Family friendly events and activities fill the calendar during this time of year as the holiday season arrives in and around Newport. From s'mores and hot cocoa by the fire to hands-on crafting and visits with Santa, this festive lineup of must-do's is sure to keep spirits bright.

 

🎄 Denotes Christmas in Newport Event

 

ONGOING EVENTS

 

NEW ENGLAND'S LARGEST GINGERBREAD LIGHTHOUSE

When: Dates TBA
Where: Newport Marriott

This 16-foot tall lighthouse made of 350 pounds of gingerbread and more than 2,400 pieces of candy is created by the culinary staff at the Newport Marriott.

 

FRIDAY NIGHT SPARKLE

When: November 29, December 6, 13, 20; 5:00 - 7:00 PM
WhereBlithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
AdmissionPrices vary

Stroll through Blithewold’s illuminated gardens and greenhouse, adorned with hand-made bamboo ornaments created afresh each year. Be invigorated by that crisp winter air, enjoy singing with our carolers and savor hot cocoa and s’mores around a roaring bonfire in Blithewold’s Enclosed Garden.

 

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY TEAS

When: Recurring weekly on Monday, December 2 - 23; 4:00 - 6:00 PM
WhereBlithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Admission: Free with regular mansion admission

Children and adults are welcome to wear your Christmas finery and enjoy goodies in Blithewold’s beautifully decorated Dining Room. After kid-friendly tea sandwiches, cookies, fresh-baked scones and a warm pot of tea/cocoa, including elegant china tableware, children will get to explore the Mansion and meet and take photos with a very special guest in front of our 18-foot Christmas tree.

 

GURNEY'S SKATING RINK

When: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Through February 29
WhereGurney's Newport Resort & Marina

Gurney's skating rink will be open for the season starting Tuesday, November 26.

 

HORSE-DRAWN HOLIDAY CARRIAGE RIDE

When: November 30, December 7; 12:00 - 4:00 PM
WhereBlithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Admission: $120 for a group of 4

Enjoy some old-fashioned holiday fun at Blithewold on a horse-drawn carriage ride. A bow- and garland-festooned carriage holding up to 8 people will take a trip down our wooded Lover’s Lane, then cross Blithewold’s Great Lawn. Families will be photographed in the sleigh before the ride begins. 

 

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY STORY TIME

When: Recurring weekly on Wednesday, December 4 - 11; 4:00 - 6:00 PM
WhereBlithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Admission: Free with regular mansion admission

Enjoy a traditional holiday story time to celebrate the season. Drop in for one story time or stay for all three. After the story, enjoy a cookie and a nature-inspired children’s craft. Best suited for children ages 4 and up. Bring a new or gently used book to donate to charity and Mansion admission is free to non-members.

 

 

 

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SPECIAL EVENTS

 

ANNUAL BOWEN’S WHARF TREE LIGHTING

When: Saturday, December 7; 4:30 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.

 

🎄 GINGERBREAD STORYTIME AT NEWPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

When: Saturday, December 14; 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free

Children ages 1 - 4 years old and a caregiver are invited to a special gingerbread-themed storytime. No registration is required

 

BRISTOL'S TREE LIGHTING + GRAND ILLUMINATION

When: Saturday, November 30; 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: 400 Hope Street
Admission: 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, grand illumination of the town tree and more. 

 

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.

 

NEWPORT ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE

When: Friday, November 29; 6:00 PM
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Admission: 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.

 

🎄 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

 

🎄 REINDEER PARTY

When: Friday, December 20; 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free

Children ages 2 - 4 and a caregiver are invited to enjoy reindeer crafts, activities and a reindeer snack. No registration is required.

 

🎄 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. 

 

🎄 FAMILY MOVIE: THE GRINCH

When: Saturday, December 14; 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free

Head to Newport Public Library for a family-friendly film screening of The Grinch (2018) on the big screen. A small snack will be provided for children. This movie is rated PG. No registration required.

 

🎄 WINTER TREE CRAFT

When: Wednesday, December 18; 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free, registration required

Children ages 5 - 12 are invited to Newport Public Library to make a 3D foam tree decoration with a wintry look. 

 

HOLIDAY BINGO

When: Monday, December 16; 3:45 - 5:45 PM
Where: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street
Admission: Free

Teens can head to the Library for a night of gaming fun, where players have a chance to win prizes! Bingo cards will be provided.

 

 

 

FESTIVE FILM SCREENINGS

 

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