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.

 

 

ONGOING EVENTS

Current mood: The Greatest Time of Year

Sparkling Lights at The Breakers

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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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Breakers Holiday

 

New England's Largest Gingerbread Lighthouse

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Where:
Newport Marriott
When:
Dates TBA

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. 

Gingerbread Lighthouse

 

Christmas at Blithewold Mansion

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Where:
Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI
When:
November 22nd - January 1, 2024

Each 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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Night Lights Blithewold Mansion Christmas

 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

From tree lightings, Santa visits, and ballet performances in a mansion, this holiday season is looking merry & bright. 

Newport Nutcracker

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Where:
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
November 22, 24-26, and November 28 - December 1, 2023
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.

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Newport Nutcracker

 

Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade

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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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Illuminated Boat Parade

 

Santa Magic at Long Wharf

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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.

 

Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination

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Where:
400 Hope Street, Bristol
When:
Saturday, December 2, 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.

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