Get in the spirit with these holiday events across Newport County
The holiday season is full of events taking place across Newport County.
From the Sparkling Lights at the Breakers to the many events hosted by Christmas in Newport there is something for everyone and for all ages to get you into the holiday spirit.
This listing will continue to be updated online throughout the month. If you have an item you'd like included, please email newsroom@newportri.com
November 26
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. 6 p.m. Newport Harbor.
November 27
Newport in Bloom will host a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Shops on Long Wharf in Newport. Children of all ages will be able to write and deliver their personal letters, visit with Santa, have their pictures taken and join in craft activities. Learn more at newportinbloom.org.
December 1
Official Opening of Christmas in Newport, 6 p.m., Washington Sq. Features proclamation from the mayor, tree lighting, Newport Artillery cannon salute, music TBD. Free. www.christmasinnewport.org
Newport County Orchestra in Concert, 7 p.m., Casino Theater, 9 Freebody St. Classical and Holiday music sponsored by the Salve Regina University Music Dept. admission $10, seniors/students $8. 401-341-2297. www.salve.edu/music-theater-and-dance
Island Moving Company presents "The Nutcracker at Rosecliff" at 7:30 p.m. Rosecliff Mansion, 548 Bellevue Ave. Follow our young protagonist throughout the 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. For more information and tickets visit:www.islandmovingco.org.
December 2
Island Moving Company presents "The Nutcracker at Rosecliff" at 7:30 p.m. Rosecliff Mansion, 548 Bellevue Ave. Follow our young protagonist throughout the 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. For more information and tickets visit:www.islandmovingco.org.
December 3
Island Moving Company presents "The Nutcracker at Rosecliff" at 7:30 p.m. Rosecliff Mansion, 548 Bellevue Ave. Follow our young protagonist throughout the 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. For more information and tickets visit:www.islandmovingco.org.
Newport Classical Holiday with Ensemble Altera 7:30 p.m. Emmanuel Church, 4 Dearborn St. Celebrate the holiday season with up-and-coming chamber choir Ensemble Altera in this beautiful program for feminine voices, harp, and organ. The program centers on Benjamin Britten’s beloved Ceremony of Carols. $25.00, info: https://newportclassical.org/event/ensemble-altera/ or email info@newportclassical.org
December 4
21st Annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale, 9 a.m.-noon., Rotunda at Easton’s Beach. Christmas wreaths and tabletop decorations created by designers, artists, gardeners and florists from the community. All proceeds go to Lucy’s Hearth. 401-847-2021.
St. Spyridon’s Greek Church Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m., St. Spyridon’s Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames Street, Corner of Thames and Brewer Sts., Free.
Rogers High School Athletic Boosters Assoc 5th annual tree and wreath sale: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) parking lot, 449 Thames St. Canadian balsam wreaths, decorated by Rogers parents and students, will be sold along with 8-foot Balsam and Fraser trees. Wreaths will be available in traditional, coastal and other handcrafted designs. There will also be a small supply of undecorated wreaths. Rogers students will be on hand to help load purchases and FREE delivery is available in Newport.
Newport Classical Holiday with Ensemble Altera 2:30 p.m. Matinee. Emmanuel Church, 4 Dearborn St. Celebrate the holiday season with up-and-coming chamber choir Ensemble Altera in this beautiful program for feminine voices, harp, and organ. The program centers on Benjamin Britten’s beloved Ceremony of Carols. $25.00, info: https://newportclassical.org/event/ensemble-altera/ or email info@newportclassical.org
Kids Holiday Gift Making, 2:30 p.m., Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St. Children ages 5-12 years old are invited to create Holiday crafts perfect for gift-giving. Join us to craft a few gifts and enjoy a small treat while we get creative! Registration is required and opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Sign up through the event calendar on the Library's website. Held in the lower level program room. Masks are required.https://newportlibraryri.libcal.com/event/8446064
51st Annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting and Open House, America’s Cup Ave. 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 4:30 with local musicians taking the stage and leading a carol sing-a-long. 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. (401) 849-2243 For more information:www.bowenswharf.com
Castle Hill Inn is hosting a pop-up tree and wreath farm from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chalet Lawn. There will be complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider and photo opportunities for children.
The Newport Police Department is hosting a holiday toy drive and Secret Santa for from10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Walmart, 199 Connell Highway in Newport. Bring a new, unwrapped toy. All donated toys will be given to the Salvation Army on Memorial Boulevard for distribution to families in need. Recommended donations for seniors include: ChapStick, Puff Plus Lotion tissues, activity books, sugar-free candies, cough drops, lotion, socks and mittens. All donated items for seniors will be distributed to local nursing homes.
December 5
Rogers High School Athletic Boosters Assoc 5th annual tree and wreath sale: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (or while supplies last), International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) parking lot, 449 Thames St. Canadian balsam wreaths, decorated by Rogers parents and students, will be sold along with to 8-foot Balsam and Fraser trees. Wreaths will be available in traditional, coastal and other handcrafted designs. There will also be a small supply of undecorated wreaths. Rogers students will be on hand to help load purchases and FREE delivery is available in Newport.
A Colonial Christmas, 2 p.m., 24 Baldwin Road, Middletown. A Colonial Christmas at the home of the 18th century philosopher George Berkeley, admission Free, donations gratefully accepted. www.whitehallmuseumhouse.org,
Newport Community Band/Salve Regina Jazz Ensemble in Concert, 3 p.m., Casino Theater, 9 Freebody St. SRU Newport Community Band, Jazz Ensemble, performing holiday favorites. admission $10, seniors/students $8 . 401-341-2297. www.salve.edu/music-theater-and-dance
Advent Lessons and Carols at Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 5 pm, 61 Washington St. Advent Lessons & Carols is an atmospheric sequence of traditional readings and Advent carols with congregational hymns. Join in a centuries-old journey from twilight to light as the historic church on the Point begins in near-darkness and progresses in stages to full light along with the music. Directed by Peter Stoltzfus Berton; and with special guest readers. parishoffice@saintjohns-newport.org
Castle Hill Inn is hosting a pop-up tree and wreath farm from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chalet Lawn. There will be complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider and photo opportunities for children.
December 9
Student's Impressions of Christmas in Newport, 5:30 pm, Newport Yacht Club, 110 Long Wharf. Students K-12 art exhibit, commemorative Christmas in Newport postmark by United States Postal Service. Frees. 846-9410 www.clubstweard@newportyachtclub.org
13th Christmas at Mt. Zion 7:00 p.m., The Reason for the Season Featuring: The Voices of Unity/RPM Voces of Rhode Island, Mt Zion AME Church, 101 Van Zandt Ave, Free will offering, info: (401) 849-3569, sfz88@aol.com
December 10
Nautical Holiday Celebration at IYRS, 5:30 p.m., Restoration Hall at IYRS School of Technology & Trades, 449 Thames St. Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with IYRS students, faculty, staff, and the greater Newport community. Historic Restoration Hall and our students' boat restoration projects will be decked out in their holiday finery. Enjoy live acoustic music and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar. This event is open to the public. Your rsvp is not required to attend, but is appreciated at www.iyrs.edu/events. In accordance with current IYRS school policy, proof of vaccination (hard copy or digital) is required for entrance that evening. Thank you! For more information: www.iyrs.edu/events/iyrs-holiday-celebration
Christmas in Song by the Newport Navy Choristers, 7:30 p.m., St. Barnabus Church, 1697 East Main Rd., Portsmouth. Newport Navy Choristers' annual Christmas concert; proceeds to benefit the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm, an educational project of Portsmouth Middle School and Eastern RI Conservation District. Admission $20 adults, $10 children (under 16). 401-849-1135. www.newportnavychorusters.org
December 11
A Holiday Happening with Bike Newport, 11 a.m., Big Blue Bike Barn, 20 Sunset Blvd, Newport. Come gather to share bike happiness with snacks and hot cocoa flowing. Coinciding with our annual Holiday Bike Giveaway - where kids are matched with lovingly-restored bicycles - it's a gathering of donors, staff, board, volunteers, parents, kids, and more. You can ride - or watch the kids ride - the new dirt pump track, explore the trails of the Big Blue Bike Barn campus, and learn more about Bike Newport. Give the "Jingle Bike" a try, and light up the holiday tree with your pedal power. Come mingle with folks who, like you, dream of a city where people are safe and comfortable choosing bikes to get around. For more information: info@bikenewportri.org or www.bikenewportri.org
The Jamestown Community Chorus holiday concert, entitled “Merry Christmas” will take place at the Jamestown Recreation Center, 41 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown. The concert program will feature popular Christmas carols and music of the season performed by small ensembles, soloists and, of course, the full chorus. The Saturday concert will be the only performance of the program this year.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 401-423-1574 or by checking the chorus’ website at: https://jamestownchorus.com/tickets/ General admission tickets are $15 and should purchased from chorus members or reserved in advance.
Please note that because of COVID-19 protocols all audience members must provide proof of vaccination at the door and wear a mask throughout the concert. All chorus members have been fully vaccinated. This may preclude the attendance of younger children. There will be strong air filters in use during the concert as a further precaution.
For further information, please call 401-423-1574 or email cantabile50@gmail.com You can check our YouTube page for past performances and please like us on Facebook!
December 12
‘Elf’ screening to benefit MLK Center, 1:30 p.m., 49 Touro St. The Jane Pickens Theater and Memorial Funeral Home present the annual screening of "Elf" as a food drive to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. The only price of admission is a canned good or packaged food items (as much as you'd like to give). All donations will benefit local citizens. Costumes are encouraged! A $20 gift card will be awarded to the Best Dressed Adult and another for Best Dressed Kid Under 12.
Pictures with Santa Sponsored by the Newport Recreation Dept., 1 p.m. The Hut (Martin Recreation Center), 35 Golden Hill St. Children and families will have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa! Advanced reservations are required and can be done at: register.communitypass.net/cityofnewport. Families should bring their own camera/cellphone for the picture. Visits are limited to no more than 5 minutes per family. For more information: 401-848-8200. www.cityofnewport.com/pictureswithsanta
Newport Classical Messiah at the Mansion, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave. Newport Classical presents Handel’s iconic oratorio Messiah featuring the Professional Choristers of The Choir School of Newport County, Brown University Chorus, and Providence Baroque Orchestra of period instruments! Join us for a one-hour production of the Christmas portion of this celebratory work including the Hallelujah Chorus. The newest annual Newport Holiday tradition is perfect for the whole family. $75.00/$60.00, info: https://newportclassical.org/event/messiah-at-the-mansion/ or email info@newportclassical.org
December 15
A Visit with Santa, 10 a.m., Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St. Children ages 0 - 5 years old and a caregiver are invited to A Visit with Santa. Hear a Christmas story, sing holiday songs and make a special craft. Children will also have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a candy cane and sticker. Registration is required and begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Sign up through the event calendar on the Library's website. Held in the lower level program room. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 years old.https://newportlibraryri.libcal.com/event/8401749
December 19
Reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas: noon - 2 p.m. Eisenhower Park, Washington Sq. Reading of the classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicolas" by Clement C. Moore at noon, 12:30, 1 and 1:30. by local residents. Santa will be available for photos (bring your own cameras). Live Holiday Music and treats. Weather Permitting. Sponsored by Christmas in Newport. For information,info@ChristmasinNewport.org
The Wonder of Christmas 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 4 Everett St, Celebrating the joyful news of Christ's birth. The wonder of Christmas story unfolds through exciting and inspiring music and scripture reading. Featuring the First Presbyterian Choir and Ensemble. FREE. For information: www.FPCNewport.org
December 21
Winter Solstice Storytime, 10 a.m., Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St. Get out of the cold and join us for a celebration of the Winter Solstice! Hear stories, sing songs and make a winter craft. For ages 2 - 5 years old and a caregiver. Registration is required and begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Sign up through the event calendar on the Library's website. Held in the lower level program room. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 years old.https://newportlibraryri.libcal.com/event/8401750
Winter Solstice Tree Lighting 2021, Pardon Gray Preserve, 3460 Main Rd, Tiverton, 3:30-5:30 p.m. hosted by the Tiverton Land Trust
This free event is open to all in our community. Before the sun sets, Scott Borowy will be taking free photos with Santa for those who register in advance. There will also be a hot chocolate stand and of course, a special tree lighting with a focus on giving back to nature.
Register for free photos at https://givebutter.com/WinterSolstice21 or find this link to click on our Winter Solstice Facebook event.
December 22
Kids Reindeer Games, 10 a.m., Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St. Children ages 2 - 4 years old and a caregiver are invited to a special Reindeer Games program. Enjoy reindeer crafts, activities and a reindeer snack. Registration is required and begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Sign up through the event calendar on the Library's website. Held in the lower level program room. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 years old. https://newportlibraryri.libcal.com/event/8446078
December 25
A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS TO ALL
ONGOING
Singing For Shelter-for the benefit of Lucy's Hearth and The McKinney Shelter: Daily virtual 'living room concerts' by our local musicians for the benefit of Lucy's Hearth and The McKinney Shelter. Starting Wed. Dec. 1 and ending Wed., Dec. 22. Concerts at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Go to Facebook.com/SingingForShelterNewport for viewing. Please donate to www.LucysHearth.org/donate/ and/or the McKinney Shelter www.McKinneyshelter.org/ For information,markgorman56@gmail.com
Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 8 to enter. Judging takes place on Friday, Dec. 10. Register your home or business at info@christmasinnewport.org. Categories are: Residential, Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast and Commercial. Please List Category, Name, Address and DOOR COLOR. Please use natural materials/decorations.
A Rough Point Holiday, Weekends, except for Dec. 25. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rough Point Museum, 680 Bellevue Ave. Every season at Rough Point offers something special — come 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. $15.00 Adults, $8.00 Students, Under 12 Free. See information about safety guidelines at: www.newportrestoration.org/roughpoint . Questions?: 847-8344. visit@newportrestoration.org
Tiverton Four Corners. 8th Annual “re Tree” A Showcase of Trees Created with Recycled Materials to be held on Dec. 3 – Dec. 17. The showcase of re-Trees will be dispersed throughout the grounds of the Tiverton Four Corners Village and will open on Bright Night, Dec. 3. Best of Show will be judged and awarded a cash prize of $150 on Bright Night. The popular vote will determine a winning re-Tree on Dec. 17 which will receive a prize package of items donated by Four Corners businesses as well as a Kids & Family category winner with a prize provided by our sponsor, Longplex Family Sports Center.
Christmas at the Newport mansions
There will be more lights, more trees and more festive outdoor decorations as Holidays at the Newport Mansions returns to The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms, starting Nov. 20.
For the second year in a row, “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland” will illuminate the historic landscape with thousands of lights in a variety of colors. But this outdoor attraction has been significantly expanded to include the southern portion of the property, allowing visitors to stroll along a winding path while enjoying holiday music and displays like the Peppermint Woods, Gnome Knoll, Snow People Corner and Glowing Grove, among others.
Once again, the Children’s Cottage will be decorated and it will include a selfie station. The northern portion of the winding path will feature a Tunnel of Light and other displays. A 16-foot Christmas tree-shaped light display will be set up on the porte-cochère above the main entrance to The Breakers.
A total of 28 Christmas trees will glow in various places throughout The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms, featuring ornate, themed decorations that reflect the room where they are located. As always, the 15-foot poinsettia tree in The Great Hall of The Breakers – made up of 150 poinsettia plants – will provide a perfect holiday photo opportunity for visitors. And at Marble House, a 20-foot Christmas tree will be positioned outdoors directly in front of the main entrance.
Poinsettias, flowers, evergreens, wreaths and floral arrangements will decorate the fireplace mantels, tabletops and staircases of these historic mansions throughout the holiday season. Many of the plants and flowers used have been grown by the Preservation Society’s Gardens and Landscapes Department, including more than 500 poinsettias and 1,200 lilies.
Beginning Nov. 20, The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms will be decorated and open daily for the holidays, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. All properties will close at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24.
The Breakers will open at 10 a.m. daily through Jan. 9. Mondays through Wednesdays, last admission will be 4 p.m. with the house and grounds closing at 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, last admission at The Breakers will be 3 p.m. The house and grounds will close at 4 p.m. before reopening at 5 p.m. for “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers.”
A separate ticket is required for “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers,” scheduled for Thursdays through Sundays from 5-7 p.m. The house will also be open for tours during those times. On Dec. 18, The Breakers will have last admission at 3 p.m., the house and grounds will close at 4 p.m. and there will be no “Sparkling Lights.”
The Elms and Marble House will open daily at 10 a.m. through Jan. 2. Last tour admission will be 4 p.m. The houses and grounds close at 5 p.m. On Dec. 18, The Elms and Marble House will stay open for evening hours, with last admission at 6 p.m. Houses and grounds will close at 7 p.m.
Visit NewportMansions.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Christmas events in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton
