There’s something undeniably magical about December in Newport. As the days grow shorter and the harbor lights begin to sparkle, the City-by-the-Sea transforms into an elegant winter wonderland. For more than half a century, Christmas in Newport has celebrated the quieter, more meaningful spirit of the season through candlelit traditions, charitable giving, and thoughtfully curated events that highlight the beauty of our historic neighborhoods. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most beloved events of the 2025–2026 season to help you make the most of this special time of year.
Christmas in Newport
Christmas in Newport has been a beloved tradition since its founding in 1971. Initially conceived as a two-week celebration focused on the non-commercial spirit of the holiday season, the annual program is now marking its 55th year with activities scheduled nearly every day in December. Through a beautiful collaboration of residents, businesses, and the City of Newport, the entire community is illuminated. Clear, sparkling lights designed to simulate the candlelight of Christmases past, adorn the downtown area, scenic harbor, historic colonials of the Point and Historic Hill, and the Victorian mansions of Bellevue Avenue.
Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting
The holidays officially begin at the Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting on December 6, 2025! The celebration starts at 12:30 p.m. with entertainment and a visit from Santa. The main event happens at 6:00 p.m. when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat (weather permitting) to light the giant tree, officially ushering in Newport’s festive waterfront season.
Sip & Shop Local at Oceancliff Hotel
On December 4, OceanCliff hosts Sip & Shop, one of those cozy early-winter evenings that feels part social hour, part treasure hunt. From 4 to 7 p.m., the ballroom fills with local makers—jewelry that catches the light just right, soft layers you’ll want to live in, little pieces for the home that make you smile. You wander with a cocktail in hand, chat with the people who actually made the things you’re eyeing, maybe nibble on something warm. A $10 donation gets you in the door, along with two drinks and a few bites, with a cash bar if you decide to linger a bit longer.
Newport Holiday Lantern Tour
If you’re the type who likes your holidays with a little history, the lantern-lit tour through Newport’s old streets is a quiet delight. For an hour, you wander by the warm glow of handheld lanterns, hearing how earlier generations marked the season—simple traditions, winter rituals, stories tucked into centuries-old corners. It runs Friday through Sunday nights from mid-November to the end of December. More details are available through Newport History Tours.
Colony House Holiday Market
Tucked inside the historic Colony House on Washington Square, the Holiday Market is the kind of place you could happily wander for an afternoon. Open daily through December 14, the market is filled with local artisans, festive finds, and little treasures that feel made just for the season. This year, giving back is part of the fun: in partnership with the MLK Community Center, the Newport Historical Society is collecting non-perishable foods, toiletries, and toys for local families. Bring along a donation, and as a thank-you, you’ll get 10% off your market purchases. For a full list of welcomed donations, please visit https://mlkccenter.org/current-needs/.
Festive Elegance at the Newport Mansions
If there’s one place where the holidays feel a little larger than life, it’s inside Newport’s grand old mansions. From November 22 through New Year’s Day, The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer quietly slip into their most festive selves. Think rooms dressed in deep greens and reds, staircases draped in garlands, and Christmas trees (nearly 30 of them!) tucked into corners and standing proudly in great halls. At The Breakers, Mr. Vanderbilt’s whimsical tree, trimmed with tiny trains and top hats, is a particular delight. And then there’s the showstopper: a soaring 15-foot Christmas tree-shaped arrangement made entirely of poinsettias. It’s the kind of scene that makes you slow down, take a breath, and let the season sink in.
Newport Winter Foodies Stroll
For anyone who likes their holidays with a side of indulgence, the Newport Winter Foodies Stroll is a treat for the senses. Starting at 5:30 p.m., this guided evening stroll winds through the city’s favorite spots, with bites and sips at every turn. Guests begin with a welcome drink, then move from one thoughtfully paired appetizer and dinner course to the next, finishing with a dessert that’s worth savoring slowly. It’s a chance to explore Newport through its flavors, meet fellow food lovers, and toast to the season along the way. Tours run on the weekends of December 5–6 and 12–13, and resume every Friday and Saturday from January 23 through March 28, 2026.
Hot Chocolate Bar at the Chanler
On weekends from November through the end of December, The Chanler offers a little winter indulgence that’s hard to resist: a hot chocolate bar with a view of the Atlantic. The team starts with silky Valrhona chocolate from France, blends it with rich cream from Wright’s Dairy Farm, and lets you customize it just the way you like—pure and velvety, or with a grown-up twist. Whether you sip it by the fire pit or while gazing out along the Cliff Walk, it’s the kind of drink that slows you down, warms your hands, and makes a chilly afternoon feel like a treat worth savoring.
Newport Polar Bear Plunge
Ring in 2026 with a daring dip at the 22nd Annual Polar Plunge Challenge, where brave participants take the plunge at Newport’s Easton’s Beach (First Beach) at 12:00 p.m. sharp on January 1. Known as “Freezin’ For A Reason,” this exhilarating event supports A Wish Come True, with every dollar raised going toward granting heartfelt wishes for local children facing life-threatening illnesses across Southern New England. Whether you dive in or cheer from the sand, your participation directly helps bring magic to these families.
Newport Winter Festival
The Newport Winter Festival is back for its 38th year, and ten days in February are packed with enough music, family fun, and seasonal festivities to make the heart of winter feel a little brighter. From February 13–22, 2026, you can wander from one event to the next, catching performances, trying hands-on activities, and soaking up the city’s winter charm. Grab a Winter Festival Bracelet to unlock special discounts and make the most of every celebration. It’s the perfect way to dive into the season, enjoy the city, and savor all the little moments that make Newport in winter so memorable.
Save the Bay Seal Watch Tours
Witness the charm of winter in Newport by joining Save The Bay’s Seal Watch Tours through April 26 (weekends primarily). These tours depart from Perrotti Park and focus on the migratory harbor seals that visit Narragansett Bay during the cooler months. The one-hour Seal Tour takes you to Citing Rock for prime viewing, accompanied by history lessons. Or upgrade to the Seal & Lighthouse Tour for a two-hour journey that also features a unique chance to walk around the historic Rose Island Lighthouse.
Newport Burger Bender
Get ready for a delicious competition! The Newport Burger Bender, the city’s highly anticipated “best burger” contest, returns for ten days of savory fun from February 13 to February 22, 2026. Local restaurants are throwing down the gauntlet, creating over 50 unique burgers in hopes of taking the crown. Whether your favorite is classic beef, an adventurous non-beef creation (like seafood or bison), or plant-based, there’s a contender for every palate. Try as many as you can, then cast your vote to help decide the ultimate champion!
Fermentation Class
Forty 1° North in Newport, RI hosts an engaging Fermentation Class every Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for $45 per person. This wine-tasting experience is held at the Oval Bar, where guests explore the art of fermentation through different wines. Each weekly session features five expertly selected wines based on a special theme or region, which are thoughtfully paired with five curated small food bites. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular class, as it frequently sells out.
Whether you’re seeking classic holiday traditions in the heart of Newport or looking to explore new seasonal experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate winter in the City-by-the-Sea. Interested in learning more about living in Rhode Island? Let’s chat.
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