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.
- Holidays at The Newport Mansions
- Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
- Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade
- Newport Nutcracker
- Santa Magic at Long Wharf
- Christmas in Newport
- Christmas at Blithewold Mansion
- A Rough Point Holiday
- Holiday Bright Night in Tiverton
- 53rd Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
- Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination
- Bristol Christmas Festival European Marketplace
Holidays at The Newport Mansions
Back to Top of List- Where:
- The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms
- When:
- November 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024
- 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 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024. Wander three mansions, The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House bedecked in ornamented evergreens, Christmas trees that reflect the rooms they occupy, wreaths, fresh flowers, dining tables set with period silver and china, decorations on all mantelpieces and many more festive touches.
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Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
Back to Top of List- Where:
- The Breakers
- When:
- Various evenings, November 17 – December 30, 2023
- Hours:
- 4:30 to 6:30 PM
An outdoor magical wonderland.
For the fourth 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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Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Newport Harbor
- When:
- Friday, November 24th at 6:00 PM
- 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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Newport Nutcracker
Back to Top of ListIsland 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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Santa Magic at Long Wharf
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Shops at Long Wharf
- When:
- November 25, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The name say's it all—Santa Magic.
Come join the shops at Long Wharf for their 3rd annual tree lighting. This is a free community event with Santa. Tree lighting, pictures with Santa, kids crafts, letters to Santa, music and much more.
Christmas in Newport
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Throughout Newport
- When:
- November 25 - December 31
Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the non-commercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 53rd 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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Christmas at Blithewold Mansion
Back to Top of ListEach 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. (Closed December 24th and 25th)
Don't Miss: Stroll the grounds at night to catch Blithewold's newest holiday display, Sparkle! Explore the beautifully lit gardens and grounds with custom light displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, “selfie” photo opportunities, and a scavenger hunt with clues hidden throughout. Finish the night around cozy fires, s'mores kits, seasonal music, hot drinks, and so much more!
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A Rough Point Holiday
Back to Top of ListExperience 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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Holiday Bright Night in Tiverton
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Historic Tiverton Four Corners
- When:
- Friday, December 1 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
- Cost:
- Free
Picture this: the quaint and charming Tiverton Four Corners decked in holiday decor and illuminating lights with open galleries, holiday shopping, exclusive deals and a visit from Santa. Stay for the opening of The Four Corners Arts Center 10th Annual re-Tree Community Exhibition, adding even more lights and magic to the event.
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53rd Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
Back to Top of ListMake your way to Bowen's Wharf for an enchanting day of caroling, holiday shopping, and family fun on Saturday, December 2 for the 53rd 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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Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination
Back to Top of ListBristol'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 37th Grand Illumination beginning at 5:30 PM, with live music from the local school choruses and a talented soloist.
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Bristol Christmas Festival European Marketplace
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Downtown Bristol, Burnside Building, 400 Hope St, Bristol, Ri
- When:
- Saturday, December 9, 10:00 am - 6pm, Sunday, December 10, 12:00 - 6:00 pm
- Cost:
- Free
A European-style Christmas market in downtown Bristol makes its return December 9th and 10th. This two-day festival will feature rustic huts, festival foods like holiday pastries, wine, and pretzels, live music, craft vendors and so many more seasonal favorites.
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