Nearly 400 years of historic charm breeds the coziest of holiday seasons on The Classic Coast. Think cobblestone streets lined with the glow of white lights, the glitter and gold of Gilded Age mansions bedecked with dozens of Christmas trees and thousands of poinsettias, and warm, quaint shops with candlelit windows. Truth be told, enchanting doesn't quite begin to explain it.

We rounded up some of the most classic holiday events in and around Newport this season. Full of tradition and enchantment, here's everything you need to make the season merry and bright.

1 Holidays at The Newport Mansions

Where:
The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms
When:
November 19, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Hours:
Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

The opulence of Newport's Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the return of Holidays at the Newport Mansions on Saturday, November 19, 2022 through January 1, 2023. Wander three mansions, The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms bedecked in ornamented evergreens, wreaths, fresh flowers, dining tables set with period silver and china, decorations on all mantelpieces and many other festive touches. 

Returning this year: For the third year, the exterior of The Breakers and its landscape will be awash in thousands of festive colored lights illuminating the grounds' paths and trees. The gardens will be decorated in different themes as holiday music fills the air. Walk through a dazzling 50-foot-long tunnel of light, see illuminated snowmen, reindeer and many more sparkling surprises. Afterwards, don't forget to make your way to the Children’s Cottage outlined in lights to take a peek through the windows at Santa’s Workshop. 

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Christmas at The Mansions | Breakers

 

2 Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade

Where:
Newport Harbor
When:
Canceled due to weather
Cost:
Free

Bundle up and head to the harbor for the Illuminated Boat Parade as boats deck the hulls and festive music heralds the arrival of the holiday season. Watch the parade of lights are boats compete for best decorated.

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Illuminated Boat Parade

 

3 Christmas in Newport

Where:
Throughout Newport
When:
December 1 - 31

Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the non-commercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 52nd year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar. Enjoy a series of concerts, tree lighting, craft fairs, candlelight house tours and much.

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Bowen's Wharf Christmas Downtown

 

4 Christmas at Blithewold Mansion

Where:
Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI
When:
November 23rd - January 1, 2023

Each year, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum transforms into a sparkling display of Christmas magic to celebrate the season. Wander the elaborately decorated rooms and enjoy a glimpse into the family's Christmas and New Years traditions.

Returning this year: Stroll the grounds at night to catch Blithewold's newest holiday display, Night Lights. Beautifully lit paths throughout the grounds will reveal stunning custom light displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, virtual-reality stops, “selfie” photo opportunities, and all the beauty that Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum have to offer.

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Night Lights Blithewold Mansion Christmas

 

5 Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting

Where:
Bowen's Wharf
When:
Sunday, December 4, Festivities begin at 12:30, Tree Lighting at 6:00
Cost:
Free

Make your way to Bowen's Wharf for an enchanting day of caroling, holiday shopping, and family fun on Sunday, December 4 for the 52nd Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting. Festivities begin at 12:30 with a visit from Santa, followed by an afternoon of live music and a carol sing-along. At 6:00 PM, head to the center of the wharf to watch as the mayor of Newport lights the tree, followed by the cheerful arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by boat, weather permitting. 

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Bowen's Wharf Tree Lighting

 

6 A Rough Point Holiday

Where:
Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
November 26 - 28, December 2 - 5, 9 - 11, 16 - 18, 23, 30, 31, and January 1
Cost:
$15

Experience the holiday traditions and winter caretaking practices at Rough Point. Experience Doris Duke’s Newport home during the coziest and merriest days of the year. Rooms of the museum will be spruced up for the Christmas holiday, while other rooms will be cloaked in their winter coverings. Together, these spaces tell the story of Rough Point’s holiday traditions and the off-season routines of one of Newport’s summer cottages.

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7 Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination

Where:
400 Hope Street, Bristol
When:
Saturday, December 3, 5:30 PM
Cost:
Free

Bristol's Tree Lighting and Grand Illumination heralds the arrival of the holidays in downtown Bristol with live music and entertainment, a Christmas sing-a-long, a visit from Santa, the Grand Illumination of the town tree and more. This year will feature a parade in celebration of the 36th Grand Illumination beginning at 5:30 PM, with live music from from the local school choruses and a talented soloist.

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8 Newport Nutcracker

Where:
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
November 23, 25-27, and November 29 – December 2, 2022
Cost:
Prices vary

Island Moving Company invites you to enjoy their Rhode Island ballet tradition, A Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff. Follow the young protagonist through the rooms of Rosecliff mansion as she celebrates the holiday season with her family, battles with the Mouse King, dances with the Snow Queen, and travels with her beloved Nutcracker to the magical Land of Sweets.

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Newport Nutcracker

 

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