How to Celebrate Christmas in Newport, RI
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Many of you know I grew up in Newport, Rhode Island—a place outsiders often associate with sailing, beaches, and Gilded Age mansions. But to me, it’s simply home.
When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to leave—not because I didn’t like my hometown, but because I wanted to see the world. Now, after seeing it, I can honestly say Newport was a pretty good place to grow up, but I took its oceanfront location, walkability, and distinct character for granted at the time.
My husband, daughter, and I returned to Newport for Thanksgiving and spent Friday enjoying some Christmas in Newport events, part of the city’s two-week holiday festival featuring concerts, mansion tours, and more.
Most people don't think of Newport as a winter destination, but with its decorated colonial and Victorian buildings—not to mention the famous mansions—it can feel quite magical this time of year. Plus, you can often find a great hotel deal and avoid the summer crowds.
That said, it can still get surprisingly busy. We planned to see the Illuminated Boat Parade but didn't expect how packed downtown would be beforehand—it actually seemed like summer but with coats and lower temperatures! After scrambling for parking, we caught the tail end of the parade near the Newport Yacht Club.
That’s just the beginning of this season’s events. So if you’re thinking of visiting Newport before the end of the year, here are a few more ideas:
See the Decorations at the Newport Mansions
Did you know my great-grandfather was the groundskeeper at The Breakers? I like to imagine him as Newport's version of Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey. Anyway, at Christmastime, The Breakers comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday music.
Other Newport mansions, like Marble House, Château-sur-Mer, and The Elms, are also beautifully decorated for the season. Think wreaths, fresh flowers, elegant table settings, and themed Christmas trees.
If you'd rather not pay for mansion tours, a stroll (or drive) down Bellevue Avenue can get you a free glimpse of the exterior lights and decorations.
Attend the Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
As a kid growing up in Newport, one of my favorite traditions was heading to Washington Square for the Christmas Tree lighting. Times have changed, and now it takes place at Bowen’s Wharf. This Saturday, December 7, at 6:00 PM, you can watch the mayor light the 40-plus-foot tree. The new location has its perks: There’s the giant anchor kids love to climb on (I sure did!), and—weather permitting—Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by boat.
Go Christmas Shopping on Thames Street
One thing Newport has that many other communities don't is a wealth of local shops. Most of them are located along or just off Thames Street, the main drag downtown. I'm not much of a shopper, so I might not be the best person to ask for recommendations. You could even start at A Christmas To Remember, a shop packed with ornaments and decorations—all available year-round. Start there and take a stroll south along Thames Street, popping into independent boutiques and unique shops as you go.
Visit the Largest Gingerbread Lighthouse
Maybe don't plan your whole trip around this, but when I was a kid, one of my favorite holiday traditions was visiting the Newport Marriott lobby with my grandmother to see the massive gingerbread house. If memory serves, it wasn't a lighthouse back then, and you could go inside (sadly, it's roped off now). Still, my daughter loved seeing it in its current iteration. I think she enjoyed it even more than the boat parade! You can check it out in the Marriott's lower lobby until December 31.
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