Christmas trees, boats and lighthouses across the City-By-The-Sea are about to light up and fill the Newport air with holiday cheer. Here are several scheduled holiday lighting celebrations to put on your calendar;
Friday, November 24th from 4 pm to 8 pm
More than a dozen boats will be parading through Newport Harbor on Friday, November 24th during the Annual Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade. The parade is scheduled to start at 6:15 pm, with Bowen’s Wharf Block Party and other festivities taking place from 4 pm to 8 pm. Bowen’s Wharf boutiques and restaurants will be offering free hot cider, in-store specials and more alongside live music while the flotilla motors past.
The Landing and Lobster Bar will reopen for the evening festivities.
Boats will congregate at the causeway Newport Shipyard, then travel south into the channel past Bowen’s Wharf and the other wharves. They’ll turn west around Ann St. Pier near Ida Lewis then north up the east side of Goat Island and either go to Newport Yacht Club or back to their own moorings. For more information and updates, visit the Facebook Event.
Saturday, November 25th from 4 pm to 6 pm
The Courtyard on Thames will host their 3rd annual holiday tree lighting on Small Business Saturday from 4 p.m. – 6 pm. Duris Studios, Fatulli’s Downtown Cafe, and Blink Gallery invite you for a fun day of shopping and treats, ending with their tree lighting at sundown.
Saturday, November 25th from 5 pm to 6 pm
Join Vanderbilt Grace for the start of the festival season with the switch-on of their Christmas Tree lights and enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine mince pies at 5:00 PM. More Info
Saturday, November 25th from 5 pm to 8 pm
On Saturday, November 25th at 6 pm, Gurney’s Newport will host a lighting of their historic lighthouse, complete with carolers, hot chocolate (including a boozy option!), live music at the resort’s Regent Cocktail Club and of course undisturbed views of the famed Newport Bridge. Gurney’s welcomes guests, locals, adults, and kid’s alike to join in on the fun and start the holiday season off with a bang!
Friday, December 1st at 6:00 pm
Official Opening of Christmas in Newport at Washington Square. The night will feature a proclamation from the Mayor, tree lighting, Newport Artillery cannon salute and live entertainment. Free.
Saturday, December 2nd from 4:30 pm to 6 pm
Bowen’s Wharf invites you to bring the whole family to their 47th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, where you will see Frosty the Snowman, Santa, and Mrs. Claus for an evening of Christmas cheer! Make a day of it and check off that holiday gift list at our retail shops! Festivities begin at 4:30 pm with Frosty the Snowman! The Christmas Carol Sing-a-long begins at 5 pm, the Mayor lights the tree at 6 pm immediately followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat (weather permitting). Restaurants & shops are open before and after the event. More Info
Sunday, December 3rd from 11 am to 4 pm
Join the Broadway Business Association as they ring in the festive season with the Broadway Holiday Walk-About on Sunday, December 3rd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Carolers, jingle bikes & more will help get you into the spirit all while strolling along Broadway and enjoying the local restaurants & merchants of Broadway. There will be local and regional makers and merchants lining the sidewalk from Corner Cafe to Bike Newport for your shopping pleasure!
Dress as your favorite Christmas Character Contest!! Prize from Groom Room for BEST COSTUMED DOGGIE, a prize from Closet Revival for BEST DRESSED ADULT, and a prize for BEST DRESSED KID will be a gift certificate to Ben’s Chili Dogs!! All will lead up to the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree at 4:00 pm! More Info
Friday, December 8th at 5 pm
Newport Waterfront Events is ready to light downtown Newport’s beacon of seasonal cheer at their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Grand Opening on Friday, December 8th at 5 pm at the Newport Skating Center! Santa & The Elves, the Claiborne Pell Elementary School Choir, a skating performance by Island Skating Academy, the debut of their new concessions food truck, Gotta Q BBW, and DJ Nook spinning holiday classics are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed.
Skating follows until 9 pm with adult only skate from 9 pm to 11 pm. More Info