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Luxury Lifestyle: The Newport Mansions Decorated for Christmas

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The Newport Mansions at Christmas

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Scenes from the Gilded Age

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.

Their lifestyle was supported by behind-the-scene efforts of a large domestic staff catering to their every need. Tours showcasing little-seen servant areas (“Beneath the Breakers“) and servant stories (“Servant Life“) give fascinating detail. (Tip: These tours are on a limited basis, so I recommend getting tickets in advance.)

Holiday evenings at the mansions are alive with entertainment, complete with Christmas Carolers, Dinner Dances, Nutcracker Performances, and Bands of the era.

I’ve toured the mansions on several occasions (they are a little more than an hour from my hometown), but this was the first time I visited the Newport Mansions at Christmas time. Let me just say, I wasn’t disappointed. The mansions are beautifully decked out for the holidays through January 1st. (Photo Gallery follows.)

RELATED:  If you’re headed to New England over the holidays, find out what to pack for a winter trip to New England. [Free Printable Checklist]

The Breakers

The Breakers was the Vanderbilt family’s summer “cottage,” located in Newport, Rhode Island. It is considered the grandest of the Newport mansions. The 70-room, 5-floor structure is now a museum managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County.

The Breakers - Newport RI | Resplendent with marble, gilded walls, architectural craftsmanship and an impressive art collection, The Breakers itself occupies about 1-acre, and is situated upon a 14-acre property with waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a throw back to a grand time, indeed — the magnificent Gilded Age!
The 70-room, 5-floor structure is now a house museum managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Resplendent with marble, gilded walls, architectural craftsmanship and an impressive art collection, The Breakers itself occupies about 1-acre and is situated upon a 14-acre property with waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a throwback to a grand time, indeed — the magnificent Gilded Age!
The Breakers - Newport RI | The wrought iron gates welcoming guests to The Breakers are tastefully decorated with wreaths for the holiday season. The gates, weighing 5,000 pounds each, are works of art in themselves, topped by an ornate crown piece. They were recently restored to their original grandeur.
The wrought iron gates welcoming guests to The Breakers are tastefully decorated with wreaths for the holiday season. The gates, weighing 5,000 pounds each, are works of art in themselves, topped by an ornate crown piece. They were recently restored to their original grandeur.
The Breakers - Newport RI | Four immense chandeliers adorn The Grand Hall of The Breakers mansion. They are suspended from soaring ceilings and flanked by layers of gilded crown molding. It’s easy to imagine the hundreds of elegant guests gathering here for one of the Vanderbilts’ large parties.
Four immense chandeliers adorn The Grand Hall of The Breakers mansion. They are suspended from soaring ceilings and flanked by layers of gilded crown molding. It’s easy to imagine the hundreds of elegant guests gathering here for one of the Vanderbilts’ large parties.
The Breakers - Newport RI | A bronze cherub is poised beside a soaring tree made of poinsettias in the Great Hall of The Breakers Newport mansion.
A bronze cherub is poised beside a soaring tree made of poinsettias in the Great Hall of The Breakers Newport mansion.
The Breakers - Newport RI | A vintage angel heralds the Christmas Season atop one of many festive fireplace mantels at The Breakers.
A vintage angel heralds the Christmas Season atop one of many festive fireplace mantels at The Breakers.
The Breakers - Newport RI | Vibrant holiday decorations surround the Campan marble fireplace of the gilded Music Room, once used for recitals and dances.
Vibrant holiday decorations surround the Campan marble fireplace of the gilded Music Room, once used for recitals and dances.
RELATED: Discover more Festive Holiday Events at Mandarin Oriental in nearby Boston, Massachusetts.

[bctt tweet=”Visiting the Newport Mansions is one of my favorite holiday past times…Great events on tap this year! ??? #newportri #newportmansions #rhodeisland @NewportMansions @DscvrNewport” username=”enjoytravellif1″]One Mansion, Thirty Christmas Trees!

beautiful Christmas tree in Newport mansion
Opposite the fireplace, the Music Room is aglow for the holidays, complete with a red-themed Christmas tree.
The Breakers - Newport RI | Festive glass ornaments and other baubles adorn one of thirty magnificent Christmas trees during the holidays at The Breakers mansion.
Festive glass ornaments and other baubles adorn one of thirty magnificent Christmas trees during the holidays at The Breakers mansion.
The Breakers - Newport RI | The Dining Room of The Breakers features twelve Corinthian columns, 18-, 22-, and 24-karat gilded walls, and an elaborate ceiling fresco. Two baccarat crystal chandeliers shimmer from above. Surely more than a few elite and famous guests have dined in the opulence of this majestic room.
The Dining Room of The Breakers features twelve Corinthian columns, 18-, 22-, and 24-karat gilded walls, and an elaborate ceiling fresco. Two Baccarat crystal chandeliers shimmer from above. Surely more than a few elite and famous guests have dined in the opulence of this majestic room.
The Breakers - Newport RI | A vintage stuffed horse and an old-fashioned Saint Nicholas at The Breaks bring good cheer to children visiting The Newport Mansions at Christmas.
A vintage stuffed horse and an old-fashioned Saint Nicholas at The Breaks bring good cheer to children visiting The Newport Mansions at Christmas.

Luxury Lifestyle

The Breakers - Newport RI | Mr. Vanderbilt’s stately bedroom on the second floor of The Breakers, his summer “cottage,” no doubt offered a comfortable repose at day’s end.
Mr. Vanderbilt’s stately bedroom on the second floor of The Breakers, his summer “cottage,” no doubt offered a comfortable repose at day’s end.
The Breakers - Newport RI | A luxurious bathtub at The Breakers, carved from a single slab of marble and weighing almost one ton, offered the ultimate in relaxation. Four spigots ran hot and cold salt and fresh water. The salt water was piped in from the Atlantic Ocean and considered therapeutic.
A luxurious bathtub at The Breakers, carved from a single slab of marble and weighing almost one ton, offered the ultimate in relaxation. Four spigots ran hot and cold salt and freshwater. The saltwater was piped in from the Atlantic Ocean and considered therapeutic.
The Breakers - Newport RI | The rear facing rooms of The Breakers Newport mansion offers views of the manicured property leading up to the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliff Walk follows the perimeter, dividing the two.
The rear-facing rooms of The Breakers Newport mansion offer views of the manicured property leading up to the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliff Walk follows the perimeter, dividing the two.

Behind the Scenes

The Breakers - Newport RI | Diffused light pours through grand windows of the hallway leading into the kitchen of The Breakers. One assumes this area was frequented by staff alone, but with such exquisite woodwork and turned rails, who would mind?
Diffused light pours through grand windows of the hallway leading into the kitchen of The Breakers. One assumes this area was frequented by staff alone, but with such exquisite woodwork and turned rails, who would mind?
Copper pots and fruit bowls in the Newport Mansion's luxury kitchen
The Breakers - Newport RI | A tray of expertly decorated sugar cookies are strewn with red ribbon by the Pastry Chef and ready to be hung on a Christmas tree. I bet they’re delicious!
A tray of expertly decorated sugar cookies are strewn with red ribbon by the Pastry Chef and ready to be hung on a Christmas tree. I bet they’re delicious!

Rosecliff Mansion

Architecturally inspired by The Grand Trianon (the garden retreat at Versailles commissioned by Louis XIV), Newport’s Rosecliff mansion is on a smaller scale yet no less grand.

Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | The entryway of Rosecliff features an open-air colonnade, paired ionic columns, second story pilasters, and a roofline balustrade.
The entryway of Rosecliff features an open-air colonnade, paired ionic columns, second story pilasters, and a roofline balustrade.
Sweeping staircase at Rosecliff with rich carpeting and ornate ironwork.
Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | This curvaceous stairway as seen from the landing above is an elegant combination of art and engineering!
This curvaceous stairway as seen from the landing above is an elegant combination of art and engineering!

Largest Private Ballroom in Newport, RI

Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | Rosecliff is home to Newport's largest private Ballroom, at 40 x 80 feet. With two massive chandeliers suspended from a coffered ceiling, gleaming wood floors, a gothic fireplace, and a string of arch-headed windows overlooking the front gardens, it's simply magnificent. And, did I mention the 8-acre manicured property offers stunning ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean? Yup, fairytale wedding venue, for sure.
Rosecliff is home to Newport’s largest private Ballroom, at 40 x 80 feet. With two massive chandeliers suspended from a coffered ceiling, gleaming wood floors, a gothic fireplace, and a string of arch-headed windows overlooking the front gardens, it’s simply magnificent. And, did I mention the 8-acre manicured property offers stunning ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean? Yup, fairytale wedding venue, for sure.
Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | Natural light pours into the Ballroom through large windows, which give view to the lush formal gardens gracing the entrance. On the opposite side of the Ballroom, more windows overlook the adjacent canopied terrace. Steps lead from there down to the back grounds overlooking the Atlantic ocean beyond.
Natural light pours into the Ballroom through large windows, which give view to the lush formal gardens gracing the entrance. On the opposite side of the Ballroom, more windows overlook the adjacent canopied terrace. Steps lead from there down to the back grounds overlooking the Atlantic ocean beyond.

Hers & His

Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | The Salon, decorated with a lighted Christmas tree amidst French Renaissance decor, was a comfortable receiving area for the lady of the house's guests. Here, a working, carved Gothic fireplace provided ambiance as well as heat in addition to the mansion's central heating. A large portrait of the home's hostess, Theresa "Tessi" Oelrichs, oversees the room.
The Salon, decorated with a lighted Christmas tree amidst French Renaissance decor, was a comfortable receiving area for the lady of the house’s guests. Here, a working, carved Gothic fireplace provided ambiance as well as heat in addition to the mansion’s central heating. A large portrait of the home’s hostess, Theresa “Tessi” Oelrichs, oversees the room.
Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | The rich woodwork and masculine decor of this room were intended for the gentlemen of Rosecliff mansion. A model ship and fine art collection might have been worthy discussion pieces while enjoying the finest of cigars.
The rich woodwork and masculine decor of this room were intended for the gentlemen of Rosecliff mansion. A model ship and fine art collection might have been worthy discussion pieces while enjoying the finest of cigars.

Relaxing in Style

Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | A gilded desk occupies a corner of this spacious bedroom, one of three located on the second floor of Rosecliff mansion. Each bedroom is filled with lovely furniture, artifacts of the day, and fine art. As a writer, no doubt I could become well acquainted with this inviting creative space.
A gilded desk occupies a corner of this spacious bedroom, one of three located on the second floor of Rosecliff mansion. Each bedroom is filled with lovely furniture, artifacts of the day, and fine art. As a writer, no doubt I could become well acquainted with this inviting creative space.
Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | Vintage books--one with a marbled edge--are stacked and ready for the bedroom guest's repose.
Vintage books–one with a marbled edge–are stacked and ready for the bedroom guest’s repose.
Rosecliff Mansion - Newport RI | Perhaps a tasty nightcap before retiring? Every amenity is covered in this lavish bedroom retreat.
Perhaps a tasty nightcap before retiring? Every amenity is covered in this lavish bedroom retreat.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Newport Mansions at Christmas time. It’s one of my favorite Christmas trips in the US and puts me in a festive spirit!

What is your favorite tidbit of information about the Newport Mansions and/or life in The Gilded Age? Let me know in the comments below or by emailing me. I’d love to hear from you.

Special thanks go to The Newport Preservation Society in Newport, Rhode Island for their generosity. This article is part of a sponsored collaboration between The Newport Preservation Society and Enjoy Travel Life. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. For more information, please see the following Disclosure. 

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52 thoughts on “Luxury Lifestyle: The Newport Mansions Decorated for Christmas”

  1. Wow these mansions look awesome, especially decorated for Christmas. I usually love visiting castles, and these mansions look like exactly the kind of places I love to explore. Those Christmas cookies wrapped and ready to be hung on the Christmas tree are gorgeous. What a lovely thing to do in the holiday season.

  2. Ok, hands down, that is the fanciest bathtub I’ve ever seen, and I enjoy a spot of luxury when I travel! Rhode Island is one state I’ve yet to travel to when in the US, and these Newport Mansions are incredibly beautiful! I love the grandeur of it all, and can imagine how special this location is when having a big celebration!

    • I am a huge fan of soaking tubs! This one in the mansion even runs hot and cold *salt* water from the Atlantic. Can you even imagine? Great place! Hope you get out to Rhode Island some time. It’s got a lot to offer, including the Newport Mansions.

  3. Great photos thanks for sharing! I took a stroll around the mansions this past year and had no idea I could go inside. Will surely be back to check them out.

  4. I visited these mansions a couple of years ago during the summer. They were extraordinary. However, I’d love to see them with these Xmas decorations and all those Xmas trees! Wow! The photos make you feel like you could imagine what Xmas was like for these families (had they chose to spend Xmas here).

    • So many trees! Even though the mansions were summer homes, I’ve often wondered the same. How incredible it would have been for children to wake up to presents beneath one of those trees. I’m sure there were a few. 😉

  5. Wow! These mansions are beautiful! The details you shared are so stunning. I would love to go see these beauties next time I’m in RI!

    • Everywhere I looked, there were beautiful things! Easy to capture them under those circumstances. (Thank you.) Yes, definitely add it as a stop on your RI Bucket List. The Newport Mansions are a must see at least one time in your life.

  6. The mansions are so luxurious and grand, even down to the wrought iron gates! Love how they’re decorated with the holiday decorations. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the history and the facts for each mansion. Each room in The Breakers are beautiful and I can just imagine the Vanderbilt family retreating here during those summer months.

    • The Vanderbilt family really spared no expense with every little detail, as you say. Each mansion is its own work of art! (I bet they were cool in the summer months with all that marble, too!) Glad you enjoyed reading about the Newport Mansions.

  10. The Christmas decor in this place with the architecture.. I am in heaven. I want to design my house like this lol! I will definitely have to check it out if I am ever in the area. It sounds like you had an amazing time!

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