Get Your Holiday(s) On! Festive Newport

So much happening in the city by the sea – the city we love – and so many love from all around the world. The Newport shops and vendors go all out to delight in December. Rather than being closed up and desolate in the cold winter holiday time, Newport sparkles with so much to do. And – if we do say so ourselves, it is one of the most romantic places to go for the holidays. So, whether you are a Rhode Islander, or coming to visit, look into all there is to do and see – and don’t forget the off-the-beaten path of inns and “watering holes” with fireplaces, romance, and some meaning-for-the-season.

The Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. The day after Thanksgiving – Friday, Nov. 29^th, 6pm – the 22nd annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. All boats can participate but you must register by noon on the 29^th by calling Newport Harbormaster Tim Mills at 401-845-5815. The official start will be at the Newport Yacht Club. Boats will then travel south along the downtown waterfront and turn around to return to the Goat Island area. Participants and spectators are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. A donation box will be set up inside the Newport Yacht Club. Any organization, business or boat owner that would like to participate in the boat parade just be sure to call the Harbormaster. In case of questionable weather, there will be a recorded message with updates. There is a wonderful Block Party on Bowen’s Wharf, too, in conjunction with this event.

The Newport Car Museum will also host a discounted day the day after Thanksgiving – celebrate Black Friday in a different way – use your AAA Discount on November 29^th and receive a discounted admission price of $12. A great idea for a family excursion on the day after Thanksgiving. (Museum closed Thanksgiving Day.) More info here: https://newportcarmuseum.org

Gurneys Newport Resort & Marina, at 1 Goat Island, Newport, will have a host of activities. The festivities join the already open skating rink, and on Saturday, November 30^th at 5pm, there will be a lighting of the historic lighthouse, complete with carolers, spiked cider, live music, skating by the sea, and more. Guests, locals, families and children are all welcome to join.  You can check out their deep discounts on Cyber Monday, too – more info here:  https://www.gurneysresorts.com/newport

Christmas at the Newport Mansions & Santa Sundays. Most of the mansions are full of activities, tours, and events.  Go here for individual dates, times and activities – and don’t miss dates for Santa Sundays! For information on the Preservation Society of Newport County mansions go to: www.newportmansions.org

Christmas in Newport – 49^th Annual – Don’t miss the Newport Mansions that are all gussied up for the holidays and a zillion other activities – they are all on the calendar at the Christmas in Newport website with an interactive calendar:  http://www.christmasinnewport.org

Newport Holiday Stroll – December 6th – Join us for the 4th Annual Newport Holiday Stroll to enjoy shopping, dining and festive activities you will only find in the City-by-the-sea! Details on their Facebook page.

Discover Newport is always a source of all things Newport – from places to stay, restaurants, events, and more – go to: https://www.discovernewport.org

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