Christmas in Newport is back for the 52nd year. Check out what's planned.
It's time to get into the holiday spirit and that means the City-by-the-Sea will be filled with festive events and activities for the whole family to enjoy as the 52nd Christmas in Newport kicks off.
Whether you're looking for sparkling lights, a visit with Santa, tree lightings or concerts the weeks following Thanksgiving will offer something for everyone.
Here's a list of scheduled events. For updated information throughout the month visit christmasinnewport.org.
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade
Nov. 25
View the dazzling display of nautical holiday spirit along Newport waterfront from Perrotti Park, and Bowen’s & Bannister’s Wharves.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions
Nov. 19-Jan. 1
Holidays at the Newport Mansions will be more spectacular than ever this year! Come see the festive decorations this season at The Breakers, Marble House & The Elms! A great Newport tradition continues with Holidays at the Newport Mansions! There’s nothing like seeing these spectacular Gilded Age houses in all their festive finery, glittering with gold and sparkling with silver. Throughout each house, ornately decorated Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and fresh floral arrangements are designed to complement the décor or theme of each room. As always, the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers – made up of 150 poinsettia plants – will provide a perfect holiday photo opportunity. New this year, the Music Room of The Breakers will host a vignette of mannequins elegantly dressed in Gilded Age fashions.
Lessons & Carols
Dec. 9
For the safety of our community, all attendees must be fully vaccinated. Visitors are expected to be able to show proof of vaccination. Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. A candlelight Christmas Service of Nine Lessons & Carols will take place in the majestic St. George’s Chapel. The readings are by students and members of the faculty andcommunity. The St. George’s Chapel Choir leads the carols and performs anthems of the season.
A Rough Point Holiday
Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Experience the holiday traditions and winter caretaking practices at Rough Point Museum during the coziest and merriest days of the year. The house is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding December 24 and 25).
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland
Nov. 19-Jan. 1
The third season of Sparkling Lights at The Breakers will be the biggest yet! This year, the fun extends around the entire property for the first time. You’ll stroll along a half-mile-long path glittering with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights while friendly gnomes point the way and music fills the winter air. Walk through a dazzling 50-foot-long tunnel of light! See illuminated snowmen, reindeer and many more sparkling surprises. Peek into Santa’sWorkshop inside the Children’s Cottage and be sure to get a family photo at the Van”deer”bilt selfie station! The mansion facade will be lighted up and adorned with a tree of lights in ever-changing colors.
Warm Up, Snack and Sip
Six new fire pits will light the way and help visitors stay warm and festive. The back terrace will have warming stations and adult beverages including hot chocolate with liqueur, apple cider with bourbon, wine and beer. Enjoy holidays sweets and treats, and get a s’mores kit to cook over the fire pit! The Breakers Welcome Center also will have refreshments including snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Reminder: No Sparkling Lights at The Breakers on Nov. 24, Dec. 17, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
52nd Annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 3
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – twinkling lights, fragrant wintergreens, beautiful bows, and a most amazing Christmas tree on historic Bowen’s Wharf. Come early for leisurely holiday shopping and stay through the evening as festivities begin around 12:30 with an afternoon visit from Santa, followed by local musicians and choruses taking the stage and leading a carol sing-along. The enormous tree is lit promptly at 6:00 – the official beginning of the holiday season at Bowen’s Wharf! Santa and Mrs. Claus motor into Bowen’s Basin by boat (weather permitting) eager to listen to every child’s wish. Bowen’s Wharf restaurants remain open for holiday meals and many shops offer sweet refreshments.
Free admission. Festivities held rain or shine.
Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff
Nov. 23-Dec. 2
Follow our young protagonist through the fabulous rooms of Rosecliff Mansion as she celebrates the holiday season with her family, battles with the Mouse King, dances with theSnow Queen, and travels with her beloved Nutcracker to the magical Land of Sweets!
“Ivy” & “Holly” refer to the cast that is performing that show.
Tickets: Silver $135, Gold $185, Premium $225
Tickets available for partons 6 years and upCall us at (401) 847-4470 for more information or email us at info@islandmovingco.org
Santa Magic at Long Wharf Mall
Nov. 26
On Nov. 26, head to Long Wharf Mall for a tree lighting ceremony, crafts for kids, and a visit with Santa! The tree lighting will happen at promptly 4:30 p.m. and the night will conclude at 6 p.m. with late night shopping available until 7 p.m. Sponsored by: Shops at Long Wharf Mall, Newport in Bloom, Discover Newport and Cutie Curls.
Messiah at the Mansion
Dec. 4
Featuring Ensemble Altera and The Choir School of Newport County, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Rosecliff.
This concert is sponsored by Cynthia Sinclair through her generous support of The Choir School of Newport County.Newport Classical presents Handel’s iconic oratorio Messiah featuring Rhode Island’s fastrising Ensemble Altera and the Professional Choristers of The Choir School of Newport County! Join us for a boldly reimagined chamber version of the timeless classic, including the famous Hallelujah Chorus, surrounded by the splendor of the Rosecliff Mansion. Don’t miss Newport’s newest annual holiday tradition, perfect for the whole family!
Classical Christmas at Emmanuel Classical: A Community Celebration
Dec. 10
3 p.m. at Emmanuel Church. Together again to celebrate the start of the holiday season, this concert features a myriad of Classical Christmas repertoire for piano, organ, trumpet, and choir! Fun for the whole family, the collaborative performance will include sing-along carols and be followed by a joyous reception hosted by the Parishioners of Emmanuel Church.
Newport History Special Walking Tour: Holiday Lantern Tour
Nov. 18-Dec.30
Special Holiday Tour! Hear the history of early American holiday traditions on an evening walk. Learn how Newporters did, or didn’t, observe the holidays. $20 for adults, $8 for children 5-12 years old, $15 for NHS Members, $15 for Active Duty or Retired Military, Free for Children under 5 years old.
Music of the Christmas Season
Dec. 11
Our annual gift to the community. Join us to share the joys of the season through carols,choral anthems and instrumental music, and the Christmas story. Free.
Whitehall Museum House Christmas Open House
Dec. 4
Whitehall Museum House, the prior home of the 18th-century philosopher, George Berkeley, is celebrating a colonial Christmas with Wassail, refreshment and music. This event is sponsored by The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Rhode Island. The public is warmly welcomed to enjoy the festivities at this historic house. Donations are welcome.
Newport Tours: Old Colony House Site Tour
Dec. 29
Built in 1739, this historic site was a center for Rhode Island’s colonial government. Explore its significant history, including the surrounding square, and view a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. $15 General admission, $5 Children 5-12, Free for NHS Members, Free for Children under 5.
Rogers Athletic Boosters Association 6th Annual Tree & Wreath Sale
Dec. 3-Dec.4
8 a.m.-6 p.m., International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) parking lot, 449 Thames Street. Canadian Balsam wreaths, decorated by Rogers parents and students, will be sold along with Balsam and Fraser trees of varying heights. Wreaths will be available in traditional, coastal, and other handcrafted designs. There will be a small supply of undecorated wreaths. Rogers students will be on hand to help load purchases and FREE delivery is available in Newport. We are expecting to sell out. Follow us on Facebook for updates to Sunday hours.
Santa Claus for a Cause
Dec. 4
Join us for a family fun-filled morning to benefit the Four Hearts Foundation. The Four Hearts Foundation mission is to rebuild the Portsmouth Community Playground to be bigger, better, safer, adaptive and all inclusive of age and ability. Santa Claus for a CAUSE will have Holiday Crafts, Holiday Snacks, Music and games. Family admission ticket covers a professional photography shot of your family or child(ren) with Santa! Come one, come all and get in the Holiday Spirit for a wonderful cause!
15th annual Singing For Shelter Annual holiday fundraising concert in support of Lucy's Hearth and The McKinney Shelter
Dec. 8
Email MarkGorman56@gmail.com for tickets or at Lucy's Hearth, 19 Valley Road, Middletown during regular business hours. Limited tickets at the door.
Trinity Church's Annual Silver Tea
Dec. 3
Delightful afternoon tea featuring holiday music, seasonal wreaths and greens arrangements, ornaments, hostess and holiday gifts.
Holiday Doorway Judging Contest
Dec. 9
Doorway decorations that reflect the excitement of the holidays.
King's Park Tree Lighting
Dec. 1
Christmas Tree Lighting in the Kings Park rotunda.
52nd Annual Official Opening of Christmas in Newport
Dec. 1
Official Opening of Christmas in Newport, 6:00 p.m., Washington Sq. Features proclamation from the Mayor, tree lighting, Newport Artillery cannon salute, music by the Pell School Champions Chorus. Free. www.christmasinnewport.org
Holiday Craft Fair at the Elks
Dec. 11
Local artisans displaying their creations for sale as gifts for the holidays. Photographers, authors, crafters, knitters, painters. Food and beverages for sale.
Impressions of Christmas in Newport Student Art Exhibit
Dec. 8
Newport School System student artists, Grade K to 12, present their exhibit "Impressions of Christmas in Newport" at the Newport Yacht Club. The event will include a Commemorative Postmark by the United States Postal Service Newport in addition to a cachet envelope selected by the judges for the 2022 Event. The envelope features theartwork of Rogers High School student artist Olivia Peters. The event is free and open to the public.
Makers' Workshop: Mistletoe-themed decorations
Dec. 3
Join us for an afternoon of mistletoe creations and warm beverages. The Huddle's Craft teacher, Elise, will guide you through creating three holiday decorations:
1) Classic Mistletoe made from local sprigs and berries2) Mistletoe light Jar3) Mistletoe Coaster
Holiday spiced tea and cider and festive music will keep you in the holiday mood.
Jazz in the House
Nov. 26
Ring in the winter season with a jazzy holiday concert in the Great Hall at Rough Point! The Alex Minasian Trio will perform jazz renditions of classic and contemporary holiday songs.
Fiddle N' Fun
Dec. 6
Children ages 2 to 8 years old and a caregiver are invited to Fiddle N’ Fun at the Newport Public Library. Join us for a fun, interactive music show featuring holiday songs, guitar, singing, fiddle sticks and much more! Held in the Friends Room on the lower level. No registration is required.
Holiday Stocking Workshop for kids
Dec. 17-20
Children ages 6-12 years old are invited to join in the fun of creating their own personalized holiday stocking at the Newport Public Library. We’ll be using scissors, crayons, glue, yarn and other materials to construct the stockings. Come surprise yourself with your hidden talents! Registration is required. Sign up through the event calendar onthe Library’s website beginning Tuesday, November 22 at 9 a.m. Held in the John Clarke Children’s Program Room.
Family Fun - Photo Snow Globes
Dec. 10
Families with children ages 5 - 12 years old are invited to create personalized snow globes at the Newport Public Library. Bring in a printed picture of yourself or anything you'd like (just make sure that your subject is 3.5 inches tall by 3 inches wide or smaller). These glittery creations are the perfect decoration for the holiday season! Registration is required. Sign up through the event calendar on the Library's website. Registration begins on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 9:00am. Held in the John Clarke Children's Program Room.
Forest Crowns for Tweens
Dec. 21
Tweens, ages 10-14 years old, are invited to make fun forest crowns with bottle-brush trees, deer, birds, pinecones and more winter-y goodness. Yule love it! Registration is required. Sign up through the event calendar on the Library's website. Registration begins on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. Held in the Friends Room on the lower level of the Library.
Advent Evenings at Historic Saint Mary's Church
Dec. 7-21
Beautiful and historic Saint Mary's Church, home to Rhode Island's oldest Catholic parish, invites you to drop by this Advent Season. The church will be open between 6-7 p.m. on these three Wednesday evenings, during which, meditative music will be played on the organ and/or strings: Dec. 7, 14, 21, visitors are invited to enjoy the sacred space, decorated for the Advent Season, light a candle, and admire the Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Freewill offering envelopes will be available should visitors want to make a donation to benefit the St. Mary's Hot Lunch Program, serving our neighbors in need, on the second and third Wednesday of the month.
Irish Museum Christmas Open House
Dec. 10
The Museum of Newport Irish History will hold the 6th Annual Christmas Open House at its Interpretive Center, Saturday, Dec.10 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to view the exhibits while enjoying Celtic holiday music, eggnog and cookies. From 3:30-4:30 p.m. there will be caroling by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Men Singers. Celtic-inspired bracelets and lapel pins will be available for sale throughout the Open House, with proceeds to benefit the Museum.
Lucy's Hearth Designer Wreath Sale
Dec. 3
Annual fundraiser for Lucy's Hearth. Sale of designer wreaths and other holiday greens.
111th Annual Medieval Christmas Festival
Dec. 13
For the safety of our community, all attendees must be fully vaccinated. Visitors are expected to be able to show proof of vaccination. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. The 111th Annual Medieval Christmas Festival will take place in the Chapel. This service traces its origins back to Roman times when the December celebrations of Saturnalia would provide a welcome respite from the rigors of winter. This is a ceremony that heralds the Incarnation with Christmas hymns and a procession of Mary and Joseph with the Baby Jesus, shepherds, kings and angels. The service has remained nearly the same at St. George’s throughout its 111-year history. Seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early.
Holiday Extravaganza
Dec. 9
Join Newport Vineyards to get in the holiday spirit at our Holiday Extravaganza! Enjoy live holiday music, wine or beer tasting and festive food stations including holiday desserts, hot cocoa bar, and Christmas cookies. Bring the family to meet Santa, then relax by our fire pits with vineyard views. Break out your ugly holiday sweater – there will be prizes! We will also be collecting toys for the MLK Community Center. Plus, get your holiday shopping done in our marketplace with our wine specials and array of gifts. $22 Admission ($19 for Case Club/Cru Club*)
Includes your choice of 5 tastes from our wine and/or Taproot beer bars. Food items & additional beverages available for purchase. Santa visits require a toy donation & separate, additional reservation.
Franklin Street Holiday
Dec. 3
Stroll Street-wide holiday stroll, festive holiday decor, shops will offer specialty gifts, music, treats and refreshments
Game, Set, Lights
Dec. 1-Jan. 6
Stop by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and enjoy the spectacular holiday light display on the historic Horseshoe court!
Lighting of the Lighthouse
Nov. 25
The holiday season commences at Newport Harbor Island Resort on Friday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. as we light our historic lighthouse on Goat Island. Enjoy carolers, ice-skating, hot chocolate & cider (with spiked options!), and festive treats - all with panoramic views of the iconic Newport Bridge. Guests and locals alike are welcome to join us in kicking offNewport’s holiday festivities!
Bellevue Gardens Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 26
Make your way to the Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center for the inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting on Small Business Saturday. Enjoy live holiday music, photo-ops with Santa in an authentic Audrain classic car, children's activities, prizes and raffles, treats for your pets, and so much more.
James L. Maher Center Holiday Greenery Sale
Nov. 25-Dec. 18
The James L. Maher Center's holiday greenery sale continues! Stop by the Maher Garden Center to browse our selection of fresh balsam trees and wreaths from Maine's northernmost forests, as well as swags, balsam roping, poinsettias, and other accents. All proceeds benefit the Maher Center's programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
James L. Maher Center Pop-up Tree & Wreath Sale at Castle Hill Inn
Dec. 3-4
Castle Hill Inn welcomes you to the Second Annual James L. Maher Center Pop-up Tree & Wreath Sale! Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cider, holiday music, even a magical Letters to Santa mailbox where you can post a letter to the North Pole! … while browsing for the perfect greenery on the Inn's idyllic Chalet Lawn. The fragrance of balsam pine trees, wreaths, swags, and roping from the pristine northernmost forests of Maine mixes with the sea air to create an unforgettable experience. Come create a special Christmas memory with us! All proceeds benefit the James L. Maher Center's programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Edward King House Senior Center Presents: A Holiday Concert
Dec. 16
Join the Edward King House Singers in a musical holiday romps of traditional carols and tunes that will take you back to an easier time. Complete with an audience sing-a-long.
The Story of Hanukkah
Dec. 12
Join us for a celebration of light and love with live music by the Touro Band, a reading of the Story of Hanukkah, a little gelt, a dreidel or 2 and a take home package with latkes and sweet donuts. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required as space is limited.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Christmas in Newport 2022 event listings
