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.

 

Holiday Events

All things merry and bright. 

Holidays at The Newport Mansions

Back to Top of List
Where:
The Breakers, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer* and The Elms*
When:
November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Hours:
Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

Wander the mansions, The BreakersMarble HouseChateau-sur-Mer* and The Elms* 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. 

Please note: All houses closed Thanksgiving Day, November 28 and Christmas Day, December 25. Houses close early on December 24 at 2:00 PM. 

THE SCHEDULE

THE BREAKERS

Dates: Open daily, November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025.*
Hours: Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

MARBLE HOUSE

Dates: Open daily, November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025.*
Hours: Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

CHATEAU-SUR-MER

Dates: Open daily, November 22, 2024 - December 8, 2024
Hours: Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

THE ELMS

Dates: Open daily, December 7, 2024 - January 1, 2025.*
Hours: Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

ROSECLIFF

Dates: Open daily, December 9, 2024 - January 1, 2025.*
Hours: Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

Please note: Rosecliff will NOT be decorated for the holidays. 

 

More Details

Christmas at Marble House

 

Sparkling Lights at The Breakers

Back to Top of List
Where:
The Breakers
When:
Various evenings, November 22 – December 29, 2024
Hours:
Timed admission, 4:00 to 6:00 PM, (every half-hour)

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. 

More Details

Breakers Holiday

 

Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade

Back to Top of List
Where:
Newport Harbor
When:
Friday, November 29th 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.

More Details

Newport Illuminated Boat Parade

 

Newport Nutcracker

Back to Top of List
Where:
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
November 27, 29, 30, December 1, 3 - 6
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.

More Details

Newport Nutcracker

 

Santa Magic at Long Wharf

Back to Top of List
Where:
Shops at Long Wharf
When:
November 30th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM (Rain Date: December 1st)

The name say's it all—Santa Magic.

Come join the shops at Long Wharf for their 4th 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.

Santa Magic

More Details

 

Bristol Santa House

Back to Top of List
Where:
140 High Street, Bristol, RI
When:
Various Dates

File under: places that make you feel like a kid again.

The Bristol Santa House is an inclusive experience for children with disabilities and their families to visit with Santa Claus. The Bristol Santa House welcomes the public, but please know that the core mission is serving families with special needs children, who schedule private visits to ensure an accessible experience. 

THE SCHEDULE
  • 11/23: Santa Claus Party
  • 11/28: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving
  • 12/1: Open to the Public
  • 12/5: Open to the Public
  • 12/7 & 12/8: Bristol Christmas Festival
  • 12/7: Bristol Grand Illumination
  • 12/12: Open to the Public
  • 12/14: Open to the Public
  • 12/15: Open to the Public
  • 12/19: Open to the Public
  • 12/20: Open to the Public
  • 12/21: Open to the Public
  • 12/22: Open to the Public
  • 12/23: Open to the Public

Public visits are always free, wait times may vary. For the full schedule, and hours of operation, click here

Bristol Santa House

 

Bristol Holiday Preview Weekend

Back to Top of List
Where:
Downtown Bristol. RI
When:
Friday, November 22nd & Saturday, November 23rd

Shop, Stroll & Be Merry!

The BMA (Bristol Merchants Association) is hosting their 29th annual Holiday Preview Weekend. Starting on Friday, followed by all-day strolling on Saturday.

Follow the luminaries to stores participating in the Holiday Preview! Find unique gifts, sip refreshments and delight in the sights & sounds of the season. Bring a friend or two along and make an evening of it!

 

More Details

 

Christmas in Newport

Back to Top of List
Where:
Throughout Newport
When:
November 22 - December 31

Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the non-commercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 54th year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar.

Enjoy a series of concerts, tree lightings, craft fairs and so much more.

More Details

Holiday Small Works Exhibit

Spring Bull Studio & Gallery Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024

Holiday Small Works Exhibit An Art Exhibition at Spring Bull Gallery November 2 - December 30 Sunday… Read More

Advent Evenings at Historic Saint Mary's Church

St. Mary’s Church Dec 18, 2024

Beautiful and historic Saint Mary's Church, home to Rhode Island's oldest Catholic parish, invites… Read More

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Newport Colony House Dec 14, 2024

Four readings of the Clement C. Moore poem by well known Newporters on this 201st anniversary of its… Read More

67th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols

St. George's School Dec 13, 2024

A candlelight Christmas Service of Nine Lessons & Carols will take place in the majestic St… Read More

The Newport Navy Choristers Present "Christmas in Song" A Concert to Benefit Lucy's Hearth

Saint Barnabas Church Dec 13, 2024

Join us for a heartwarming evening of music and community as the Newport Navy Choristers present… Read More

Victorian Carolers at Belmont Chapel

Island Cemetery Newport Dec 13, 2024

A "Very Merry Dickens Carolers" at Belmont Chapel. Read More

Holiday Cocktail Cruise

Coastal Queen Cruises, from Newport Dec 14, 2024

Holiday Cocktail Cruise - 75 minutes long, beginning in Bowen's Wharf, Newport ($42 per person)… Read More

Holiday Cranberry Mimosa Cruise

Coastal Queen Cruises, from Newport Dec 14, 2024

Holiday Cranberry Mimosa Cruise - 75 minutes long, beginning in Bowen's Wharf, Newport ($42 per… Read More

Christmas Open House at the Irish History Museum

The Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center Dec 14, 2024

The Museum of Newport Irish History will hold the 8th Annual Christmas Open House at its… Read More

Classical Christmas with Frisson

Emmanuel Church Dec 14, 2024

Newport Classical’s community holiday celebration, Classical Christmas, returns to the English… Read More

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop

Newport Vineyards Dec 15, 2024

Sip, shop & deck the halls as we host The Greek Gardener for a holiday wreath making workshop!… Read More

113th Annual Medieval Christmas Festival

St. George's School Dec 17, 2024

A theatrical performance of the Biblical story of Christmas in the magnificent Gothic chapel at St… Read More

Yuletide Melodies

Provence Sur Mer Dec 18, 2024

Puddingstone cordially invites you to a holiday caroling extravaganza co-hosted and sponsored by… Read More

Christmas at Blithewold Manor

Back to Top of List
Where:
Blithewold Manor, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI
When:
November 27th - January 1, 2024

Each year, Blithewold Manor, 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! 

More Details

Night Lights Blithewold Mansion Christmas

 

more holiday events at blithewold

Winter Afternoon Tea

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 13, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025

We invite you for Tea in Blithewold’s festively decorated Dining Room, a place where fine meals have… Read More

Sparkle! Holiday garden gathering and fun

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 13, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025

Festive holiday fun for the entire family! Explore Blithewold’s illuminated gardens and grounds as… Read More

Music in the Living Room Concert Series at Blithewold

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024

Enhance your visit to Blithewold and enjoy the holiday decorations in the Mansion by attending our… Read More

Warren Holiday Festival

Back to Top of List
Where:
Downtown Warren
When:
November 29th & 30th

Starting nearly 40 years ago, the annual Warren Holiday Festival was created to kick-off the holiday season. 

Today, the event marks its 36th season with events on both Friday, November 29th and Saturday, November 30th. Events include visits from Santa paired with hot chocolate and cookies, to holiday crafts and festive shows, to downtown caroling and the iconic Main Street light ceremony. 

More Details

 

Lighting of the Lighthouse

Back to Top of List
Where:
Newport Harbor Island Resort, Newport
When:
Saturday, November 30 at 5:00 PM

Make your way to Newport Harbor Island Resort for a lighting of the lighthouse on Saturday, November 30 at 5:00 PM.

Enjoy holiday carolers, festive decor, spiked ciders and hot chocolate for the kids, all with panoramic views of the iconic Newport Bridge. Guests and locals alike are welcome to join us in kicking off Newport’s holiday festivities!

More Details

Goat Island Lighthose

 

Hotel Viking Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

Back to Top of List
Where:
The Courtyard, Hotel Viking
When:
Friday, November 29 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Cost:
This event is open to house guests as well as the public!

The Hotel Viking Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the Courtyard is back!

Think: fun and festivities live music, a special visit from Santa, holiday cookies, hot chocolate and new this year, a Holiday Market, where you can start your holiday shopping early!

 

More Details

 

A Rough Point Holiday

Back to Top of List
Where:
Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
Friday - Sunday, November 29th - December 29th from 10:00 AM - 4:00PM

Experience the holiday traditions at 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.

Tickets can be purchased here, and are free for Newport County residents. 

More Details

 

   

Holiday Bright Night in Tiverton

Back to Top of List
Where:
Historic Tiverton Four Corners
When:
Friday, December 6 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 11th Annual re-Tree Community Exhibition, adding even more lights and magic to the event. 

More Details

 

Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination

Back to Top of List
Where:
400 Hope Street, Bristol
When:
Saturday, December 7, 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 37th Grand Illumination beginning at 5:30 PM, with live music from the local school choruses and a talented soloist.

More Details

 

Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting

Back to Top of List
Where:
Bowen's Wharf
When:
Saturday, December 7, 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 Saturday, December 7 for the 54th 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. 

Bowen's Wharf Tree Lighting
More Details

 

Bristol Christmas Festival: European Marketplace

Back to Top of List
Where:
Downtown Bristol, Burnside Building, 400 Hope St, Bristol, Ri
When:
December 7th & 8th

A European-style Christmas market in downtown Bristol makes its return December 7th and 8th.

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. 

 

More Details

Bristol Christmas Market

 

Christmas Open House at Glen Manor House

Back to Top of List
Where:
Glen Manor House, Portsmouth
When:
December 8, 2024 from 1:30 to 4:00 PM, Santa Arrives: 2:45 PM

With extraordinary decorations and Yuletide cheer, the Glen Manor House will be open to the public at their annual Christmas Open House event. Bring the family for a holiday celebration and more. Santa will arrive at 2:45 PM for pictures alongside local talent and entertainment.

 

More Details

 

Christmas at Linden Place

Back to Top of List
Where:
Linden Place, Bristol
When:
December 13th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM

Celebrate Christmas at Linden Place.

Experience a decorated mansion with a knowledgeable docent available to share insights into the mansion's rich history. Don't forget to stop in the gift shop for holiday shopping, with no ticket required to browse and purchase. Tickets for the full house experience are available for advance purchase at standard admission pricing, but visitors are welcome to shop without a ticket.

Bristol

 

A Coggeshall Christmas

Back to Top of List
Where:
Coggeshall Farm, Bristol
When:
December 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd
Cost:
$20 Adult / $15 Youth (4-17)

Head to the farm to get into the holiday spirit.

Frolic through our pathway of trees, play some traditional games, and listen to a story with our life-size Christmas tree, Tinsel. Take a turn in our larger-than-life candy world game. View handmade ornaments on close to 20 trees found throughout the farm, and make a few ornaments of your own to bring home. Enjoy a gingerbread display, music, and more!

On December 21 and 22, Mason and Twine will be on the farm with their amazing mobile coffee shop, serving up delicately composed chocolates & craft espresso beverages.

Pre-registration is recommended for this event due to limited spaces. Early pre-registration by December 1 receives $2 off per person.

More Details

 

more festive fun

View All
Dec 13-Dec 28

Holiday Lantern Tour

Take a lantern-lit stroll through Newport’s historic streets and learn how early Newporters…

more to explore

GET SOCIAL

Tag your photos #TheClassicCoast for the chance to be featured on our accounts.