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
Where: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Admission: Prices 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
Where: Blithewold 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
Where: Gurney'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
Where: Blithewold 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
Where: Blithewold 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.
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
GET SOCIAL
Tag your photos #TheClassicCoast for the chance to be featured on our accounts.
