Night before Christmas readings, Christmas Open Houses fill the weekend in Newport
The season is now merry and bright and if you haven't had a chance to get and enjoy some holiday happenings then this weekend is ready to fill the void.
If you're looking for Santa there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with the big guy and deliver your Christmas wishes. Ready for a concert of holiday favorites? Then head over to Jamestown. Maybe a good Irish holiday is in your plans, than a stop at the Museum of Newport Irish History should be in your plans for this weekend.
If you're not tied up with parties or gatherings check out what's happening and start making your plans.
Jamestown Community Chorus holiday concert
'Tis the season to enjoy home-grown holiday music sung by your friends and neighbors! The Jamestown Community Chorus will provide some musical holiday cheer in its concerts “Drive the Cold Winter Away.” The program is an eclectic and festive blend of music, poetry, dance and drama. The chorus, in its 74th year, will sing for the community on Saturday and Sunday.
The audience will get a chance to sing along with the chorus and listen to beautiful, evocative and fun music of the winter season. We invite everyone to stop by and support this island institution.
The Saturday concert will begin at 4 p.m. and the Sunday concert will begin at 3 p.m. Both concerts will take place at the Jamestown Recreation Center, 41 Conanicus Avenue on Jamestown’s East Ferry waterfront. All tickets are $15 and be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 401-207-0771 or via email at cantabile50@gmail.com
For more information visit jamestownchorus.com.
Tour the Eisenhower House
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management invites the public to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Eisenhower House at Fort Adams State Park in Newport by attending special events being held throughout December, including weekly self-guided tours, pictures with Santa, and a special event vendor exposition. It's the perfect chance to visit this historic and beautiful house to learn about its history, check out the holiday decorations, and view the grounds of the event space.
Join in a free, self-guided tour of the historic Eisenhower House from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday in December.
Additionally on Friday, Dec. 15, from 4-7 p.m., Santa will be in residence and is eagerly waiting to receive wish lists and help provide a perfect chance for you to capture a festive photo. Please note that while Santa will be at the house for a photo opportunity, a photographer will not be provided, and all visitors must take their own pictures. This event is FREE, but registration is required.
Victorian Santa
Victorian Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to Newport! On Saturday from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., the Newport Historical Society will host a family-friendly Christmas outing complete with professional Santa photos and kid-friendly activities.
The historic Colony House at the top of Washington Square serves as the backdrop to your professional photo with a 19th century St. Nick. The family admission ticket includes a photo by children’s photographer Ashley Richer; photos will be emailed to participants after the event.
Families can enjoy a “kid’s tour” of the Colony House’s second floor to view the 19th-century courtroom and an 1801 portrait of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart. Hot cocoa from Empire Tea + Coffee will be available.
Join the team from Cutie Curls for a kid’s Christmas craft to take home and enjoy. A modest fee covers this hands-on activity.
To help celebrate the 200th anniversary of Clement C. Moore’s famous poem, the first 30 families who register will receive a free copy of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas!
Advance tickets are required as space is limited. Tickets cost $40/family, or $35 for Newport Historical Society members and military families, and they are sold for a one-hour timeslot.
For more information visit newporthistory.org/event/a-victorian-santa-event-with-the-newport-historical-society.
Christmas Open House
The Museum of Newport Irish History will hold its 7th Annual Christmas Open House at its Interpretive Center on Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can 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 Christmas ornaments and lapel pins will be available for sale throughout the Open House, with proceeds to benefit the Museum. Visitors to the Center will learn about Irish immigration to Newport County from the colonial era to the present and the many contributions made to our community by individuals of Irish descent. The exhibits include maps, photographs, and models, including a vintage lighted model of historic St. Mary’s Church depicted at Christmas time. Admission is complimentary, but donations are gratefully accepted. Free parking is available on the street. To learn more or to join the Museum, please visit our website or contact us via email.
For more information visit newportirishhistory.org/events-calendar/christmas-open-house/
Twas the Night Before Christmas reading
The Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, 25 America's Cup Ave., will host four readings on Saturday of the Clement C. Moore poem by well-known Newporters on this 200th anniversary of its publication. Readings will be held at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon (read in Spanish) and 12:30 p.m. Santa will be in attendance to visit and hear the wishes of every child!
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Christmas things to do in Newport Dec. 9-10: Eisenhower House tours, more
