Planning on being on Rhode Island for the holidays and wondering how to celebrate the season? Don’t worry! The Rhode Island holiday season is a lively one with plenty to do, from Halloween to the New Year!
The Rhode Island holiday event schedule is loaded with activities and events for everyone. Historic house tours, tree lightings, craft fairs, and more make the Rhode Island holiday season one to look forward to all the year ’round!
There are so many Rhode Island holiday events, in fact, that wrangling them all into one space is nigh impossible. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of some of the bigger and more popular attractions of the season.
2017 Rhode Island Holiday Events
Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade – Nov 24th
Kick off the Rhode Island holiday season with the annual Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade! Watch boats decked out for the season with lights and other fanciful decorations compete for prizes as they tour Newport Harbor to the sound of Christmas music.
Holiday Spectacular Artisan Craft Fair – Dec 2
The annual Holiday Spectacular Artisan Craft Fair is a great place to meet talented artisans and find something for everyone from their one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Christmas creations. Held at the Newport Elks Lodge, 10am to 4pm.
Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec 2
Come out for an evening of Christmas cheer at Bowen’s Wharf. Festivities begin at 4:30pm with Frosty the Snowman, followed by The Christmas Carol Sing-a-long at 5pm. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6pm and is immediately followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat (weather permitting).
Recurring Events –
Christmas at the Newport Mansions – Nov 18 to Jan 1
Christmas at the Newport Mansions is your annual chance to come and tour three National Historic Landmarks decked out in all their holiday finery. The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House all open their doors for more than a month of music, tours, and spectacular decorations.
Christmas at Blithewold – Nov 23 to Jan 1
Blithewold Mansion has a LOT going on for the holidays. Afternoon Teas (Nov 24 – Dec 29), Wreath-Making Workshops (Dec 1 & 2), Jazz Age Brunches (Dec 3 & 4), and more. One of the biggest events held here is Sparkle! (evenings, Nov 24 to Dec 22), the annual holiday celebration in the historic mansion’s beautifully illuminated gardens.
Holiday Lantern Tours at the Brick Market – Friday and Saturdays, Nov 24 to Dec 30
Come disocover the history of early American holiday traditions on this enchanting evening walk. Learn how Newporters did, or didn’t, observe the holidays.
The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff – Nov 24 to Dec 1
Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas ballet – but you haven’t seen it like this! The first act takes guests from room to room of historic Rosecliff mansion, while the second sees them seated at tables in the elegant ballroom. Get your tickets, now!
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights – nightly, Dec 13 to 17
Come watch as beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along the harbor during the 109th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! The parade will begin every evening around 6:30pm.
Rhode Island Holiday Events
As I say above, this list is just scratching the surface of the Rhode Island holiday season. There are lots of other fun things to do and discover, as with any season on Rhode Island!
One of the best ways that you can guarantee a great holiday getaway on Rhode Island is by staying at one of our Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfasts! Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfasts provide plush amenities, personalized hospitality, delicious breakfasts, and an insider’s knowledge of the area. Book your Rhode Island holiday stay at a Newport B&B today!