There’s never a bad time to be a Rhode Islander, but the holiday season is an especially magical time to live here — especially if you happen to live near the charming little city of Newport. Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island lasts all December long, with events and displays all over town. But all you have to do to get into the holiday spirit is take a stroll down Thames Street, otherwise known as Newport’s Main Street, and take in the seasonal sights.

Thames Street is one of the oldest continuously used streets in Rhode Island.
acoolerclimate / Flickr
It runs parallel to the waterfront, and it's full of inviting shops and restaurants.
Thames Street is especially enchanting this time of year, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a holiday stroll.
Discover Newport/Facebook
In fact, the official annual Newport Holiday Stroll tends to kick off the holiday season. This traditional event includes shopping discounts, restaurant specials, a tree lighting, and more. During this event, it's clear that Newport is the top Rhode Island Christmas town.
As a matter of fact, if you live in Newport, you're lucky -- the city celebrates Christmas for the entire month of December!
Newport Holiday Stroll Facebook
A Newport, Rhode Island Christmas is citywide with a host of celebrations all month long, from concerts, caroling, and craft fairs to visits with Santa and Nutcracker performances.

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This year, guided holiday lantern tours will be available every Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m. starting on Nov. 17, 2023, and ending on Dec. 30, 2023.
Robbie Robinson/Google Reviews
These tours depart from The Museum of Newport History and Shop and cost $20 per adult, $8 per child between the ages of 5 and 12, $15 for Newport Historical Society members, and $15 for active or retired military. Children under 5 years of age are free. Check the Discover Newport Rhode Island website for more information on the Holiday Lantern Tours.
Newport truly is the best Christmas town in Rhode Island. And there's nothing quite like shopping on Thames Street during the holiday season -- every storefront is decked out in decor.
Newport Holiday Stroll Facebook
A few of the most popular shops are Thames Glass, Rochelles of Newport, ad Sequins of Thames St.
One local tradition you definitely won't want to skip is Christmas at the Newport Mansions.
HasayampaHeather / TripAdvisor
The Marble House, the Elms, and the Breakers are all decorated beautifully for the holidays, with a theme of Gilded Age glamour.
Newport is always full of coastal charm, and it's one of the top Christmas towns in New England.
Newport Holiday Stroll Facebook
Spend as much of your December as you can here and you'll agree that this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Take a look at this beautiful video of Newport at Christmas by @ChristopherPutvinski:

If it’s been a while since you’ve spent time in Newport, December is the perfect time to go. Have you spent Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments!

While Newport Is as charming as can be during the holidays, check out a few other charming Rhode Island Christmas towns.

Are you looking for gifts this holiday season? Check out the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide for some ideas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Christmas In Newport, Rhode Island

Melissa M. | November 11, 2023

What else is there to see and do in Newport, Rhode Island at Christmas?

The following are some of the events in Newport, Rhode Island around Christmas time:

  • Holiday Lantern Tour by the Museum of Newport History
  • Holidays at the Newport Mansions
  • Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff
  • A Rough Point Holiday at Rough Point Museum
  • Hot Chocolate Bar at The Chanler at Cliff Walk
  • Santa Magic at Long Wharf
  • Hotel Viking’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the Courtyard
  • The Annual Bowen’s Wharf Treet Lighting
  • The Annual Doorway Decorating Contest
  • Christmas Open House at the Irish History Museum
  • Coastal Queen’s Holiday Cocktail Cruise

This list just scratches the surface of all there is to do in Newport during the holiday season!

 

Which Newport mansions host events during the holiday season?

Of the 11 Newport mansions opened to the public, the following host holiday events:

  • The Breakers hosts its annual Sparkling Lights outdoor holiday lights event.
  • Marble House hosts a Holiday Tea at the Chinese Tea House and you can view holiday decorations inside the mansion..
  • You can also view holiday decorations at The Elms

 

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