Newport, RI – Bowen’s Wharf will certainly live up to its nickname as “The Anchor of Newport” this holiday season.
This year the Bowen’s Wharf Merchants Association is sponsoring a spectacular holiday shopping spree. Starting with the day after Thanksgiving, Bowen’s Wharf businesses offer a fresh take on Black Friday and a way to dance off that turkey. The spree accompanies an already full plate of free, family-friendly events on the Newport waterfront.
The winner receives a $500 gift certificate to holiday shop at Bowen’s Wharf and two tickets to Billy Gilman’s “Home For the Holidays” show at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence on Dec 8th. Billy will accompany the winner at Bowen’s Wharf on November 30. Enter now, and plan your next visit with these three events. Shopping locally has just become extra-special.
ONE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd – BOWEN’S WHARF BLOCK PARTY – 4PM to 8PM
Aaron Cote on steel pan leads Panoramic View live at The North Pole! Caribbean Christmas and Holiday tunes that attract visitors to dance on the waterfront while they stroll the shops and watch the illuminated boats coast through the harbor. All our shops and restaurants will be open, many offering generous contributions to local non-profits. Primavera Newport donates 10% of proceeds from this day to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and the Kiel James Patrick Flagship store supports the Potter League through their All-American Pet Collection. A wonderful way to shop local AND support community service organizations.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd – ILLUMINATED HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET – 6:15 PM START FROM NEWPORT YACHT CLUB
Watch the parade of lights from Bowen’s Wharf while boats compete for “best decorated” as they paraded around Newport Harbor. The parade heads south from Newport Yacht Club in a clockwise direction.
TWO: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1ST & 2ND – NEWPORT HOLIDAY STROLL and the BILLY GILMAN HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE (11/30)
Shops are open 10 am – 8 pm during the stroll dates, and our businesses have curated seaside favorites across a wide variety of jewelry designs. Citywide participation details through the Newport Chamber and newportholidaystroll.com and Discover Newport
THREE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1st – THE 48th BOWEN’S WHARF CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Santas elves play Christmas favorites from the main stage at approximately 2 p.m. Frosty the Snowman will appear at 4:30 p.m. to greet children of all ages and share Christmas cheer! A live music sing-a-long begins at approximately 5 p.m. on the stage led by Lisa Malkovich and Chuck Ciany. A City representative will light the 30-foot tree at 6 p.m. and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Bowen’s Basin immediately following, (weather permitting). In the event of inclement weather, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive “over the rooftops” so all children will have an opportunity to whisper their Christmas wishes. Christmas music will continue until all children have had their chance to talk with Santa.
Many of Bowen’s Wharf shops provide hot cider, cookies, and in-house promotions during this very festive evening. They encourage restaurant reservations to make the most of the early-bird specials, and seating.
ENTER TO WIN: Billy Gilman Shopping spree at Bowen’s Wharf (Nov. 30) and two tickets to “Home for the Holidays” at literock105fm.com
FREE Admission to Bowen’s Wharf for all of these events, family friendly, parking on site, except for Christmas Tree Lighting, when the lot closes at 4 pm and reopens after the event. Rain, snow or Shine.
Visit Bowenswharf.com for business directory, blog, event details and social links to event pages.