A short drive from Newport will land you in the quaint, patriotic town of Bristol. This all-American seaside town known for it's annual Forth of July parade, bustling harbor, coastal eats, and walkable downtown pulls out all the stops during the holiday season.

From warm specialty tea served with an assortment of sweet and savory treats and a side of breathtaking grandeur at Blithewold, to a grand illumination of downtown, a Santa House dedicated to create an inclusive experience, and a Christmas festival with a European marketplace.

Find all the best holiday happenings in Bristol below.

Holiday Events

All is bright in Bristol.

Christmas at Blithewold Manor
Bristol Santa House
Bristol Holiday Preview Weekend
Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination
Bristol Christmas Festival: European Marketplace

Christmas at Blithewold Manor

Where:: Blithewold Manor, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI
When:: November 25th, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Hours:: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

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, Night Magic! 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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Night Lights Blithewold Mansion Christmas

more holiday events at blithewold

Nov 24

Holiday Charcuterie Skills Workshop

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Nov 24, 2025

Holiday Charcuterie Skills Workshop with Genie Correia, Blithewold Private Events Manager Monday… Read More

Nov 25

Winter Afternoon Tea

Dining Room & Breakfast Porch at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Nov 25, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026

Winter Afternoon Tea November 25 – January 1 Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM… Read More

Nov 28

Sparkle!

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025

Sparkle! Fridays and Saturdays November 28 – December 27 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM Location… Read More

Nov 30

Night Magic!

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025

Night Magic! Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays November 30 – December 28 | 4:00… Read More

Dec 01

Sing-Along with Santa

Living Room and Dining Room Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025

Bring the whole family to Blithewold for some old-fashioned caroling! After you’ve enjoyed your… Read More

Dec 02

Make Your Own Bamboo Ornaments

Education Space at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 02, 2025

Make Your Own Bamboo Ornaments with Dan Christina, Blithewold’s Director of Horticulture Tuesday |… Read More

Dec 04

Wreath-Making Workshop at Blithewold

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025

Blithewold Garden Manager Betsy Ekholm shares design ideas and assembly tips with the horticulture… Read More

Dec 06

Music in the Living Room Concert Series at Blithewold

Living Room in the Manor at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025

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

Dec 08

Children's Holiday Tea

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025

Children’s Holiday Tea Mondays | December 8 & 22 5:00 – 7:00 PM Location: Dining Room and… Read More

Dec 09

Wines for the Holidays with Lynda Gaines

Dining Room at Blithewold Dec 09, 2025

Wines for the Holidays with Lynda Gaines Tuesday | December 9 6:00 – 8:00 PM Location: Dining… Read More

Dec 10

Holiday Terrariums with Blithewold's Horticulturists

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum - Education Space in Visitor's Center Dec 10, 2025

Join Blithewold’s horticulturists to learn the step-by-step process to create a terrarium to enjoy… Read More

Dec 21

A Christmas Carol Theatrical Reading by Michael Langlois

Dining Room at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum Dec 21, 2025

The performance is based on the script Dickens himself used during his public reading tours. This… Read More

Bristol Santa House

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

11/22: Santa Claus Party
11/27: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving
12/3: Open to the Public
12/5: Open to the Public
12/6 & 12/7: Bristol Christmas Festival & Grand Illumination
12/10: Open to the Public
12/14: Open to the Public
12/17: Open to the Public
12/19: Open to the Public
12/21: 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

Where:: Downtown Bristol. RI
When:: Friday, November 21st & Saturday, November 22nd

Shop, Stroll & Be Merry!

The BMA (Bristol Merchants Association) is hosting their 30th 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!

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Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination

Where:: 400 Hope Street, Bristol
When:: Saturday, December 6, 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 38th Grand Illumination beginning at 5:00 PM, with live music from the local school choruses and a talented soloist.

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Bristol Christmas Festival: European Marketplace

When:: December 6th (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM) & 7th (12:00 - 5:00 PM)

A European-style Christmas market in downtown Bristol makes its return December 6th and 7th.

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.