March 28, 2024

Holly Jolly Holiday Happenings Coming to The Classic Coast

“There'll be much mistltoeing and hearts will be glowing” throughout Newport and Bristol Counties this holiday season.

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The latest issue of Yankee Magazine dedicated its cover story to the magic that Newport exudes during the holiday season, declaring, “At the Gilded Age’s favorite summer resort, they do the holidays to the nines.” In addition to the daily events associated with “Christmas in Newport” (now in its 49th year), below are just some of the events that make our destination so special this time of year:

Through Feb. 29 Festive Igloo Pop-Ups at Gurney’s Newport Resort: Features heated multi-sensory igloos overlooking Narragansett Bay, each with its own theme including Santa’s Workshop, Winter Wonderland, Cozy Log Cabin, Roaring 20s, Harry Potter, Tropical Summer, Northern Lights, Astrology and Après Ski, complete with activities and cocktail pairings. All proceeds will go to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Rhode Island.

Through Dec. 28 Holiday Lantern Tours: Hear the history of early American holiday traditions on an evening walk and learn how Newporters did, or did not, observe the holidays. Tours depart from the Museum of Newport History and Shop. Recurring Fridays and Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Through Jan. 1 Christmas at the Newport Mansions: The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in yuletide finery. Music, tours and spectacular decorations highlight celebrations at The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House – each of which will have Gingerbread Mansion replicas on display. Special events include “Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions” and “Santa Sundays.”

Through Jan. 1 Goat Hikes at Simmons Farm: Spend an afternoon on a two-hour hike led by Farmer Karla and her crew of adventurous, fun-loving goats. Each participant will get their own goat to walk on a leash. There will be stops along the way to let the goats nibble. Conclude the afternoon with a warm cup of hot chocolate made with the delicious milk from the farm!

Nov. 26 – March 1 Gurney’s Newport Resort Skating Rink: Opens for the season with outdoor skating on the North Lawn overlooking the Newport Harbor Lighthouse, The Point and the Newport Bridge. Open seven days a week. Times vary.

Nov. 27 – Dec. 6 Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff: Follow Island Moving Co.'s dazzling performers through the spectacular setting of Newport's most romantic mansion and feel a part of the classic holiday tale. Select dates/times through Dec. 6.

Nov. 29 – Jan. 1 Christmas at Blithewold: Enjoy elaborate holiday decorations around every corner of this historic early 19th century estate in Bristol. Related events include:
o Horse-Drawn Holiday Carriage Ride
o Sparkle! An Outdoor Holiday Event
o Christmas Trees and Candlelight with the Butler and the Lady’s Maid

Nov. 29 – Dec. 20 Holiday Market at Gurney’s: Features a curated selection of travel, lifestyle and fashion finds. Open every weekend (Fri. – Sun.).

Nov. 30 – Dec. 21 Dickens Holiday Dinner Train: Immerse yourself in the classic tale of humbuggery, ghosts and redemption with this interactive retelling of “A Christmas Carol” by the Marley Bridges Theatre Company. Experience a dining journey along the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad in a custom-designed theater car featuring special tables for two all facing center stage. Recurring Saturdays.

Dec. 7 – 28 A Rough Point Holiday: Experience the holiday traditions and winter caretaking practices at Doris Duke’s Rough Point with various rooms of the mansion museum both spruced up for the Christmas holiday and cloaked in their winter coverings. 30-minute guided tours offered throughout the day. Recurring Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 11 Christmas at the Inns: Tour some of Newport’s best known inns and bed and breakfasts decorated for the holidays. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 OceanCliff’s 10th Annual Holiday Gala: A festive evening of food, cocktails and holiday cheer at the 1892 oceanfront estate. Cocktail hour upon arrival followed by a three-course dinner and live entertainment. 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 Linden Place’s Holiday Family Free Event: Enjoy a fireside musical performance by holiday handbell ringers in the ballroom with cookies and hot cocoa followed by Santa’s arrival from the North Pole inside the historic mansion. Children can write letters to Santa and pose for a holiday photo with the man himself. Finish off the day with a tour of the decorated house complete with artifacts and old-fashioned toys from long ago. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 14 Holiday Farmer’s Market at Mount Hope Farm: Featuring local artisans alongside your favorite market vendors taking place in both the barn and greenhouse with festive features throughout the day. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 Holiday Drag Brunch with the Trailer Park Girls: It's time to find out who made the nice list and who's on the naughty list. The fabulous cast of performers will take you through a Trailer Park Girls Christmas Story. Seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Dec. 15 St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble in Concert: This talented quartet will present a dazzling concert of Russian choral music, folk songs and popular music spanning centuries at Newport’s Emmanuel Church. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dec. 15 Christmas Open House at Glen Manor House: Holiday décor, refreshments and entertainment will spread yuletide cheer at this John Russel Pope-designed French chateau style home-turned-event-venue. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Santa arrives at 2:45 p.m.)

Dec. 28 48th Annual Christmas in Newport Candlelight Tour of Historical Private Homes: Experience the rare opportunity to tour private homes of note in Newport. (Please no children under and no high heels.)

Please note: This is just a sampling of holiday events in the destination. Event dates and details are subject to change. For more, please visit DiscoverNewport.org.

ABOUT DISCOVER NEWPORT
Discover Newport is the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol counties, Rhode Island. These include Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren. As a non-profit organization, Discover Newport partners with stakeholders throughout our tourism and hospitality industry to market the region as a premier destination for business and leisure travel. DiscoverNewport.org


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