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Enjoying the Refined Holiday Grandeur of Newport, Rhode Island

By Marilyn Loeser

The mansions along Bellevue Avenue, the twinkling white lights on the harbor and wreaths adorning shops along the waterfront wrap Newport, Rhode Island in a bright satin bow, offering the gift of a holiday by-the-sea to every visitor.

The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, three of the famous mansions of Newport, are decked out with 20 Christmas trees, hundreds of yards of garland, and dining tables set with period silver and china. The mansions are decorated and open daily for tours through January 1, 2007.

These Preservation Society of Newport County properties, with their magnificent decorations set against a backdrop of historic architecture, host several special events throughout the season as well.

Also in the spirit of the season, the Astors’ Beechwood mansion invites guests to celebrate Christmas traditions of the past, such as the waltz, parlor games and classic carols during a special Victorian Christmas tour as well as a dinner party — the Victorian Christmas Feast.

New this year is a special holiday tour of Rough Point mansion illustrating how it really was in the late 1800s during the holiday season. In UnDecked Halls: A Glimpse Behind the Shutters at Rough Point, visitors find a quiet Christmas with the few remaining staff decorating a small tree in the servants wing. 

Experiencing Rough Point — shuttered and shrouded for the winter — guests will hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday in Hawaii and see the almost deserted mansion she left behind. Refreshments are served in the staff dining room, an area not usually on tour.

At Belcourt Castle, guests are invited to warm up with a cup of tea, take a holiday tour of this Gothic-style mansion and enjoy a Christmas choral concert with The Rhode Island Touring Ensemble.

Beyond the Mansions

An annual event is Newport’s Holiday Lantern Tour, a walking tour of the historic neighborhoods. Walks are held Thursdays at 6:30 pm, this year through December 21. The Sovereign Bank Family Ice-Skating Center, located alongside Newport Harbor, is another popular holiday pastime.

Several hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts participate in the Winter Getaway Package program. Host properties offer one and two-night discounted stays which includes breakfast, two admission vouchers for two participating attractions including live performances at the Firehouse Theater, tours through Newport mansions, vineyard tours and wine tasting, and several museums.

Visitors traveling with the getaway package also receive a complimentary Newport gift and the official Newport Coupon Book with more than $500 worth of coupons for restaurants, shops and attractions.

 What better way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays than a few days to really enjoy the beauty of the season. Newport, with its sparkling decorations, spirited music, tasty tea and snacks, tree lightings, holiday gift making classes at the Newport Art Museum, visits with Santa and holiday concerts create a wonderland of wintertime fantasy.

If you go:

Mansion tours - A Winter Passport ticket provides daytime admission to The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House; $25 for adults, $9 for children 6-17. Individual mansion tour tickets also are available. Additional information can be found on www.NewportMansions.org.

The Victorian Christmas Feast at Beechwood - Reservations are required. Cost is $90-$100 per person. Wrapping up the holidays, visitors can ring in the New Year with the Beechwood Theatre Company at the New Year’s Gala held in the Beechwood ballroom.  Reservations are required. Additional information for all of events is available on www.AstorsBeechwood.com.

Rough Point - Tours are offered December 9, 16, and 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., every half hour. Admission is $10 adults, and $7 children 18 and under. Additional details on www.NewportRestoration.org.

Belcourt Castle - Performances are held December 3, 10 and 17 at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $35 adults, $30 seniors and $20 children. For additional information, visit www.BelcourtCastle.com.

Holiday Lantern Tour - Additional information is available at www.NewportHistorical.org.

For additional holiday event information, go to www.ChristmasInNewport.org.  For Winter Getaway Package details, visit www.GoNewport.com or call 1-800-976-5122.

Photos by, and courtesy of, Beth Ludwig, www.NewportMansions.org , www.GoNewport.com and www.SkateNewport.com.

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