Explore the captivating charm of Newport, Rhode Island. Discover historic mansions, breathtaking beaches, delicious seafood, and vibrant coastal scenery.
Newport in the winter is magical. That’s because you’ll enjoy so many festive things to do in Newport RI in the winter. You might think of it as a summer destination (and it is), but today we are reframing this fabulous coastal destination in New England to share the best Newport activities for winter. Here are 33 of our favorites, below.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated in November 2023 to keep it fresh and up to date.
Each year, the Newport Mansions put on a festive celebration to usher in the holiday season. Christmas trees and lavish decorations festoon the mansions, once homes to prominent families of Newport, Rhode Island. You’ll find Nutcracker performances, dinner parties, and music events that lead right up to New Year’s Eve.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission every time you make a qualifying purchase through one of my affiliate links (if applicable) at no additional cost to you.
A visit to Newport, Rhode Island is incomplete without seeing the Newport Mansions at Christmas. There are ten incredible estates that The Preservation Society of Newport County maintains year-round. Guests may explore independently or follow guided tours by a headset.
Of course, the mansions are a “must-see” at any time of year, and especially nice as part of a romantic getaway to Rhode Island.
Through the holiday season, though, four mansions are open daily to visitors: The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, and Marble House. Each was once a private residence for the well-to-do, including famous families like the Vanderbilts, who retreated to the mansions’ grandeur along the cool shores of Rhode Island for summer months.