blog system page

Wander the mansions, The Breakers, Marble House, Chateau-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

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

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

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

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. 

More Details

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

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

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

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

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. 

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.

Hop aboard the cozy and warm Coastal Queen Cruises for a special Meet and Greet Cruise with Santa Claus.

This cruise will feature hot chocolate and a candy cane will be given to each child as they exit the boat. The cruise is 60 minutes long and there are two departures, 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM, both from Bowen’s Wharf in Newport.

More Details

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

We said, spirits = bright. 

Spend an afternoon in front of the roaring fire pit or take a holiday stroll along the Cliff Walk with a decadent cup of hot chocolate in hand. Artisanal hot chocolate is crafted with either milk or dark chocolate and has the option to upgrade to an adult version.

More Details

Local residents, restaurants, inns, and businesses deck the doors with boughs of holly, evergreen wreaths, and twinkling lights for the annual Christmas In Newport Doorway Competition. Your job? Enjoy the beautiful displays and welcome the holiday season in Newport.

More Details

Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year!