In the gilded Newport mansions, Christmas lasts all month long

Come along with Yankee magazine as we explore the holiday season in one of New England’s most iconic towns. Whether it’s an exciting visit with Santa, a charming stroll through the shops along the wharf, or a late-night tour through the Newport of Christmas past, there’s something here to kindle the holiday spirit in all of us.

The historic seaport town of Newport, Rhode Island is famous for yacht racing, summer concerts, and gilded-age mansions, including one that lays claim to hosting Jennifer Lawrence’s wedding. But Newport isn’t just a summer destination. Once winter sets in, holiday displays light up the town like an enchanted village during a month-long Christmas festival that’s produced by more than 1,500 volunteers, and includes concerts, tours, and craft fairs. Since 1971, festival organizers, home owners, and small businesses have worked to light up everything from window panes to wharf posts. A walk along the harbor is busy and bright with chowder houses, bars, shops, and galleries alight in holiday displays. But Christmas in Newport has a much longer history, thanks, in part, to Clement Clarke Moore. You might not recognize the name, but he is the author of one of the most famous Christmas poems ever written: “The Night Before Christmas.” Moore spent his summers in a Victorian home nestled within walking distance of the bustling Newport waterfront, bringing a happy, Santa-centric holiday spirit to the town. Of course, Newport had a number of famous and wealthy summer residents who built lavish estates filled with art and fine furnishings. Breathtakingly gorgeous as they are, Christmas truly brings out the beauty of these homes. You’ll find artfully trimmed trees, draped mantels, and cheerfully-set banquet tables alongside 18th-century British portraiture, 16th-century Flemish tapestries, and even a few Santa hats on the sculptures.

Take a lantern tour of Christmas past or immerse yourself in a longstanding traditional ballet like you’ve never experienced before. All the details are in Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island in Yankee’s New England Holiday Special Collection!

Lantern tours and decorated mansions are just the beginning of Christmas in Newport. For the young (and young at heart), you won’t want to miss a sing-along with Frosty the Snowman, the lighting of a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, or the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Clause by boat. Boats also take center stage for a boat parade along the waterfront, accompanied by live music, and plenty of special deals at local shops. With all this activity, you’ll need to recharge, and Newport is home to wonderfully-appointed historic inns and restaurants. Eat at a tavern dating back to 1673 and spend the night at a boutique inn constructed as a brick mansion in 1760. Buy a ticket underneath the vintage marquee and take in a holiday movie at a theater built in 1834. Or enjoy the beauty of the bay from the grounds of an 1842 lighthouse. In all, there are more than 70 holiday events and activities ready to make merry with you all month long. Dazzling Christmas trees, constellations of ornaments, holiday strolls with in-store performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite jolly elf make Christmas in Newport a destination for the entire family. Your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership opens the doors to a magical Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island, and a gorgeous holiday wherever you are in New England. Find out how to make the most of the season with Yankee’s New England Holiday Special Collection. Find out where to celebrate in Boston. Discover festive communities in Vermont. Book your stay at one of our favorite B&Bs, or stroll through some of the best holiday light displays in New England. Let Yankee’s New England Holiday Special Collection bring the magic of the season to your home.

Discover the wonders of New England with this special holiday collection, full of hand-picked events and activities perfectly made for a joyous holiday season. Start reading right now, for FREE, with your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership!

Don’t miss this New England Holiday Special Collection. With your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership, you’ll have full access to everything in this collection, including:

• Best 5 Holiday Shopping Towns in New England, an essential guide to finding one-of-a-kind treasures and old-time merriment
• Your guide to New England’s artisans and creative entrepreneurs, in the Best Holiday Craft Fairs in New England
• A look back at why New England is such a special place to be during the Christmas season, in 5 Classic Christmas Stories from the Yankee Archives.
• The Best 5 B&Bs for the Holidays, where you can find the perfect spot to get away and revive your seasonal spirit

[preview_boilerplate]