You can catch Santa all around The Classic Coast as we near Christmas.
From brunch buffets and tree lightings to sing-a-longs and even some photo shoots for your fur children, here's where you can catch Saint Nick before Christmas arrives.
Santa in Newport
'Tis the season to be holly and jolly.
- Santa Magic at Long Wharf
- Bristol Santa House
- Warren Holiday Festival
- Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
- Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination
- Bristol Christmas Festival: European Marketplace
- Christmas Open House at Glen Manor House
- Sing-Along with Santa
- Brunch With Santa
- A Visit With Santa
- Pictures With Santa Paws
Santa Magic at Long Wharf
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Shops at Long Wharf
- When:
- November 29th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM (Rain Date: November 30th)
The name say's it all—Santa Magic.
Come join the shops at Long Wharf for their 4th 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.

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Bristol Santa House
Back to Top of List- Where:
- 140 High Street, Bristol, RI
- When:
- Various Dates
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
- 11/22: Santa Claus Party
- 11/27: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving
- 12/3: Open to the Public
- 12/5: Open to the Public
- 12/6 & 12/7: Bristol Christmas Festival & Grand Illumination
- 12/10: Open to the Public
- 12/14: Open to the Public
- 12/17: Open to the Public
- 12/19: Open to the Public
- 12/21: Open to the Public
Public visits are always free, wait times may vary. For the full schedule, and hours of operation, click here.

Warren Holiday Festival
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Downtown Warren
- When:
- November 28th & 29th
Starting over 40 years ago, the annual Warren Holiday Festival was created to kick-off the holiday season.
Today, the event marks its 36th season with events on both Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th. Events include visits from Santa paired with hot chocolate and cookies, to holiday crafts and festive shows, to downtown caroling and the iconic Main Street light ceremony.
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Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
Back to Top of ListMake your way to Bowen's Wharf for an enchanting day of caroling, holiday shopping, and family fun on Saturday, December 6 for the 55th 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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Bristol's Tree Lighting + Grand Illumination
Back to Top of ListBristol'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 38th Grand Illumination beginning at 5:00 PM, with live music from the local school choruses and a talented soloist.
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Bristol Christmas Festival: European Marketplace
Back to Top of List- When:
- December 6th (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM) & 7th (12:00 - 5:00 PM)
A European-style Christmas market in downtown Bristol makes its return December 6th and 7th.
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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Christmas Open House at Glen Manor House
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Glen Manor House, Portsmouth
- When:
- December 7, 2025 from 1:30 to 4:00 PM, Santa Arrives: 2:45 PM
With extraordinary decorations and Yuletide cheer, the Glen Manor House will be open to the public at their annual Christmas Open House event.
Bring the family for a holiday celebration and more. Santa will arrive at 2:45 PM for pictures alongside local talent and entertainment.
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Sing-Along with Santa
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum
- When:
- December 1 & 15, 2025
- Cost:
- $25 Member Adult | $15 Member Child (ages 3 – 12) $30 Non-Member Adult | $18 Nonmember Child (ages 3 – 12) Children (ages 2 and under are Free)
Bring the whole family to Blithewold for some old-fashioned caroling! After you’ve enjoyed your favorite songs of the season, Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance to visit and to read The Night Before Christmas.
Once the show has ended, we’ll savor cookies and hot cocoa. And there will be an opportunity to have photos taken with Santa!
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Brunch With Santa
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Newport Harbor Island Resort
- When:
- Sunday, November 30th and December 14th
- Hours:
- 12:00 to 2:00 PM
A magical Brunch with Santa awaits!
Savor our delicious a la carte brunch menu, seasonal treats, and a festive hot cocoa bar! Perfect for creating cherished memories, children can meet Santa, take photos, share their wish lists, and decorate holiday crafts.
Related: Pet Photos with Santa
Date: Sunday, December 7th and December 21st
Price: Complimentary with donation to local rescue
Time: From: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Newport Harbor Island Resort
Calling all guests and locals – bring your four-legged friends for holiday photos with Santa! Don’t miss this festive afternoon for a good cause, featuring seasonal treats and a fun photo booth. Pet photos will be complimentary with donation to a local rescue.
A Visit With Santa
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Newport Public Library
- When:
- Sunday, December 14th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Visit with Santa in our winter wonderland set up. Bring your own phone/camera for pictures.
This event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed. No pets.
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Pictures With Santa Paws
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Newport Black Dog General Store, Thames Street
- When:
- Saturday, November 29th and December 6th
- Hours:
- 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Bring your kids and furry friends for a festive holiday photo opportunity with Santa Paws! Capture the spirit of the season while supporting a great cause — make a donation to America’s VetDogs and receive a keepsake ornament to remember the moment.
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