Things are merry and bright in Newport as we make our way into December. From classic holiday happenings and annual celebrations, to tree lightings around town and plenty of family-friendly events, our holiday spirit is officially at an all-time high. 

This December we are very busy in all the right ways. Now you are too.

holiday happenings

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1 Holidays at The Newport Mansions

Where:
The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms
When:
NOVEMBER 18, 2023 - JANUARY 1, 2024
Hours:
Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

The opulence of Newport's Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the return of Holidays at the Newport Mansions on Saturday, November 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024. Wander three mansions, The BreakersThe Elms and Marble House 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. 

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Christmas at The Mansions | Breakers

 

2 Christmas in Newport

Where:
Throughout Newport
When:
December 1 - 31

Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the non-commercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 53rd year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar. Enjoy a series of concerts, tree lighting, craft fairs, candlelight house tours and much.

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Bowen's Wharf Christmas Downtown

 

3 Christmas at Blithewold Mansion

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

 

4 Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting

Where:
Bowen's Wharf
When:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT 12:30, TREE LIGHTING AT 6:00
Cost:
Free

Make your way to Bowen's Wharf for an enchanting day of caroling, holiday shopping, and family fun on Saturday, December 2 for the 53rd 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. 

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Bowens Wharf Tree Lighting

 

5 A Rough Point Holiday

Where:
ROUGH POINT, 680 BELLEVUE AVENUE, NEWPORT
When:
FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS FROM 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM (EXCLUDING DECEMBER 24).
Cost:
$20 ADULTS; $10 STUDENTS; 12 AND UNDER FREE

Experience the holiday traditions and winter caretaking practices at Rough Point. Experience 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.

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6 Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination

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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7 Coastal Queen Cruises

Cruise into the holiday season with these festive themed cruises.

8 Sparkling Lights at The Breakers

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

 

9 Bristol Christmas Festival European Marketplace

Where:
DOWNTOWN BRISTOL, BURNSIDE BUILDING, 400 HOPE ST, BRISTOL, RI
When:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 10:00 AM - 6PM, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Cost:
FREE

A European-style Christmas market in downtown Bristol makes its return December 9th and 10th. 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. 

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10 A Victorian Santa Event with the Newport Historical Society

Where:
Colony House
When:
December 9 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

He's checking his list, checking it twice, and then visiting Newport for a family-friendly Christmas outing at the Colony House in Newport. Enjoy professional photos with Santa, a kid's tour of the iconic historic building, and sweet treats from Empire Tea + Coffee. 

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11 Holiday Bright Night at Tiverton Four Corners

Where:
HISTORIC TIVERTON FOUR CORNERS
When:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2; 4:00 - 7:00 PMFRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 FROM 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Cost:
FREE

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 10th Annual re-Tree Community Exhibition, adding even more lights and magic to the event. 

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12 Tree Lightings

We said, spirits = bright. 

13 Annual Holiday Market at Pivotal Brewery

Where:
Pivotal Brewing Company, BRISTOL
When:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 FROM 10:00 AM 2:00 PM

Shop local, support the community, and do all your last minute holiday shopping at the annual Holiday Market at Pivotal Brewery, on Saturday, December 16th from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

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14 Newport Winter Foodies Stroll

Where:
Downtown Newport
When:
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16
Cost:
$125 per person

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll offers a 1-mile guided walking food tour through Newport's historic Thames Street. Learn about the city's rich history while savoring classic cuisine from three local restaurants. You'll receive a three-course meal accompanied by selected wine pairings. Tasting locations include Vieste, Midtown Oyster Bar, and Bar and Board Bistro. Tasting locations subject to change.

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15 Newport Nutcracker

Where:
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
December 1st
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

 

16 Newport Vineyard Happenings

Gear up for a month of festive fun at Newport Vineyards.

17 Christmas at Whitehall

Where:
Whitehall Museum House
When:
December 3

Celebrating Christmas in a 18th-century colonial home. Classic. 

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18 53rd Annual Doorway Decorating Contest

Where:
Across Newport
When:
Judging begins December 8

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.

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Doorway Contest 2016

 

19 Hot Chocolate Bar at The Chanler

Where:
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
When:
Various Dates in December

Spend an afternoon in front of the roaring fire pit or take a winter 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.

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20 Christmas & New Years

Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year! 

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