The Newport Historical Society will debut a holiday market at the Colony House on Friday, opening a new seasonal shopping destination in one of the city’s most historic buildings.
The market will run through Dec. 31, operating Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday until 6 p.m.
“The Holiday Market offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays in one of Newport’s most beautiful, historic settings,” said Rebecca Bertrand, executive director of the historical society. “Christmas in Newport is already magical; decked out with more charm and cheer than ever before, the Holiday Market at the Colony House will make this season extra special.”
The market launches while the Museum & Shop at the Brick Market undergoes renovations. It will feature items from the shop along with holiday programming including book signings, crafts and a visit from Santa.
Exquisite Events Decor is among the donors supporting the market.
The Colony House will also serve as the starting point for the Holiday Lantern Tour, one of the society’s most popular seasonal walking tours.
Scheduled events include:
— Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Silhouette artist
— Nov. 25, 6-7 p.m.: Hand-dipped candle making workshop
— Dec. 5-7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Mingle & Jingle Trunk Show with live music on Friday
— Dec. 11, noon-2 p.m.: Book signing with Pamela McColl, author of “The Wondrous Mrs. Claus”
— Dec. 12, 3-6 p.m.: Cookbook signing and tasting with Becky Diamond, author of “The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook”
— Dec. 13, noon-2 p.m.: Pictures with Santa and readings of “A Visit from St. Nicolas”
— Dec. 19, 3-5 p.m.: Book signing with John Tschirch, author of “Jamestown: Architecture, Landscape, and the Making of a Rhode Island Paradise”
The society will sponsor a food and toy drive beginning Friday to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
Founded in 1854, the Newport Historical Society operates six properties and maintains collections spanning five centuries. More information is available at NewportHistory.org.