The air is filled with the magic of the holiday season! Dedicated small business owners, non-profit organizations, and town employees are working tirelessly to transform Newport.The town is being decked out with sparkling lights and festive greenery, running from the Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree to the decorated mansions and unique custom storefront window displays. This is more than just a season; it’s a month-long Christmas celebration featuring holiday events designed to highlight Newport’s historic charm in the most spectacular way. Newport and the surrounding communities promise an unforgettable holiday experience!
Lighting Ceremonies
Warren Holiday Festival Celebrating the 37th season, Warren kicks off the holidays with a 2-day event, Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th. Events include visits from Santa paired with hot chocolate and cookies, to holiday crafts and festive shows, to downtown caroling and the iconic Main Street light ceremony.
Lighting of the Newport Harbor Island Lighthouse Saturday November 29th – 5pm. Enjoy holiday carolers, festive decor, spiked ciders, and hot chocolate for the kids, all with panoramic views of the iconic Newport Bridge.
Sunset Cove Holiday Celebration November 29th – Tree Lighting 5-8PM
Holiday Bright Night in Tiverton Friday December 5th – 4-7pm. Tiverton Four Corners lights up its holiday decor with open galleries, holiday shopping, exclusive deals, and a visit from Santa culminating with the 12th annual re-Tree Community Exhibition.
Santa Magic at Long Wharf November 29th, 4-6pm. The shops at Long Wharf kick off their season with their 4th annual tree lighting. The event includes tree lighting, pictures with Santa, kids’ crafts, letters to Santa, music and much more.
55th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting Saturday December 6th – Activities start at 12:30pm, tree lighting at 6pm. Festivities begin at 12:30 with a visit from Santa, followed by an afternoon of live music and a carol sing-along ending with the tree lighting at 6pm and the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus by boat.
Jamestown’s Tree Lighting December 6th – 5:30-7pm. The culminating event of the Jamestown Village Holiday Stroll from 9:00am-5:pm
Bristol’s Tree Lighting and Grand Illumination Saturday, December 6th 5:30pm. The official start of the Christmas Season in Bristol includes live music, Santa, tree lighting, the Illumination of the town decorations, and a special parade in honor of the 38th Grand Illumination.
King Park Tree Lighting December 8th – 5pm. This is a “bring an ornament” event – In its 4th year in honor of Willie Olechnowicz. This “5th-ward” community tree is the “ONLY” completely solar powered Christmas tree in RI!!
Holidays at the Newport Mansions
Holidays at the Mansions November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026. The Breakers, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer & The Elms ‘Dressed for the Holidays’ daily 10am-4pm. 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. The 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers, made up of 150 poinsettia plants, is a showstopper!
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers Thursday through Sunday evenings, November 21 – December 28, 2025. Admission at 4 pm, 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm and 6 pm. Gates close at 6:30 pm. House & grounds close at 8 pm. Stroll along a half mile of illuminated paths across the 13 acre property glittering with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights, which includes a 50 foot-long tunnel of light! Stop at the fire pits to warm up, with s’mores kits available for purchase. The back terrace has warming stations and adult beverages. The Breakers Welcome Center also will have refreshments, including snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and a fire pit to make s’mores. There will also be adult beverages at a location near the Welcome Center.
A Rough Point Holiday November 28-December 28. Doris Duke’s Newport home will be spruced up for the Christmas holiday. You will learn the story of Rough Point’s holiday traditions and the off-season routines of one of Newport’s summer cottages. New this year you can enjoy cozy beverages and jolly jazz on the terrace at Rough Point after dark.
Holiday Activities
Holiday Lantern Tours Friday & Saturday November 14th – December 28th. Tours depart from The Museum of Newport History and Shop at 127 Thames Street, Newport, RI, and cost $20 per person and $15 for Society members and active-duty military with ID. Advance registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Purchase tickets by calling 401-841-8770 or by visiting https://newporthistorytours.org or at the Museum of Newport History & Shop.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Reading December 13th Newport Colony House – 12pm – 2pm. Four readings of the Clement C. Moore poem by well-known Newporters at 12:00, 12:30, 1:00pm, and 1:30 (in Spanish) p.m. plus a visit by Santa. Free event AND all children will receive a Golden Book of the beloved poem.
Holiday Wreath Making Workshops at Young’s Designs, November 30th & December 7th at 10:30am.
Holiday Sip & Shops
Ocean Cliff Hotel Sip & ShopDecember 4th – 4-7pm. Grab some friends for a fun evening of sipping & shopping featuring local designers and boutique owners. Browse jewelry, apparel, home decor and more! Admission: $10 suggested donation at the door.
Holiday Market at Newport CraftWednesday, December 10th – 4-8pm. Shop at Newport Life’s holiday market while listening to live music and sipping on your favorite cocktail. At this event, donations will be collected to support the Potter League for Animals. Attendees are kindly asked to consider bringing an item for donation as their admission.
Newport Vineyards Holiday ExtravaganzaDecember 5-8:30pm. This event features shopping from the Newport Vineyards Marketplace and local artisans, 5 tastings of wine or beer, live music, a visit from Santa, and a toy drive. Tickets are required.
Holiday Sip & Shop at Newport Art MuseumSaturday, December 13, 1-4pm. Celebrate the season with complimentary bubbly while browsing a curated selection of unique gifts, a Local Artists Market, and a trunk show. This event is free and open to all.
Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath SaleCelebrate the season and support families in need at Lucy’s Hearth’s Annual Designer Wreath Sale at the Rotunda at Easton’s Beach on Saturday, December 6, from 9:00am to 12:00pm to shop a stunning selection of handcrafted holiday wreaths designed by local artists and volunteers. Each wreath is unique—beautifully made with festive touches to brighten your home or make the perfect gift. Wreaths will be available in a variety of sizes and styles, priced accordingly. All proceeds benefit Lucy’s Hearth, helping families experiencing homelessness find stability, safety, and hope during the holiday season and beyond.
For a full list of activities, including concerts and kids holiday themed crafts please visit Discover Newport. Wishing you and yours the best for the holiday season!
