Christmas At The Newport Mansions Kicks Off This Month

NEWPORT, RI — It may not feel like Christmas this week as temperatures climb well above 70 degrees in Rhode Island, but the holiday celebrations at the Newport mansions are right around the corner. As with so much else, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a change in plans to keep visitors safe and socially distanced.

For the first time ever, the splendid Christmas decorations the preserved Gilded Age mansions are known for will spill outside The Breakers. Sparkling Lights at The Breakers will feature thousands of lights, colorful projections on the house's façade and more than two dozen decorated spruce trees. Santa's workshop will be set up in the Children's Cottage, which visitors can peek into from brightly illuminated paths. Lights will turn on at 4 p.m.

The Breakers will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 21 to Jan. 10. The house will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve. Only one ticket is required, which will include admission to the house tour and outdoor display.

The Elms will also be decked out for the holidays, open daily from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3.

Because of the pandemic, the usual holiday celebrations at the mansions, including visits from Santa and evenings of live music and refreshments will not be held this year.

Read more on the Preservation Society of Newport's website.