What’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport: December 1

Official Opening of Christmas in Newport, 6:00 p.m., Washington Sq. Features proclamation from the Mayor, tree lighting, Newport Artillery cannon salute, live entertainment. Free. 849-6454. www.christmasinnewport.org
Newport Historical Society’s Holiday Open House, 4-6 p.m., Tour the Colony House before the Christmas in Newport official opening ceremony. Enjoy the sounds of 18th-century caroling performed by costumed interpreters. Learn the origins of the songs and where they would have been sung. Donations welcome. 846-0813 and 841-8770.
Rogues and Scoundrels Walking Tour, 10:30 a.m., Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street. See where scoundrels lived, pirates profited and criminals were punished. Find out why this colony was known as “Rogue’s Island.” Reservations Suggested. Walk in space may not be available. $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID. Weather permitting. Reservations: 841-8770.
Victorian Boutique, Edward King House, 35 King St. 2-7 p.m. Unique gifts for the most discerning tastes, estate sale items, fine china, jewelry, and many one of kind items. Free. 846-7426. www.edwardkinghouse.org
The Salve Regina Univ. Madrigal Chorus performs at Seamen’s Church Institute, 4 p.m., 18 Market Sq. Free. 847-4260. www.seamansnewport.org
Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Thursday, December 14th to enter. Judging takes place on Friday the 15th. Register your home or business at info@christmasinnewport.org. Categories are: Residential, Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast and Commercial. Please List Category, Name, Address and DOOR COLOR. Please use natural materials/decorations.

Saturday, December 2nd

2017 Newport Holiday Stroll

9 am – Breakfast with Santa at Naval Station Newport MWR

9 am to 12:30 pm – Middletown Aquidneck Growers Market at Newport Vineyards

9 am to 2 pm – St Mark Church Jamestown Christmas Festival

10 am – UnDecked Halls at Rough Point

10 am to 4 pm – Holiday Spectacular Artisan Craft Fair at Newport Elks Lodge

12 pm to 2 pm – Beach Cleanup at Hull Cove in Jamestown

12 pm – Santa’s Workshop at Easton’s Beach

2 pm, 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Three Billboards at Jane Pickens Theater

2:30 pm – Free Family Fun: Caroling, Crafting & More at Emmanuel Church

3 pm to 5 pm – Salve Orchestra Christmas Concert at Casino Theater

4 pm to 5 pm – Holiday Lantern Tour at Museum & Shop at Brick Market

4:30 pm to 6 pm – Bowen’s Wharf Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

6 pm – Dashing Through The Snow at Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant

6 pm to 8 pm – Holiday Evening with New England Brass Band – Big British Brass band sound at The Breakers

6:30 pm – Dickens Christmas Dinner Train at Portsmouth Junction Station

8 pm – Live improv comedy with The Bit Players at The Firehouse Theater

8 pm to 10 pm – Barrel of Laughs Comedy Show: Brian Beaudoin at Newport Vineyards

8 pm – Notes from New England: New England Composers Old and New at United Congressional Church in Middletown

9 pm – 41st Annual Governor’s Ball at Ochre Court

Christmas In Newport Calendar Of Events – Saturday, December 2nd

17th Annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale, 9-12 p.m., Rotunda at Easton’s Beach. Christmas wreaths and table top decorations created by designers, artists, gardeners and florists from the community. Also gourmet sweets bake sale. All proceeds go to Lucy’s Hearth.
Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Thursday, December 14th to enter. Judging takes place on Friday the 15th. Register your home or business at info@christmasinnewport.org. Categories are: Residential, Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast and Commercial. Please List Category, Name, Address and DOOR COLOR. Please use natural materials/decorations.
Annual Newport Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Shopping Event, 9 a.m-4 p.m. At the Middletown Knights of Columbus Hall, 7 Valley Rd, Middletown. Handiwork and Craftsmanship of local artisans and employees. Bake Sale and Raffle. Proceeds will support Auxiliary patient programs. Free Addmission. 845-1638.
Undecked Halls: Behind the Scenes at Doris Duke’s Mansion in Winter, Rough Point, 10a.m. – 3 p.m., 680 Bellevue Ave. Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Tours offered every ½ hour. Adults $15, children under 12 Free. 846-4152 x122. www.newportrestoration.org
Holiday Stroll on Bellevue Ave., 10 a.m. – 5p.m. Stroll Bellevue Shopping District and enjoy holiday carolers, refreshments and special store promotions along the Avenue. www.BellevueShoppingDistrict.com
Golden to Gilded Walking Tour, 10:30 a.m., Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street. From Newport’s Colonial Golden Age to Gilded Age summer colony, discover the transformation of the city and its people. Reservations Suggested. Walk in space may not be available. $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID. Weather permitting. Reservations: 841-8770.
Discover Colonial Newport Walking Tour, 10:30 a.m., Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street. Hear stories of religious diversity and entrepreneurship during Newport’s colonial era. Reservations Suggested. Walk in space may not be available. $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID. Weather permitting. Reservations Reservations: 841-8770.
Santa’s Workshop, noon-3 p.m. Easton’s Beach Rotunda Ballroom, 175 Memorial Blvd. Crafts, goodie bag, Visit with Santa, 2 rides on Carousel, 1 ride on mini train and decorate cookies. $5 per child. 845-5800.www.cityofnewport.com/departments/recreation/recreation-activities
Christmas Cards for Mariners, 2-4 p.m., Seamen’s church Institute, 18 Market Sq. Drop in to warm up with hot chocolate and write a Christmas card to men and women serving on the seas this Christmas. Free. 847-4260. www.seamansnewport.org
Newport County Orchestra Concert, 3 p.m., Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody St. Classical and holiday music sponsored by the Salve Regina University Music Dept. $8 admission, $5 seniors, students. 401-341-2297, or email: davispa@salve.edu.
Newport Holiday Lantern Walking Tour, 4 p.m., Departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street. Hear the history of early American holiday traditions on an evening walking tour. Learn how colonial Newporters recognized (or didn’t) the holidays. Reservations Recommended. Walk in space may not be available. $15/adults; $10/NHS members and active duty military with ID. $5 children ages 5 – 12. Weather permitting. Reservations: 841-8770.
47th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting and Open House, America’s Cup Ave., Frosty the Snowman and caroling starting at 4:30p.m. Santa and tree lighting. Free. (401) 849-3478. info@bowenswharf.com
Swanhurst Winter Concert, 8 p.m. United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown Admission $15. For tickets or more information, www.Swanhurst.org

Sunday, December 3rd

2017 Newport Holiday Stroll

11 am – Dashing Through The Snow at Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant

11 am to 4 pm – Broadway Holiday Walk-About

1 pm – Exhibition On Screen: Canaletto & The Art Of Venice at Jane Pickens Theater

1 pm – Sparkling Wines of Moet Hennessy Tasting at Spiced Pear at The Chanler at Cliff Walk

2 pm to 4 pm – Christmas Cookie Decorating at Vanderbilt Grace

4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Three Billboards at Jane Pickens Theater

Christmas In Newport Calendar Of Events – Sunday, December 3rd

Christmas at Whitehall Museum House, 2-4 p.m., Whitehall Museum House, 311 Berkeley Ave., Middletown. Enjoy wassial and Christmas treats while viewing 18th century Whitehall by candlelight. Sponsored by the Colonial Dames of R. I. Free, donations welcome. 401-848-2351. www.WhitehallMuseumHouse.org
Visit with Santa Claus at the Breakers noon-3 p.m., 44 Ochre Point Ave. The Jolly old elf will visit with children and hear their Christmas wish list. Refreshments. Regular daytime admission. For info 847-1000. www.newportmansions.org
Newport Community Band Holiday Concert, 3 p.m., Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody St. SRU Newport Community Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Flute Ensemble performing holiday favorites. Admission $8, $5 seniors, students. 401-341-2295, or email: davisp@salve.edu.
Joint Advent Service of Lessons and Carols (incense free) 5 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Washington and Willow Sts., Advent carols with congregational hymns, sung by the combined choirs of St. John’s Church, Emmanuel Church, with the professional choristers of the Choir School of Newport. Free will offering. Child Friendly for ages 5 and up. 401-848-2561. www.saintjohns-newport.org
Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Thursday, December 14th to enter. Judging takes place on Friday the 15th. Register your home or business at info@christmasinnewport.org. Categories are: Residential, Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast and Commercial. Please List Category, Name, Address and DOOR COLOR. Please use natural materials/decorations.