Newport Magic: A Holiday Guide to Rhode Island’s Seaside City
- This Cafe Life
- Nov 11, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
Newport is humming with quiet anticipation. It’s that in-between moment — when fall is packing up and the holiday season is beginning to unfold.
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The Season Begins: Wreaths on Every Door
November 4 The holidays have officially arrived - Newport’s homes, inns, and storefronts are dressing up for the 55th Annual Doorway Decorating Contest. From grand Georgian facades to cozy colonial cottages, each wreath and garland speaks to creativity and coastal style. Bundle up, grab a cocoa, and stroll through the neighborhoods of Historic Hill, The Point, and Thames Street — every block feels like a postcard.
Lantern-Lit Holiday Strolls
Fridays–Sundays, November 14 – December 28 | 4:00 PM As twilight falls, join the Newport Historical Society for a lantern-lit walk through the city’s centuries-old streets. Guides share how early Newporters celebrated the holidays, blending colonial history with cozy candlelight.
Tickets:
Adults: $15–$20
Members: $10–$15
Military & Children (5–12): $5–$8
Illuminated Boat Parade
Friday, November 28 | 6:00 PM | Newport Harbor | Free Nothing says “Newport” like the sparkle of lights on the water. Each year, the harbor fills with festively decorated boats, competing for Best Dressed Vessel while carols and laughter drift across the bay. Grab a spot near Bowen’s Wharf or Perrotti Park and welcome the holiday season in true coastal style.
Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 6 | Festivities 12:30 PM, Tree Lighting 6 PM | Free Now in its 55th year, this beloved tradition turns Newport Harbor into a holiday stage. The day begins with caroling, cocoa, and live performances — then, as dusk settles, the mayor lights the towering tree. Moments later, Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand arrival by boat, to cheers from the crowd. It’s one of those only-in-Newport experiences that feels timeless, no matter your age.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions
November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM Daily
Step into the Gilded Age and experience Christmas the way the Vanderbilts and Astors once did. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are adorned in dazzling holiday décor — from fragrant garlands to elaborately dressed trees reflecting the elegance of each room.
Don’t miss: the 15-foot poinsettia tree in The Breakers’ Great Hall, crafted from 150 vibrant plants.
Closures: Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27) & Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Early close: 2 PM on December 24.
Tip: Purchase tickets in advance; weekends often sell out quickly.
The holiday season in Newport unfolds like a tale — starting with wreaths and lanterns, reaching a peak with light and laughter, concluding with cherished memories by the sea.
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