Mayor, tree lighting, Newport Artillery cannon salute, music by the Newport Public Schools music program.
NEWPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE
When: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Newport Colony House
Admission: Free, donations welcome
Tour the Newport Colony House before the Christmas in Newport Official Opening Ceremony and enjoy the sounds of 18th century caroling performed by costumed interpreters from the Second Massachusetts Regiment. Learn the origins of the songs and where they would have been sung.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
12TH ANNUAL SINGING FOR THE SHELTER
When: 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: Channing Church, 135 Pelham Street
Admission: $25, children with an adult are free
Many local musicians coming together to raise funds for local homeless shelters.
HOLIDAY SIP & SHOP
When: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: OceanCliff
Admission: $5
An evening of shopping, featuring local boutiques and designers. Complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
NEWPORT HOSPITAL AUXILIARY HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Middletown Knights of Columbus Hall, 7 Valley Rd
Admission: Free
Local Artisans and scrumptious baked goods.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
19TH ANNUAL LUCY'S HEARTH DESIGNER WREATH SALE
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Easton’s Beach Rotunda
Admission: Free
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.
ST. PAUL'S METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Where: 12 Marlborough Street
Admission: Free
NEWPORT HOSPITAL AUXILIARY HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Middletown Knights of Columbus Hall, 7 Valley Rd
Admission: Free
Local Artisans and scrumptious baked goods.
49TH ANNUAL BOWEN'S WHARF TREE LIGHTING AND OPEN HOUSE
When: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Admission: Free
Frosty the Snowman and caroling starting at 4:30 PM. Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music and tree lighting at 6:00 PM/
TRINITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS SILVER TEA
When: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Honyman Hall, Trinity Church, Queen Anne Square
Admission: $12
afternoon tea featuring live music, seasonal wreaths, greens, ornaments, hostess and holiday gifts.
HOLIDAY EVENINGS AT THE BREAKERS
When: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: The Breakers
Admission: $38 in advance, $48 at the door
Take a leisurely self-guided evening tour through The Breakers; enjoy live holiday music and sample light refreshments, eggnog and cider.
NEWPORT COUNTY ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody Street
Admission: $10 admission, $8 seniors, students.
Classical and holiday music sponsored by the Salve Regina University Music Department.
A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS PRESENTED BY NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: 3:00 PM + 7:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street
Admission: Adults $30, parishioners $10 and children $5
Concert will feature musicians from Newport Music Festival and many community arts partners.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
SANTA SUNDAYS AT THE MANSIONS
When: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Marble House
Admission: $35 adults (includes all three houses), $10 children ages 6-17
Santa visits to listen to children's wish lists. Great photo opp. Included in price of admission.
NEWPORT COMMUNITY BAND/SALVE REGINA JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody Street
Admission: $10, $8 seniors & students
SRU Newport Community Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Flute Ensemble performing holiday favorites.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS TEA AT ST. COLUMBA'S CHAPEL PARISH HALL
When: Seatings at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Where: 55 Vaucluse Ave., Middletown
Admission: $12 adults, $6 children under 12
Bring your friends and enjoy an oasis of calm in a busy season.
A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS PRESENTED BY NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street
Admission: Adults $30, parishioners $10 and children $5
Concert will feature musicians from Newport Music Festival and many community arts partners.
MUSIC OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
When: 7:00 PM
Where: First Presbyterian Church, Broadway at Everett Street
Admission: Free
Music and carols reflecting the joy and wonder of Christmas.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
CAROLING ON BROADWAY
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Meet on the steps of Colony House, Washington Square
Admission: Free
Join the Thompson Middle School chorus, Christopher "Kari" Carbone and the Off Broadway Neighborhood Association and go caroling along Broadway up to Equality Park.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
CHRISTMAS AT THE INNS: HOLIDAY BED AND BREAKFAST TOUR
When: 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: $25 for all ten inns
Ten inns open for tour. Tickets at Francis Malbone House Inn, 392 Thames Street. All proceeds benefit Lucy's Hearth.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
CHRISTMAS AT THE INNS: HOLIDAY BED AND BREAKFAST TOUR
When: 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: $25 for all ten inns
Ten inns open for tour. Tickets at Francis Malbone House Inn, 392 Thames Street. All proceeds benefit Lucy's Hearth.
WADK 33RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Newport Marriott
Admission: Free, donations of non-perishable food items for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center welcome
Larry Brown's Swinglane Orchestra and Jamestown Community Chorus.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
STUDENT'S IMPRESSIONS OF CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT
When: 5:30 PM
Where: Newport Yacht Club, 110 Long Wharf
Admission: Free, light refreshments
Students K-12 art exhibit, commemorative Christmas in Newport postmark by United States Postal Service.
NEWPORT ART MUSEUM HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
When: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Newport Art Museum
Admission: Free
Do your shopping right at the museum where you can find work from emerging and established artists alike. Ceramics, painting, wearable arts, ornaments and more.
DECEMBER NEWPORT GALLERY NIGHT
When: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: Free
Holiday themed art shows during an evening tour of local galleries, museums, and cultural organizations in Newport and Middletown.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
NEWPORT ART MUSEUM HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
When: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Newport Art Museum
Admission: Free
Do your shopping right at the museum where you can find work from emerging and established artists alike. Ceramics, painting, wearable arts, ornaments and more.
CHRISTMAS AT MOUNT ZION
When: 7:00 PM
Where: 101 VanZandt Avenue
Admission: Free will offering
An evening of old, new sacred and secular Christmas music performed by the Voices of Unity/RPM Voices of Rhode Island.
CHRISTMAS IN SONG BY THE NEWPORT NAVY CHORISTERS
When: 7:30 PM
Where: St. Lucy's Church, 909 W Main Road
Admission: $15, $10 seniors and students, $30 families
Concert to benefit Lingkod Timog charitable missions in the Phillipines.
ST. GEORGE'S SCHOOL SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS
When: 7:30 PM
Where: 372 Purgatory Road, Middletown
Admission: Free
The birth of Jesus is told by lesson and song. Congregational singing and carols by the school choir and hand bell choir.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
NEWPORT ART MUSEUM HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
When: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Newport Art Museum
Admission: Free
Do your shopping right at the museum where you can find work from emerging and established artists alike. Ceramics, painting, wearable arts, ornaments and more.
GINGERBREAD STORY TIME
When: 10:00 AM
Where: John Clarke Children's Program Room, Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free
Children ages 1 - 5 years old and a caregiver. A special gingerbread themed story time and craft. No registration required.
SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT
When: 7:30 PM
Where: Great Hall of Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Avenue
Admission: $10, $8 students and seniors, SRU students Free with ID
Featured groups will include University Chorus, Madrigals Chorus, and a cappella groups.
FAMILY MOVIE: THE GRINCH (2018)
When: 2:30 PM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free
Families with children ages 6 - 12 years old. Join the Newport Public Library for a re-telling of the classic Dr. Seuss tale about a grumpy old creature living on Mt. Crumpet who can't stand to see his neighbors in Whoville enjoying themselves. No registration required.
CAROLING + CRAFTING AT EMMANUEL CHURCH
When: 2:30 - 5:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street
Admission: Free
Enjoy a festive afternoon with free popcorn and hot chocolate. Families and all ages welcome.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT THE IRISH MUSEUM
When: 12:00 - 4:30 PM
Where: Museum of Newport Irish History
Admission: Free
View the exhibits while enjoying Celtic holiday music, eggnog and cookies.
HOLIDAY EVENINGS AT THE BREAKERS
When: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: The Breakers
Admission: $38 in advance, $48 at the door
Take a leisurely self-guided evening tour through The Breakers; enjoy live holiday music and sample light refreshments, eggnog and cider.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
ST. PETERSBURG (RUSSIAN) MEN'S ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT
When: 10:00 AM + 2:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street
Admission: Free, $20 suggested donation
This male quartet will present a dazzling concert of Russian choral music, folk songs, and popular music spanning centuries. Free parking in the lot across from the church.
SANTA SUNDAYS AT THE MANSIONS
When: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: The Elms
Admission: $35 adults (includes all three houses), $10 children ages 6-17
Santa visits to listen to children's wish lists. Great photo opp. Included in price of admission.
SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT
When: 7:30 PM
Where: Great Hall of Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Avenue
Admission: $10, $8 students and seniors, SRU students Free with ID
Featured groups will include University Chorus, Madrigals Chorus, and a cappella groups.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT GLEN MANOR HOUSE
When: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: 3 Frank Coelho Drive, Portsmouth
Admission: Free
401-683-4177 for details.
A LIVE NATIVITY AT ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
When: 4:00 PM
Where: 525 Broadway
Admission: Free
Dress up and be part of the live nativity, crafts, refreshments, photo opportunities, at 5:45 PM sing your favorite carols with the angels. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be held inside.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
108TH ANNUAL MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
When: 7:30 PM
Where: St. George's School Chapel
Admission: Free
Candlelit service of the portrayal of the Christmas story.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
WEDNESDAY FAMILY FUN: WINTER TREE CRAFT
When: 4:00 PM
Where: John Clarke Children's Program Room, Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free
Children ages 5 - 12 years old and an adult. Join the Newport Public Library to make a 3D foam tree decoration with a wintry look. Registration is required and will begin on Tuesday, December 3.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
REINDEER PARTY
When: 10:30 AM
Where: John Clarke Children's Program Room, Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free
Children ages 2 - 4 years old and a caregiver. Enjoy reindeer crafts, activities, and a reindeer snack. No registration required.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
HOLIDAY EVENING DUET AT THE ELMS AND MARBLE HOUSE
When: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: The Elms and Marble House
Admission: $38 in advance, $48 at the door
Take a leisurely self-guided evening tour through The Elms and Marble House; enjoy both houses for the price of one as you enjoy live holiday music and sample light refreshments, eggnog and cider.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC PRIVATE HOMES
When: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: $3 per home, payable at the door of each residence
Listing of homes and addresses will be available after December 15 at christmasinnewport.org and at the Newport Visitor Information Center. Note: No children under 10 years old and no high heel shoes.
HOLIDAY EVENINGS AT THE BREAKERS
When: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: The Breakers
Admission: $38 in advance, $48 at the door
Take a leisurely self-guided evening tour through The Breakers; enjoy live holiday music and sample light refreshments, eggnog and cider.
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