But for those who'd just as soon avoid the throngs of summer, there's another "most wonderful time of the year" to visit Newport. During the holiday season, Newport's famous, ostentatious mansions are even more enchanting when adorned with lush greenery, baubles and bows. The Preservation Society of Newport County, which operates 10 of these historic properties, always selects a few of its prized properties to decorate and open for holiday season tours, and other privately owned and operated mansions get into the spirit, as well.
My Mansions Aglow article has details on traveling to Newport during the Christmas season, but if you can't get to Rhode Island to see the sparkling sights, I'll take you there virtually with this photo gallery. Either start from the beginning and come along on a virtual tour of Beechwood, The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms (we'll get to see Santa Claus, too!), or select from the photo links below to "sightsee" on your own.
Christmas in Newport Photo Gallery
The Astors' Beechwood
Welcome to Beechwood
All Decked Out
Flowers and Fire
Delicate Touches
The Gentlemen's Room
A Majestic Tree
Pretty in Peach
A View from a Room
Caroling, Caroling
The Breakers
The Grandest Tree
Another Look
A Shimmering Glow
A Sunlit Tree
Quite a Cottage
A Last Lingering Look
Marble House
A "Temple to the Arts"
Who Says Christmas Trees Have to Be Green?
Merry Mannequins
By the Chimney with Care...
Santa Claus!
The Elms
Red and Green
Not One But THREE Christmas Trees
A Priceless Gem
