Newport Mansions Decked Out for Christmas Newport, Rhode Island, offers an unparalleled array of historic homes to explore this holiday season. And, without summer's restaurant lines and crowded beaches, Newport is perhaps an even more charming and peaceful getaway this time of year.
Three mansions operated by The Preservation Society of Newport County officially open for the holiday season on November 15, 2008. The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House will be decorated and open daily through January 4, 2009. Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at The Elms and Marble House; The Breakers opens at 9 a.m. Plan to arrive before 4 p.m., when the final tour begins at each property. The houses are closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the 3 p.m. tour will be the last tour of the day at all three mansions.
Special Winter Passport tickets are available at any one of the houses, or they can be purchased online. This combination ticket for admission to all three houses is $25 for adults and $9 for children ages 6 to 17. Purchased separately, admission to The Breakers is $16.50 for adults, $4 for children 6-17. Tickets to view Marble House or The Elms are $11 for adults and $4 for children 6-17. Call 401-847-1000 for more information.
For an extra special treat, plan to visit Newport's mansions during one of five special "Holiday Evenings at The Breakers" featuring live holiday music and elegant refreshments. The five "Holiday Evenings" are slated for Saturdays, November 22 and 29 and December 6, 13 and 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door (if tickets remain) for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 17.
Other special Christmas events planned at these three historic homes include visits from Santa Claus, a Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers and performances by local musical groups at The Breakers on select weekend afternoons.
My favorite Newport mansion to visit during the Christmas season is The Astors' Beechwood Mansion (pictured above), where actors portray the mansion's former occupants and visitors. The "living history" Christmas tours allow visitors to interact with the "characters" while touring the mansion and its fabulous Christmas decorations. At the end of each tour, the cast invites visitors to join in caroling and vintage dances.
A schedule of daytime Christmas tours from November 5 through December 30, 2008 is available at the Beechwood Web site. Tour admission is $20 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children ages 5 and younger. A family rate of $50 is available for two adults and up to four children under 18. Reservations are strongly suggested; call 401-846-3772.
The Astors' Beechwood Mansion will also offer you a chance to partake of a Victorian Christmas Feast this holiday season. This three-hour event features a multi-course catered dinner, a tour of the festively decorated home, singing, Victorian dancing and a few surprises. Dates for this special dining event are available online. Tickets are $125 for all performances. Reservations are required and may be made online or by calling 401-846-3772.
If you go... Newport County Inns and Bed &Breakfasts Association, a consortium of Newport inns and B&Bs, is a tremendous resource for selecting one of the many cozy inns or hospitable bed and breakfast lodgings, such as The George Champlin Mason House or Cliffside Inn, from a wide array--most available at off-season rates! Inns of Newport operates five classic Newport inns that are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or, the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau provides information about Newport Holiday Getaway Packages.
Turn to my Newport Necessities Travel Guide for more resources that will help you plan your visit.
Next page > Christmas in Newport: A Photo Gallery >
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