newport mansion tour christmas

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4 Best Mansions To Visit During Christmas In Newport, Rhode Island

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• Holiday Travel
• Rhode Island
• Seasonal Travel
• United States

Christmas is a wonderful time of year when magical seasonal decorations add joy to our everyday life. Over-the-top, ornate Christmas decorations are key to ringing in the holiday season at 4 Newport mansions. Beginning November 20, you can stroll through gorgeous, expertly decorated rooms at three of Newport, RI’s wealthiest “summer cottages.” The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms. Additionally, nearby Blithewold offers a garden viewing beginning November 26th. A visit to the Newport mansions when they are dressed to impress in their finest show-stopping seasonal decor is a wonderful way to bring on the Christmas wonderment.

Decking the halls takes on an entirely new meaning when you are gilding and frosting miles of mantels, dozens of Christmas trees, and acres of gardens. If you have never visited the mansions during the holidays, now is the time. You will definitely find a decor that can be scaled down and applied in your own castle.

The Newport Mansions

Holidays at the Newport Mansions is a wonderful time to explore the life and style of the rich and famous. At Christmas, the rooms sparkle with glittering objects that adorn every room visitors enter. Under the direction of Jim Donahue, Curator of Historic Landscapes & Horticulture for The Preservation Society of Newport County, each room receives a thoroughly planned, room specific, seasonal trapping. A Christmas tree, adorned with room-inspired bobbles, graces every room on the tour. The properties will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Preservation Society of Newport County manages the collection of Newport mansions, ensuring they are preserved for future generations to experience.

Pro Tip: download the Newport mansions tour app before you arrive. It is easily identified with a dark green and white pineapple icon. Explore the app and tours before you arrive. It will impart a sense of what the mansions are all about and how their families influenced Newport society and the world. The app not only takes you room by room through The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, it also adds tidbits of historic information. Armed with a thorough background, your in-person visit will be sensational as you can sit back and take in all the opulence framed with a rich understanding of the houses you tour.

1. The Breakers

The largest and most prestigious of all the Newport mansions is The Breakers , a Gilded Age château from 1895, built for the Cornelius Vanderbilt family. The great hall with its massive archways, soaring ceilings, and rich draperies is the perfect setting for the mansion’s traditional 15-foot poinsettia tree. As the focal point in the great hall, the poinsettia tree sets the opulent tone for the rest of the festive decor.

Every room on the mansion tour is decorated with gorgeous ornaments, lights, wreaths, and boughs. Every free nook is embellished with gorgeous seasonal arrangements. Many of the arrangements, mantel swags, and wreaths are constructed with plants and flowers grown in the mansion’s greenhouse.

Twin Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the dining room set the stage for a spectacular glittery show-stopping culinary experience. Gold leaf gleams with reflected light as you discover unique decorations that enhance the room’s architectural beauty.

The morning room dazzles with original platinum panels that offer a reflective shine that only serves to enhance the room’s beauty. Imagine enjoying a sumptuous breakfast while immersed in the festive decor.

Be sure to visit Mr. Vanderbilt’s bedroom, it will give you a peek into the day-to-day life of the lord of the manor. Decorated with toy trains and top hats, reflective of Vanderbilt’s railroad empire and love of entertaining, you can envision the luxurious lifestyle of the mansion’s owners.

Sparkling Lights At The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland Returns! 

After its spectacular debut in 2020, the festive Sparkling Lights at The Breakers is back. Twice the size of last year, the dazzling evening event begins November 20, 2021, and runs through January 9, 2022. The light show delights guests as they traverse the serpentine paths. The display covers approximately half of The Breakers’ 13 acres, affording guests gorgeous views. Each turn is illuminated with surprising tableaus, enchanting characters, musical interludes, and beautiful lighting displays.

As you approach the mansion, the lit globes along the drive and the exterior decorations bring an anticipatory smile and an expectation of wonderment. You will be enchanted.

A special ticket, on sale beginning October 1, is required to enjoy the sparkling lights at The Breakers. It includes an interior house tour. The outdoor pathways are accessible and the interior is partially accessible, with an elevator available to view the second floor.

In addition to the lights, The Breakers is open for house tours Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Note: Sparkling lights at The Breakers will be closed Thanksgiving Day; Saturday, December 18; Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

2. Marble House

As you would expect, the Marble House is a spectacular ode to the gleaming marble that covers every surface of the foyer. Completed in 1892 for William K. and Alva Vanderbilt, brother to Cornelius, the Marble House is the epitome of opulence and excess.

The library, with its warm wood paneling and tufted furnishings, is in complete contrast to the cold marble of the main hallway. The rooms off the foyer and hall area soften in feel as you step from hard, sparse surfaces into warm and opulent rooms. The juxtaposition is striking and sets the stage for a variety of wonderful seasonal decor opportunities.

The scale of the Christmas decorations in the grand hall takes the room from cold and imposing to warm and inviting. Poinsettias soften the hard edges while Christmas trees and vignettes set the stage for a trip through an enchanting Christmas wonderland.

As you climb the spectacular marble staircase to the second floor, you are immersed in the wonder of the season. Allow the decorations to envelop you in the wonder of the shiny baubles reflecting off the polished marble and highlighted by the glittering lights.

On December 18, Marble House will be open for a holiday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The mansion is transformed into a seasonal wonderland where visitors feel like guests at a swanky Newport holiday party.

3. The Elms

Rich marble columns and gleaming polished floors anchored by framed artwork lining the walls are the stand-out entryway features at The Elms . The marble framed grand staircase and massive marble columns set a tone for the Gilded Age mansion the minute you enter. Built as a summer retreat for Edward Julius Berwind in 1901, The Elms hosted many elaborate parties under the direction of Berwind’s wife, Herminie.

If it is possible to imagine, the opulent and somewhat austere decor takes on a warm and cozy feel when draped in Christmas hues. The elaborately decorated Christmas trees stand out and compliment the glittery decor. The solarium decorated with rich greens, ornate statues, and housing its magnificent fountain offers the perfect backdrop for a Christmas extravaganza.

On December 18, The Elms will be open for a holiday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The mansion takes on a different look and feel during an evening visit. The lights glint brightly against the evening shadows, affording guests a warm and intimate experience.

The Elms Servant Life Tour is a peek into the hectic and on-demand life of the “downstairs” residents at the Newport mansions. The immense staff required to keep these massive homes running smoothly is astonishing. Many mansions required several dozen to keep the home, kitchen, and gardens running smoothly.

4. Blithewold Mansion

In neighboring Bristol, the Blithewold is a lovely experience at the country estate of Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle. The spectacular 33-acre grounds are home to a large collection of unusual plants, specimen trees, ponds, a greenhouse, and other beautiful garden features.

This year the Christmas festivities will enchant guests with the Night Lights – An Illuminating Experience showcases the beautiful gardens at the Blithewold. Running from Friday, November 26, 2021, to Friday, January 7, 2022, visitors can enjoy the beautifully lit pathways and gardens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

General operating hours, when Blithewold Mansion and Gardens are open to guests, begin June 1 through October 17. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 p.m. to 3 p.m. with the garden additionally open until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Holidays are special times throughout the world:

• The Best Christmas Light Displays To Enjoy Around The World
• Why You Should Visit York, England During Christmas
• Christmas Traditions From 17 Countries Around The World

Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told.

Christmas at the Mansions

About This Tour

Come away with us by tour bus to dazzling Newport and experience the wonder of Christmas in total splendor! On this magical outing you will tour Newport’s two most celebrated mansions, Marble House and Breakers, both lavishly decorated for Christmas. In addition to the stunning beauty you will see in these homes, you will learn the intriguing story of the family who built these grand estates at the height of the American Gilded Age. In the middle of the day you will have free time for lunch and Christmas shopping in old town Newport. As the sun sets, the grounds of Breakers will become a Christmas wonderland as holiday music fills the air, and its landscape is awash in hundreds of thousands of lights. There is nothing like Christmas at the Mansions!

Tour Highlights

Brick Market Place for lunch and Christmas shopping

Marble House

The Breakers

What's Included

admission to all mansions

At a Glance

Available december, 10:30am - 6:00pm, tour reviews, more rhode island experiences.

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Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Newport Mansions with festive tours of The Elms, The Marble House, and The Breakers.

By Amy Traverso

Dec 01 2021

The grand poinsettia tree in The Great Hall at The Breakers.

There’s much to be said for a cozy country Christmas, for simple pleasures and silent nights. But on a recent gray day, I was craving a concentrated dose of over-the-top holiday wonder. I headed down to Newport to take a tour of three of its most famous mansions: The Elms , The Marble House , and The Breakers , which are open and decorated for the holidays from late November through early January, making them a perfect destination for the entire holiday season. I saw jaw-dropping settings that glimmered and sparkled and learned about the people who built these monuments of wealth. So before the holidays are over, come join me on a tour of a Gilded Age Christmas.

The Magic of Christmas at the Newport Mansions

I began my visit at The Elms, which was built as a summer retreat for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind and his wife, Herminie and completed in 1901. Designed by architect Horace Trumbauer to resemble the French chateau d’Asnieres, the 60,000-square-foot house remained in the family until 1961. The Preservation Society of Newport County has owned the house and opened it to the public since 1962.

Like the rest of the houses on the tour, The Elms was never actually used at Christmastime. The Berwinds were based in New York and would have celebrated Christmas there or elsewhere on their travels. But Jim Donahue, horticulturist for the Preservation Society, dresses the mansions up like giant jewel boxes, not sticking to strict period authenticity, but letting the rooms inspire color schemes and motifs. Over five weeks leading up to the holiday season, Donahue and his team decorate 40 rooms in three houses with fresh flowers, (artificial) trees, garlands, even real gingerbread houses (more on that later). “We don’t follow any period style, we follow our fancy,” he laughs. But he does look at historic photographs and existing collections for inspiration. In fact, the Elms’s library displays turn-of-the-century toys that were donated by the Berwind family.

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One of the challenges of Donahue’s job is creating decorations that stand out against the mansions’ ornate interiors. “You have to compete with the existing decorations,” he says. “In order to make an impact, you have to use a lot. We don’t remove anything from the rooms during the holidays. We leave it all and have to work around it.

Every room in each house has at least a holiday mantelpiece arrangement that’s coordinated to match the color scheme or echo some architectural element or some facet of the personality of the person who once lived there.

The Marble House

We moved on to The Marble House, which was built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt (William was the brother of Cornelius, who built The Breakers nearby) and ushered in the era of opulent palaces and grand society galas. Prior to this, Newport had been a quieter summer colony where wealthy families built more modest wood cottages. The Vanderbilts divorced in 1895, but because the estate had been a gift from Mr. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva for her 39th birthday, she kept it.

The Marble House is modeled after the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s private pleasure palace on the grounds of Versailles. It has 50 rooms and cost $11 million dollars to build, of which $7 million was spent on the 500,000 cubic feet of marble that give the mansion its name. It was here that Alva invited Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough to court her daughter, Consuelo. The two were married, against Consuelo’s wishes, in 1895. But this marriage of wealthy American heiress to titled but cash-poor British noble, became a common arrangement during the Gilded Age (and was depicted in the popular PBS series Downton Abbey ).

Alva called The Marble House her “temple to the arts” in America. To that end, she had architect Richard Morris Hunt design a room around a collection of more than 300 Medieval and Renaissance art objects that she collected in Europe. Much of that collection is now on display at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL, but the remaining pieces and stained glass windows inspired the massive tree in this room.

In her later years, Alva repented of Consuel’s forced marriage and became an ardent supporter of women’s rights, hosting suffrage rallies on the grounds of The Marble House. When Alva died in 1933, at age 80, her funeral was conducted entirely by women.

The Breakers

The last mansion on our tour is the grandest: The Breakers was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who made his fortune in shipping and railroads. Like his brother, William, Cornelius hired Richard Morris Hunt to design his estate, but his was grander, with 70 rooms and a style inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture.

To get a sense of the wealth behind these palaces, consider this: The panels pictured here in the Gothic Room were lined entirely in platinum. They have luster unlike anything you’ve seen before.

In order to speed construction of The Breakers, the Music and Morning rooms were designed and built by Richard Bouwens Van der Boyen at his salon in Paris, then, dismantled and then shipped back to Newport. This allowed the most ornate rooms to be constructed simultaneously while Hunt prepared the frame of the house on-site.

One of the most charming stops on The Breakers tour is in the kitchen, where the Preservation Society displays gingerbread replicas of the mansions made by local pastry chefs, but the highlight of The Breakers is the massive 15-foot tree constructed of 150 live poinsettias. The plants must be watered weekly and replaced three times during the six-week holiday season.

Curious about who supplies all these fresh flowers, I asked my guide, Andrea Carneiro, to show me the Society’s greenhouses, and was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour. Inside, we found hundreds of poinsettias and grand floral arrangements waiting to be moved up to the houses. We also met Jeffrey Curtis, director of gardens and grounds, who manages not only the holiday decorations, but the expansive lawns and elaborate gardens at each of the mansions.

The society hosts frequent events , including a Holiday Dinner Dance, meaning Newport will be merry and bright for many days to come.

Have you ever experienced Christmas at the Newport Mansions?

The Newport Mansions and The Preservation Society of Newport County . 401-847-1000;  newportmansions.org

SEE MORE: Best Christmas Celebrations in New England Best Historic Christmas Celebrations in New England Best of Newport, Rhode Island | Editors’ Choice Awards

Amy Traverso

Food Editor Amy Traverso oversees the Yankee Magazine Food department and contributes to NewEngland.com. Amy's book, The Apple Lover's Cookbook (W.W. Norton), won an International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) cookbook award for the category American.

Wanderlust. Wander more. Wandercuse.

The Newport Mansions at Christmas

Last updated on December 3, 2019.

Why visit the mansions at Christmas?

I know what you’re thinking. Summer seems like the perfect time to visit Rhode Island, stroll along the cliff walk, and visit the mansions . I know! I did it . But, there is something extra magical about seeing the mansions all decorated for Christmas. Yes, it can be  extremely  cold, but you’ll be inside for most of the time anyway. Plus, you can get a deal! The mansions sell a winter day pass that allows your to visit the four main homes (The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff) for only $35. You can use the pass during the holiday celebrations! And while you could probably see all four mansions in one day, it can get a bit monotonous. I recommend taking two days to enjoy them all, plus you’ll have time in the evenings to explore Newport and nearby Providence !

When visiting the mansions, you can meander at your own pace, because each home offers an audio tour for its visitors. You can play the tour on your own borrowed headset as you wander in and out of each room. I found it fascinating to listen to the stories of how the mansions were built and who lived there. Even better? The audio tours are offered for free with your admission. Most of the tours end in the kitchen of each mansion – where you’ll find a gingerbread house replica of each house! (Side note: Rosecliff’s gingerbread house is in The Breakers’ kitchen.)

The Breakers

Might as well start with my favorite and the most famous mansion. After visiting all four, my friend and I agreed that The Breakers was our favorite. Something about the opulence of the main hall with the 15-foot poinsettia tree just resonated with me. It’s the epitome of the Gilded Age. The Breakers used to be a summer home for the renowned Vanderbilt family, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II around the same time that his uncle built Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

One of my favorite rooms at The Breakers was the Billiards Room. Much darker than the rest of the mansion, you can tell that this is where the Vanderbilts entertained themselves. You an see the acorn (the Vanderbilt family emblem) continued through the tiled floor. There is also a turtle hiding in the mosaic – can you find it?

The best part about The Breakers is that the second floor is completely open in the middle, with the hallways making a circle around the center. This allows you to look down on the main ballroom and take in the beautiful views of the house. The first floor also boasts a ‘grotto’ complete with a water fountain. The far side of the house has ceilings painted with the seasons in French.

Facts about The Breakers:

• Built from 1893-1895.
• Sits on 13 acres.
• Contains 70 rooms and 62,482 square feet of living area.
• Worth about $150 million today (2018).
• Members of the Vanderbilt family lived on the third floor of the home (which is not open to visitors) until January 2018.

Modeled after a French chateau, the Berwind family from Pennsylvania were the original owners of The Elms . One of my favorite features of the property was the sprawling backyard, which was pretty private and great for taking photos.

If you have the time (and the money), you can do an additional tour at The Elms to go ‘Behind the Scenes’. This tour takes you to the underground tunnel, servants quarters, and offers a rooftop view. If you choose that option, it’s best to call ahead to reserve a time so it doesn’t get sold out!

Facts about The Elms:

• Built from 1899 to 1901.
• Sits on 10 acres of land.
• Contains 60 rooms with over 60,000 sqauare feet of living area.
• Worth about $45 million today (2018).

Marble House

By far the most expensive of the Newport Mansions,  Marble House was another Vanderbilt family legacy. Built by the brother of The Breakers, the design of Marble House was inspired by the Palace of Versailles in Paris. It is said that Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt wanted the home to showcase art. Being made out of marble, it did just that! One of my favorite features of the house was the second story overlooking the kitchen. In the cabinets you can find dishes printed with “Votes for women” since Marble House was the site for Alva’s gatherings for the women’s suffrage movement . If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at Marble House, fellow travel blogger Hanna wrote all about it !

Facts about Marble House:

• Built from 1888 to 1892.
• Sits on 4 acres of land.
• Contains 50 rooms.
• Worth about $300 million today (2018).
• William Vanderbilt ‘gifted’ the mansion to his wife, Alva, for her 39th birthday… before they divorced a few years later.
• Marble House has been used in several films including  The Great Gatsby  (1974) and  27 Dresses  (2008).

While Rosecliff does not technically participate in ‘Christmas at the Newport Mansions’, it  is  included in the winter daypass, so it is worth a visit when you’re there! Commissioned by Theresa Oelrichs to replicate a French garden, Rosecliff has become a sight to see. The grand ballroom has to be my favorite spot in the mansion, with the ‘sweetheart staircase’ a close second. With floor-to-ceiling windows along both sides and a ceiling covered in blue skies and clouds, the room is like a breath of fresh air. Rosecliff used to be the site of many elaborate gatherings and parties – including one attended by Houdini!

Upstairs there is an art gallery with rotating exhibitions as well as a bridal suite. Rosecliff is the site for many weddings – if you can afford it!

Facts about Rosecliff:

• Built from 1899 to 1902.
• Sits on 21 acres of land.
• Worth about $75 million today (2018).
• Can be rented for private events.
• Rosecliff has also been used in several films including  The Great Gatsby  (1974), Amistad (1997), and  True Lies  (1994).

Christmas at the Newport Mansions continues through the end of December. If you have the chance, definitely check it out! And if you’re looking for more things to do in the area, I’ve written guides for both Newport and Providence . Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it has so much charm to offer!

Have you been to the mansions? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

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This sounds like such a fun festive experience! I wish I was nearer to go!!

Maybe someday!

These all look amazing! I didn’t even know this was something you could do – I especially would want to see the Marble House!

That was my favorite 🙂

Tell me your thoughts! Cancel reply

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Christmas In Newport, RI With 3 Homes

Amid its sandy beaches & amazing coastlines that offer unimaginable panoramic views, Newport, RI boasts an array of historic vacation retreats of the turn-of-the-century American aristocracy that are simply spectacular when dressed in Christmas finery & glowing with candlelight. Why not celebrate the lifestyles of the rich & famous with the Newport Mansions aglow during the Holiday season.

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Package Includes:

2 Nights' Lodging at the Newport Beach Hotel and Suites, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, Guided Driving Tour of Newport, Free Time in Downtown Newport, Tour of The Elms Mansion, Tour of the Breakers Mansion and Sparkling Lights at The Breakers, Tour of the Marble House Mansion, Baggage Handling and Transportation

***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

The famous Newport mansions are elaborately decorated in their Yuletide finery and ready to welcome visitors for the Holiday Season. Following meal and rest stops enroute, you arrive in Newport, Rhode Island late afternoon at the Newport Beach Hotel and Suites (401-848-7128). Situated along the sandy beach, and with its meticulously restored gambrel-style historic hotel building and contemporary shingle addition, the seaside resort combines Newport's historic charm with contemporary sophistication. The hotel rooms feature complimentary wireless internet, in-room gourmet coffee and teas, refrigerator, microwave, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, and a DVD player with complimentary use of their in-house DVD library. The hotel amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub elevated over Newport Pond, fitness center, and business center. To the north, overlook the serene waters and natural habitat. To the south, take in the crashing of the waves and the Cliff Walk lined with mansions. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant followed by return to the hotel for the night.

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before you depart with your local guide to lead you on a narrated driving tour of Newport featuring Bellevue Avenue, which was the backbone of Newport's Golden Age. Here, the Vanderbilts and the top 400 of U.S. society and wealth congregated during the summer months. During the tour, you will stop at the Marble House where admission is included to explore the summer home of Mr. & Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. Reportedly costing $11 million to build, it was considered the most lavish house in America in 1892. The walls of the bathroom are gilded with 22 carat gold and the floors are marble. During the holidays, its rooms are decked out with countless poinsettias, stunning evergreens, trees, wreaths, fresh flowers and period ornaments to turn the house into a Christmas wonderland. Next, you have time for lunch on your own and time to browse Newport's downtown shops. Afterwards, you depart for a self-guided tour of the Breakers Mansion. Home of President and Chairman of New York Central Railroad Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a 70-room, Italian Renaissance-style palazzo boasts a display of rich marbles, exquisite mosaic tile floors and ceilings, and topped off by panoramic ocean views. The focal point of The Breakers is The Great Hall. Stroll across the floor and gaze at the elaborate details from floor to ceiling. Lush greenery, vibrant poinsettias and meticulously decorated trees surround the room and accent the second floor balcony. Witness Sparkling Lights at The Breakers, a spectacular outdoor lights display that contains more than 40,000 twinkling lights that dress up the façade of the home and part of the serpentine walkway on the property. Your night concludes with dinner included at an area restaurant and return to the hotel to relax and unwind after a busy day of touring.

Following breakfast included at the hotel, you check out and finish your look back at the Christmas traditions of the rich and famed with a tour of The Elms. Each mansion has its own charm and pizzazz throughout the year, and holiday decorations heighten the experience. The Elms is an elegant French-style chateau built in 1901 by Philadelphia coal tycoon Edward J. Berwind. Among its elaborate holiday decorations, the Elms is most well-known for its poinsettia tree. Located in the ballroom, the white poinsettia tree contains 150-200 plants. The Elms was the first fully electrified house in Newport. Don't miss the opportunity to see how the "well-to-do" celebrated the Holidays. You may even wish to purchase a replica ornament to take home with you from the gift shops in memory of the fabulous holiday experience in Newport. You depart for home following the tour with meal and rest stops along the way.

**ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

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Weekend Getaway Guide to Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Christmas at the Newport Mansions is a spectacular celebration of the holiday season that takes place in Newport, Rhode Island, at the impressive, Gilded Age mansions of the area. From November 20 through January 9, these ornately constructed mansions are adorned with lights, trees, and festive decorations galore, creating an over-the-top experience of great holiday wonder.

Read on to learn more about the must-see mansions, where to stay in Newport, Rhode Island during your getaway, and how to make the most of your stay in this vibrant, coastal city.

                                                 More Rhode Island Getaways

Must-see Mansions

The three must-see mansions include The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House as they transform into grand celebrations of Christmases past, with rooms filled with themed decor, carefully matched to the period furnishings.

The Breakers

Built by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt — who made his fortune in shipping and railroads — this mansion was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, consists of 70 rooms, and boasts an apparent affinity to Italian Renaissance architecture.

During The Breakers tour, one of the most popular stops is in the kitchen, where the Preservation Society displays gingerbread replicas of the mansions made by local pastry chefs. Another notable and possibly favorite display of The Breakers is the massive 15-foot tree constructed of 150 live poinsettias. This incredible arrangement requires the plants to be watered weekly and replaced three times during the six-week holiday season. A bit high maintenance, though, we’d argue, completely worth it for the perfect holiday photo opportunity!

The Elms, built by coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind in 1901, is crafted in the fashion of a mid-18th century French chateau, with stunning classical sculpture gardens and ornate interiors. Originally constructed as a summer home for Edward and his wife Herminie, the home was never used at Christmas time until The Preservation Society of Newport County came to own it and open it to the public in 1962.

The horticulturist for the Preservation Society, Jim Donahue, dresses the mansion up like a giant jewel box, decorating the rooms with fresh flowers, (artificial) trees, garlands, even real gingerbread houses.

Marble House

Built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, this home was constructed as a “summer cottage” for the family. The Marble House is modeled after the Petit Trianon — Marie Antoinette’s private pleasure palace on the grounds of Versailles — and holds 50 rooms and has been built from over 500,000 cubic feet of marble.

A favorite recurring event that takes place at the Marble House mansion during this six-week long holiday celebration is the Holiday Brunch at The Chinese Tea House. From 10 am - 3 pm on weekends November 27 - December 19, AND Christmas week, December 27-31, visitors can enjoy a three-course holiday brunch curated by Stoneacre Brasserie while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed. 

Learn more about Christmas at the Newport Mansions and accompanying special events here .

Where to Stay in Newport

New England Inns and Resorts offers  14 high-quality, luxury accommodations  within 15 miles of Newport. From the lively The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection to the new and luxurious Brenton Hotel to the waterfront Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina there’s an accommodation option to suit everyone’s preference. 

If you’re hunting for a deal this holiday season, be sure to check out these Newport hotels and their weekend getaway packages:

• Hotel Viking, Celebrate the Good Times Package – Package includes: Overnight accommodations, complimentary bottle of Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine from New Mexico upon arrival, two bottles of Aqua Panna Still Water, and $25 Credit to Hill Market.

Offer valid Oct 8, 2020 - Dec 31, 2022

• The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Stay More-Save More-15% Off Package – Package includes: 15% off our Best Available Rate when you book any 3-night or 4-night stay

Offer valid Mar 16, 2021 - Dec 29, 2021

About New England Inns and Resorts

The New England Inns & Resorts Association has proudly represented over 300 New England resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motor inns since 1907. From the grandest luxury resort to the coziest country inn, what ties us together is our commitment to gracious hospitality! 

Let us help you plan your holiday getaway this season and remember to look to us any time of year to help you find the perfect accommodations for your New England trips.

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Christmas Mansions in Newport by Lenzner Tours

The "From Only" and "From Price" reflects the Double Occupancy rate for this tour. “Christmas in Newport” began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Photo Courtesy of Discover Newport.

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       $1,299.00 double occupancy     $1,213.00 triple occupancy

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Newport, RI

Christmas in Newport

Driving Tour of Newport

      Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and

      Mansions along Bellevue Avenue

Marble House Mansion

Re-Creation of a Newport Cotillion

Elms Mansion

Newport Playhouse Holiday Show

Breakers Mansion

The Sailing Museum

Please Note: Days of Touring and/or order of attractions subject to change

       Substitution of equal value if necessary

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Welcome to Newport, RI, America’s first resort town in the “Ocean State”. Founded in 1971, “Christmas in Newport” began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Only clear bulbs illuminate the scenic harbor and wharves and the Victorian splendor of Bellevue Avenue. The lights are meant to simulate candlelight and recapture the candlelit holidays of bygone days. Overnight in Connecticut.

Upon arrival in Newport, enjoy free time for lunch (on own) and shopping on the historic downtown waterfront filled with cobblestone shopping wharves lined with antique stores, art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. Meet your local guide at the Newport Transportation Center. Meet Mrs. Caroline Astor, the Grande Dame of Newport, and New York Society in the Gilded Age of the late 1800’s. Enjoy the charm of Newport’s historic buildings and restored homes on this narrated tour covering over 150 points of interest. Take in the rugged beauty of Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and the fabulous mansions along tree-lined Bellevue Avenue. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Breakers Mansion. The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel. Following dinner enjoy a re-creation of a Newport Cotillion. Music will be provided by a local musician as you enjoy dancing a waltz and then learn easy-to-follow steps for a contra dance.

The Elms and Marble House --two National Historic Landmarks and icons of the Gilded Age in America--are filled with thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers, evergreens, and wreaths. A total of 28 decorated Christmas trees reflecting individual room decor anchor many of the magnificent spaces. Dining tables set with period silver and china complete the elegant setting. The windows of each mansion are lit with individual white candles, in keeping with the colonial tradition. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Marble House. Built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. It was a summer house, or "cottage", as “Newporters” called them in remembrance of the modest houses of the early 19th century. But Marble House was much more; it was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport's subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces. Fireplace mantels on the second floor of Marble House will be decorated by regional garden clubs in a friendly competition. Arrive at the Newport Playhouse in time for included buffet lunch and show (TBD). Following the performance Company Members will continue to entertain with a Holiday Cabaret, a vaudeville style review filled with songs and laughter. Free time downtown for Holiday Shopping.

Board the coach for the Sailing Museum. The Sailing Capital of the World – Newport has a longstanding sailing history that is evident everywhere in the “City-by-the-Sea” from the many colonial sea captains’ homes that line the streets of Newport’s downtown, to the busy Newport Harbor that is a destination and home port, to some of the most renowned sailing and motor yachts in the world. Newport even has a busy downtown street, America’s Cup Avenue, dedicated to the most famous sailing race! The Sailing Museum is situated in the historic Armory building on the waterfront in downtown Newport, The Sailing Museum features interactive exhibits, displays chronicling the history of the sport, and galleries honoring inductees into the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Next is a self-guided tour of the Elms Mansion. The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the coal industry. The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour The Elms magnificent mansion decked out in Yuletide finery. Thousands of poinsettias, spectacular evergreens, fragrant trees, decorated wreaths, fresh flowers, and 19th century style ornaments turn The Elms and its grounds into a Christmas wonderland. Travel and overnight in Connecticut.

Return home with the glittering and dazzling memories of a Gilded Age Christmas.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Includes: Transportation, lodging, four breakfasts, two lunches, dinner, three mansion tours, touring and admissions per itinerary, baggage handling, and taxes.

Deposit: $100.00 per person

Balance due: October 4, 2024; Please call for availability after balance due date.

Cancellation Policy: Prior to 60 days - No Charge; 59 days or less - NO REFUND

Written notice of cancellation is required before monies refunded.

Depart: 6:00 am - Sewickley

            6:30 am - Pittsburgh

            7:00 am - Monroeville

            7:15 am - Irwin

            7:30 am - New Stanton

Return: Approximately between 7:00-8:00 pm

Walking Code: 4 - This tour requires a heavy amount of walking. To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as long walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.

Insurance: Travel Insurance is optional. To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 15 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit and for the prepaid non-refundable payments or deposits. If purchased, the insurance premium is refundable during the 15 day review period, unless you have filed a claim or departed on your trip. The insurance premium is non-refundable after the 15 day review period. To view/download the Policy, go to: http://policy.travelexinsurance.com/312A-1217.

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Celebrate Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Newport, Rhode Island is about an hour away from our Bed and Breakfast – a little further if you choose to take the scenic route along the water, which of course we recommend.  It’s an easy day trip from here. In no time at all, you’ll be reveling in the magic of the Newport Mansions at Christmas.  Come celebrate the season with us. Book your room at our Bed and Breakfast near Mystic Ct.

The Magic of Christmas at the Newport Mansions

The Newport Mansions are always worth the trip – the opportunity to revel in these gilded age masterpieces is never a disappointment. The Newport Mansions are currently open for regular tours, with holiday celebrations kicking off on November 21st at both The Breakers and The Elms.

You can expect both of these incredible buildings to be well decorated with spectacular Christmas trees, wreaths, fresh flowers like poinsettias, dining tables set with period silver and china, and festive mantles and decorations throughout. A perennial favorite of visitors to the Newport Mansions at Christmas is the 15-foot tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of the Breakers, and it is set to make a return for 2020-2021.

While the inside decorations of the Newport Mansions at Christmas is truly magical, you can expect this year to take Christmas at the Newport Mansions to a whole new level, with outside decorations lighting up The Breakers with stunning displays of Christmas lights. You can expect thousands of colorful lights to be on display, which will include 28 spruce trees, The Breakers façade bathed in color, and festive lighting on the historic paths and in the exterior shrubbery.

While the holiday magic will carry on at the Newport Mansions this year, the traditional holiday evenings with live music and events with Santa will not be held this year, due to COVID regulations.

Tickets to Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Both The Breakers and The Elms will be open from November 21, 2020 – January 3, 2021 – with The Breakers staying open a bit later through January 10, 2021. The interior spaces will be open from 12 pm – 8 pm, and the exterior lights will turn on at 4 pm.

Reservations are not required, but we do urge you to buy tickets in advance. You can visit just one of the mansions, or you can buy the Mansion Duo ticket, which is just $32. After you’ve taken the time to thoroughly enjoy these historic buildings, we suggest you make the 10-mile trip along Ocean Drive , or if you’re truly brave bundling up and taking a stroll along parts of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk before returning to the Stonecroft Country Inn.

The Perfect Getaway at our Bed and Breakfast in CT

There’s a reason so many people have made our luxury Bed and Breakfast in CT their home away from home over the years, and it has everything to do with our comfortable accommodations, quiet and restful ambiance, and welcoming hospitality.  Here, you’ll find 10 different guest rooms to choose from, including the historic guest rooms in our  1807 House and the more spacious and luxurious guest rooms in our Yellow Barn.

As a member of the exclusive Select Registry group of properties around the country, we’ve earned the Stay Select Stay Safe certification, which means we’ve implemented an industry-leading set of health and safety guidelines based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other industry leaders. It’s just a small part of what we do to keep our guests safe and healthy.

This winter is the perfect time to relax, unwind, and share cozy, intimate moments at our Bed and Breakfast in CT.  While you’re here, take the time to explore downtown Mystic, to visit the Newport Mansions, and otherwise enjoy your time away.  Book your room at our romantic Bed and Breakfast in CT today!

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The Magic of Christmas comes alive in Newport, RI. See both the Breakers and Marble House Mansions!

Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Thursdays December 5th or 12th, 2024 and Saturdays Nov 30th or December 7th, 2024. Additional Group Dates Available Upon Request.

Newport, RI

ONLY $139 pp. – Includes Motorcoach Transportation (from Most Boston/Worcester Pick-up Locations), Admission to both Mansions, Touring as described & Best of Times Travel Tour Director, Tour Director Gratuity.

There is something magical in the air at Christmas time in Newport.

Our Day INCLUDES: Come and see two of Newport’s most elegant mansions decorated and on display during this wonderful time of the year. Our Best of Times Tour Director will provide commentary and background on the history of Newport and point out interesting sights and historical landmarks during the driving portion of our Newport tour. Visits to The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages”, and showcased will be The Marble House decked out in yuletide finery, with thousands of poinsettia plants, evergreens, wreaths, and fresh flowers highlight our day. Lunch today will be on our own at the famous Bowen’s Wharf area of Newport.  

Touring Locations Include: The Breakers Mansion, Marble House Mansion, and downtown Newport, RI.

Lunch today will be on our own at the famous Bowen’s Wharf area of Newport.

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15 Fun & Festive Things to Do: Christmas in Newport RI 🎄 2023

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If you’re looking for festive things to do for Christmas in Newport RI, you’ve come to the right place!

During the holiday season, Newport really goes heavy on the charm with Christmas boat parades, cozy inns to stay in, festive, colored lights, outdoor ice skating, and so much more!

Newport at Christmas is the place to go if you’re looking for Christmas fun in Rhode Island that has elegance, charm, history, and oh so many gorgeously decorated places to go and fun, festive Christmas in Newport activities to do!

Table of Contents

Christmas in Newport RI: Things to Do for Festive Fun

See newport nutcracker at rosecliff.

One of Newport’s beloved Gilded Age mansions, Rosecliff, is host to a traditional Nutcracker performance with a unique spin: The first act has the audience following the performers from room to beautifully decorated room, and the second act sees the audience seated in the ballroom.

The Nutcracker at Rosecliff is an immersive journey through both Newport’s Gilded Age history and the beloved Christmas tale of the Nutcracker, and an absolute must-see if you time your Newport getaway right!

The Nutcracker at Rosecliff 2023 Schedule

Wednesday, November 22

Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26

Tuesday, November 28 – Friday, December 1

Matinee and Evening Performances each day

Tour Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Oh, the Newport Mansions! Absolutely beautiful and very worth touring all year-round , but their Christmas at the Newport Mansions takes the cake when it comes to magnificence in decoration and festivities. Tour the decadent decorations both indoors and out, as they hearken back to the glamour, luxury, and prestige of a Gilded Age Christmas.

Visiting these opulent mansions invite visitors to experience a taste of what Christmas past at the Newport Mansions might’ve been like. As you approach the grand staircases in these opulent historical gems, you will feel like you are a bit of early American “royalty,” too!

2023 Christmas at the Newport Mansions

November 18, 2023 – January 1, 2024

All houses closed Thanksgiving Day, November 23, and Christmas Day, December 25, and close at 2pm on December 24.

Rosecliff is open daily December 2 – January 1 but is not decorated for the holidays.

PS if you’re looking for a local restaurant recommendation that’s a quick drive from the Newport Mansions, I love Mamma Luisa ! The ambiance is warm and intimate, and it is absolutely delicious. It’s a fantastic option for a holiday dinner with the one you love.

Go on a Newport Christmas Cruise

With two different Newport Christmas Cruise options, Coastal Queen Cruises offers a Holiday Cocktail Cruise for the adults to enjoy, with holiday music and a tour of some of Newport’s finest seaside sights with a glass of champagne, of course. This would make a cute Christmas in Newport date night activity!

There’s also a Meet & Greet with Santa Cruise for the kiddos, with hot cocoa, candy canes, and of course, Santa. Book your tickets quickly , these sell out fast.

2023 Newport Christmas Cruise Dates

Holiday Cocktail Cruise – December 10, 16

Meet & Greet Cruise with Santa – December 17

Holiday Bubbly Cruise – December 17

Cozy Up at Castle Hill Inn

Newport is full of fantastic hotels , but if the Christmas spirit for you includes comfort, pampering, and exemplary service, Castle Hill Inn is the luxury hotel in Newport for you! With fine dining onsite, spa services, and seriously stellar coastal views, Castle Hill Inn is the perfect spot to cozy up for your Christmas getaway to Newport.

Their gourmet holiday feasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are hard to beat, too! Grab your loved one and cozy up next to the roaring fire with a couple of hot toddies as the snow comes down outside… doesn’t that sound like the most romantic Christmas in Newport RI?

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!

Watch Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade

One of the most beloved holiday traditions of Newport is the Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade . This coastal city is very proud of its rich nautical history, and the Christmas homage of the boats as they cross the harbor, decorated to the nines with twinkling lights, is a lovely show of respect to its nautical traditions.

Festive Christmas music provides the perfect soundtrack as this dressed-up boat parade illuminates the harbor to the delight of all on the shore!

Newport, Rhode Island Illuminated Boat Parade 2023

November 24th (November 25th Weather Date)

Book a Spot at the Igloo Village

The Reef’s Igloo Village is one of the top places to eat during Christmastime in Newport RI, both because its offerings are delicious and also because these heated igloos are absolutely gorgeous all styled for the season!

Heated, of course, they are the perfect place to meet up with friends, family, or even just that one special someone for a lovely night out in Newport at Christmas.

Partake in Christmas in Newport Festivities

The entire month of December is full of Christmas in Newport festivities ! In addition to the bigger events like the Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade and the Christmas at Newport Mansions tours, you will also find a myriad of different activities occurring over the course of December, including Christmas concerts, decorating contests, craft fairs,  candlelit historic home tours, and more.

The city of Newport began Christmas in Newport as a two-week event 50+ years ago, and it has grown over the years into the month-long holiday celebration that it is today. If you have kids, don’t miss the Breakfast with Santa hosted by the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina on December 10.

Oh, and the very elegant, luxurious Chanler at Cliff Walk hosts a Hot Chocolate Bar that is open to the public on weekends November 25 – December 24 from 1pm – 4pm. They offer artisanal hot chocolate… sounds delish!

Take a Holiday Lantern Tour with Newport History Museum

Every year during the holiday season, Newport History Museum leads holiday lantern walking tours that leave from the museum in the early evening and lead around the historic community, describing how and where Newport Christmas has been celebrated over the years. Whether you’re a hardcore history buff or not, this holiday lantern walking tour is a great way to learn more about the history of the holidays in Newport.

2023 Holiday Lantern Tour 

Fridays & Saturdays, November 17 – December 30

Glide on the Ice at Newport Harbor Island Resort

Formerly known as Gurney’s, the Newport Harbor Island Resort offers one of the more unique Christmas in Newport activities of outdoor ice skating on Narragansett Bay !

Located on gorgeous Goat Island, there’s something so fantastically festive about seaside ice skating in Rhode Island. This would be a great Christmas activity in Newport for families or a great holiday date idea for couples visiting Newport RI at Christmas, especially if you decide to book a room at this lovely resort.

(Heads up, there is an awful lot of construction happening in the resort as of November 2023!)

Attend the Annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting Ceremony

This annual event at historic Bowen’s Wharf is a lovely kick-off to Newport’s Christmas festivities! There are live musicians, unique, one-of-a-kind holiday shopping opportunities, a Christmas carol sing-a-long, and in fitting tradition for a coastal community, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to join in by boat!

The main event is the lighting of the spectacular Bowen’s Wharf tree, a Newport Christmas event that has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated!

Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting 2023

Saturday, December 2

Have a Cozy Dinner at The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt

It’s likely no surprise that Newport has an incredible selection of wonderful places to eat, but if you’re looking for cozy fireside dining during the holiday season, there’s no better option than The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt .

They call it “elevated pub food,” but the best description would be absolutely delicious! You’ve got plenty of options for where to go to grab a bite in Newport, but if you’re looking for cozy and intimate dining during your Christmas Newport trip, this is it.

For a three-course, family style Christmas Eve supper specially curated by the expert culinary team at the Vanderbilt, book dinner December 22 – 25!

Finish Up your Christmas Shopping in Newport

There are plenty of great places to go Christmas shopping in Newport RI, but if you’re looking for some fun, holiday gifts in a very Christmassy store, look no further than A Christmas to Remember on Thames St.

Of course there are great Christmas decor items, but also tons of locally made Newport style gifts like pillows, pictures, candles, and so much more. Not only can you pick up some great holiday gifts for others, but you can also find the perfect souvenir of your Christmas in Newport!

Head Up the Road to Bristol’s Grand Illumination

Nearby Bristol is a charming little community that has plenty of sweet small-town things to do , and their Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Bristol’s Grand Illumination , is a fantastic event that features local music, family fun, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and of course, the lighting of the gorgeous evergreen!

Bristol is just a quick drive from Newport and well worth adding to your Newport Christmas itinerary!

Give Yourself the Gift of a Spacation

Newport has plenty of options for luxury hotels, but my husband and I are Team Hotel Viking ! Our stay at this historic hotel was so lovely, and the onsite Spa Fjor was the perfect antidote for those winter winds in New England.

You’ve got onsite dining, room service, and full service spa treatments. We opted for a couples massage that incorporated Balinese ritual. To say we were blissed out is an understatement! This would be the perfect Christmas gift for you and your favorite person.

Enjoy Sparkling Lights at the Breakers

Sparkling Lights at the Breakers is an illuminated, immersive holiday light experience that consists of hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights, Christmas decorations, and holiday figures along about a half-mile trail.

Along the way you’ll find several fire pits to warm yourself by and a great selection of holiday treats for both adults and kiddos, including hot cocoa, apple cider with bourbon, s’mores kits, and more. This is one of those Newport Christmas things to do that would be a blast with the entire family or as a fun holiday date night activity.

Newport Sparkling Lights at the Breakers 2023

November 17 – December 30, Admission at 4 pm, 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm and 6 pm. Gates close at 6:30 pm, and the house & grounds will close at 8 pm.

Newport RI 2023 Christmas Events

Here are a few more Christmas events in Newport, Rhode Island to look forward to!

Holiday Extravaganza – Ugly holiday sweater contest, writing letters to Santa, hot cocoa bar, holiday cookies, and live music at the Newport Vineyards, December 1

Christmas by the Sea – Local holiday shopping at the Newport Harbor Marina & Resort, December 2

Christmas at Whitehall – Celebrate a Colonial Christmas with Wassail, refreshment, and music, December 3

Where to Stay in Newport RI for Christmas

Hotel Viking : I know I already said it, but Hotel Viking is a lovely property. I’m a big fan of comfy, cozy vibes, and you definitely get that and more when staying at this beautiful, historic hotel! They also host fun seasonal events, like their Christmas Cookie Decorating Class (December 2), Nutcracker Tea (December 3), and their Breakfast with Santa (December 17).

Newport Harbor Island Resort : With outdoor ice skating and the always charming Goat Island Lighthouse all dressed up for Christmas, this is definitely a great choice for Christmas lodgings in Newport.

Christmas in Newport RI Wrap-Up

A Christmas in Newport RI is full of so many fun and festive things to do; wherever you go and whatever you do, enjoy your holiday!

Read these next:

• 6 Trip Ideas for a Lovely Winter in Rhode Island
• 25+ New England Gifts: Locally-Sourced & Regionally-Inspired
• 10 Merriest Memory Making Christmas Celebrations in New England
• 9 of the Coziest and Best Winter Getaways in New England

Photos of the Sparkling Breakers Mansion in Newport at Christmas

cWe’ve learned from experience that some places on Earth just know how to show up for Christmas and winter holiday season. Like New York City. London. Paris. And Newport, Rhode Island. We visited recently to see the historic Gilded Age mansions decorated in their holiday best. If you can’t make it there yourself, have a virtual Christmas holiday tour with our best photos of the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island while decorated with lights and trees, inside and out. It’s a simple, traditional and beautiful way to experience the holidays this year.

Majestic mansions are part of the lure of Newport, Rhode Island

There are many good reasons to escape to Newport for a long weekend – the charming town, the beaches, the sailing, the food and drink. Even the shopping is better than you might expect. But for some, it’s all about the mansions.

Newport is renowned for its numerous 19th and early 20th century summer “cottages,” which were built by many of the country’s wealthiest families, and represent some of the finest examples of residential architecture of the era.

It’s amusing (or maybe infuriating?) that these grand homes weren’t even the primary residences of their owners. Most were occupied only for the summer, after which the families would return to palatial residences in New York or Boston.

Still, if you can put your opinions about capitalism, class and privilege aside for an hour or so, there’s a lot of fun to be had visiting these majestic homes. Imagining the parties, the frocks, the flowers and the swanky cocktails is a lovely daydream. Architecture aficionados will find lots to see and learn about. And the people-watching is first rate.

Are you in? Then come along, dear reader.

if you tour one Newport mansion, make it The Breakers

If you can only visit one of these historic and iconic mansions when you’re in town, make it The Breakers.

The entrance to the Breakers mansion in Newport a the Christmas holiday season. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

a christmas visit to a marvelous mansion

It’s a spectacular experience any time of year, and even more so at the Christmas holiday season. The grandeur and beauty of the house alight with holiday lights will provide a visceral sense of life during the Gilded Age that would be hard to achieve any other way.

The Christmas holiday poinsettia tree at the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The Breakers is a four-story mansion built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his wife Alice as a summer home. Located on 14 acres on Ochre Point Avenue, the cliff-side site provides a stunning view of the coastline. Because of its rich history and architectural importance, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The Breakers in Newport decorated for the Christmas holidays. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system, Cornelius Vanderbilt II was the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built the family’s fortune first in steamships and later in the railroad business.

A Christmas holiday tour with our best photos of the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island decorated with lights and trees inside and out. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

the most opulent of the gilded age mansions of newport

The Breakers is by far the most opulent of Newport’s mansions, intentionally designed to stand as a marker of the Vanderbilt family’s superior social and financial status.

Historians note that Vanderbilt’s younger brother William and his wife Alva built Marble House on nearby Bellevue Avenue – it reigned supreme as the best home in Newport until the Breakers was built .  Nothing like sibling rivalry to get a good real estate competition going.

Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.`

In 1893, Richard Morris Hunt won the commission to build a new villa on the site of a mansion that was destroyed by fire in the previous year. It’s worth noting that just as this project began, Vanderbilt II was finishing an expansion of his Fifth Avenue mansion, which made it the largest private home in New York City’s history.

Photos of the Luxurious Breakers Mansion in Newport

The exterior.

The imposing façade of The Breakers is made of brick faced with Indiana limestone. Because of the effort of 2,000 workers who toiled in both day and night shifts, the 70-room, 125,000 square foot Italian Renaissance- style palazzo took only 2 years to complete.

For the nighttime “Sparkling Lights” display, the façade is awash in a rainbow of festive colors. Santa is – of course – stationed squarely in front of the portico, happily taking photos with the guests.

The Public Rooms

The Breakers mansion is modeled after the 16th-century palaces and villas of Genoa and the surrounding region. Those homes celebrated the architecture of ancient Rome, and that spirit permeates the Breakers, too.

Inside, you’ll find period furnishings, gold filigree, carved wood, marble, platinum walls, a bubbling fountain and numerous paintings. The net effect is like being teleported to Italy – never a bad thing, if you ask us.

The Great Hall

The opulence and grandeur of life among the wealthy in the Gilded Age is on full display in the Great Hall, the first area that visitors see as they enter the villa.

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island, at Christmas holiday. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

There are loggias on the first and second floors, defined by marble arches. The public rooms are symmetrically arrayed around the Great Hall.

Because the Breakers is open to the public year-round, concerts are held in the spectacular Great Hall during the annual summer Newport Music Festival and during the holiday season.

The Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Billiards Room and the Music Room

Wander through the rooms adjacent to the Great Hall on the first floor, and you’ll get a sense of the social events the Vanderbilt family hosted during the Roaring 20’s and beyond.

The Breakfast Room at the Breakers in Newport. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The Dining Room at the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The home’s first floor also houses an extensive library and a billiards room.

The Billiards Room at the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The Music Room completes the circuit of the Great Hall and the public entertaining spaces at the mansion.

The Music Room at the Breakers mansion in Newport decorated for the Christmas holiday. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The Music Room. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

There’s a magnificent outdoor terrace on the first floor with a spectacular view of the ocean below the cliffs.

The view from the terrace of the Breakers in Newport. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

The Family Quarters

Famed Boston architect and designer Ogden Codman, Jr. decorated the family quarters on the second and third floors of the villa. Each bedroom on the second floor features a unique Christmas tree, with whimsical ornaments that communicate the spirit of the various occupants.

the Countess’s bedroom

The first room on the tour is a dreamy child’s room, with a tree filled with ribbons and gingerbread figures. And of course, stockings for Santa on the mantle.

The Countess’s bedroom at the Breakers mansion. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

Ornament on the tree in the Countess’s bedroom at the Breakers mansion. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

Mr. Vanderbilt’s bedroom

The bedroom occupied by Cornelius Vanderbilt is decked out for the Christmas holiday with a tree that could only belong here. It’s topped by a top hat. And features trains as a nod to one of the sources of Vanderbilt’s wealth.

Vanderbilt’s bedroom at the Breakers mansion. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

A pink paradise

In an adjacent room, the vibe is feminine and refined, with floral brocade linens and wallpaper. The tree is electric pink, adorned with ornaments made of feathers and other sparkly things.

Ornament in a bedroom at the Breakers. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

the guest bedroom

The designated bedroom for visitors is hushed and serene. The tree in this room nods to the forest and the verdant landscape surrounding the mansion.

Ornament in the guest bedroom at the Breakers. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

Mrs. Vanderbilt’s room

If you ask us, Mrs. V definitely claimed the loveliest and most gracious space for herself.

Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom at the Breakers in Newport decorated for the Christmas holiday. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

We like to imagine her peeping over the railing to see who’s arrived for the splashy event in the Great Hall.

The upper floors of the mansion are closed to the public. Interestingly, until 2018, the great-grandchildren of the original owners of The Breakers lived on the third floor.

The Kitchen and Butler’s Pantry

Having lost the previous house on the property to fire, Vanderbilt and his architect took numerous precautions to guard against a repeat of that outcome.

For example, they decided to build the kitchen in a separate space with a bit of distance from the main house. If you love copper pots (and we do), this is a space in which to linger and marvel.

The kitchen at the Breakers decorated for the holidays. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.

Note the surfing starfish on one of the trees in the kitchen. Elementary school-age children were invited to decorate each tree with a maritime theme. Surf’s up!!!

The Gardens and Grounds

After touring the mansion itself, lots of people explore the surrounding gardens and the expansive front lawn.

The Historic Preservation Society is currently in the midst of a 5-year restoration project of the original elements of the grounds at the Breakers. But there’s still plenty of lovely green space to explore.

That’s our virtual tour with photos of the luxurious Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, including the house and gardens. What do you think? Ready for a visit back in time to the Gilded Age?

The Breakers is open daily at 10 a.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. The house and grounds close at 5 p.m. except on nights when the Sparkling Lights exhibit is on display.

Pamela Thomas-Graham

Pamela Thomas-Graham is the Founder & CEO of Dandelion Chandelier. She serves on the boards of several tech companies, and was previously a senior executive in finance, media and fashion, and a partner at McKinsey & Co.

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Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour

Tickets will go on sale April 19.

Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age ” will love this guide-led tour of locations in the Newport Mansions where the Emmy-winning series was filmed. Your guide will share stories about the real-life people who lived in the mansions and inspired many of the characters in the show. And you’ll get the inside scoop on what it takes to host a major television production!

You’ll visit The Elms , which did double duty as the Russell family’s Newport cottage as well as places in their New York mansion including Gladys Russell’s bedroom and the kitchen where the household staff works and gossips. Then it’s on to Marble House to see Mr. Russell’s bedroom, the Dining Room where Bertha Russell hosted a dinner for the Duke of Buckingham, the grand bedroom that was the inspiration for Bertha’s room, and the kitchen, which appeared as Mrs. Astor’s kitchen in her Newport home.

During your stop at Chateau-sur-Mer , the exterior of which appeared as Mrs. Astor’s cottage, you’ll see the distinctive Stair Hall with its “Tree of Life” mural; the Dining Room and Ballroom used for Mrs. Fish’s doll tea party; and several bedrooms that appear in the van Rhijn and Morris households. Then it’s time to enjoy cookies and beverages on the porch!

Finally, you’ll visit The Breakers to see the Billiard Room, where Mr. Russell conducted ruthless business dealings, and the Russells’ ballroom where guests danced during Gladys’ debutante ball and Bertha had her first social triumph.

Tour includes:

• Transportation: Pick-up (1:15 pm sharp!) & drop-off at Gateway Transportation Center, 23 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, RI.
• Visits to select rooms in The Elms, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer & The Breakers that are featured in HBO’s “The Gilded Age.”
• Refreshments on the porch at Chateau-sur-Mer.
• 10% discount in the Newport Mansions Store at The Breakers.

What you need to know

• Tour offered Tuesdays & Fridays only, May 17 - June 28, 1:15 pm - 5 pm
• Advance ticket purchase only.
• Tour appropriate for ages 13 and above.
• Transportation: Pick up & drop off at Gateway Transportation Center, 23 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, RI. Please be ready for pick-up at 1:15 pm.
• Maximum of 12 people per tour. Minimum of 6 persons required to operate tour. A full refund will be provided if tour is canceled.
• To receive the membership discount, members must log in at www.newportmansions.org as a member or call (401) 847-1000, ext. 111.
• $250 Non-members, per person
• $200 Preservation Society members, per person

The Elms back lawn, Season 2/Episode 1 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)

The Elms Kitchen, Season 1/Episode 7 (Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO)

The Elms first-floor Gallery, Season 2/Episode 2 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)

The Elms Ballroom, Season 2/Episode 5 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)

Marble House Dining Room, Season 2/Episode 5 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)

Chateau-sur-Mer, George Wetmore's bedroom, Season 1/Episode 3 (Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO)

Chateau-sur-Mer, Stair Hall, Season 1/Episode 1 (Preservation Society photograph)

The Breakers Music Room, Season 1/Episode 9 (Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO)

The Breakers Billiard Room, Season 1/Episode 2 (Preservation Society photograph)

“The Gilded Age” on HBO

“Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes chose the Newport Mansions to provide authentic scenery for his historical drama “The Gilded Age.” Explore the backstories behind each episode with our Deep Dive into the Show .

More Tours, Events & Exhibitions

Beneath the breakers tour, daily 10:30 am.

Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.

Servant Life Tour

Daily starting april 1, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm*.

See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. * May 11-May 31, tour will be offered daily at 10:30 am & 3:30 pm. June 1-Aug. 31, 10:30 am, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Sept. 1-Oct. 14, 10:30 & 3:30. Oct. 15-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.

Gilded Age Newport in Color

March 15 – june 30, 2024 10:00am – 3:00pm.

This exhibition explores a largely unknown but important chapter in American history: the experience of a thriving African heritage community in Newport.

Young Patron Event: Kentucky Derby Party

May 4, 2024 5:00pm – 8:00pm.

Our Young Patron event this year is a Kentucky Derby party! Join us as we celebrate and enjoy this historic race that dates back to the Gilded Age.

Annual Plant Sale at Green Animals Topiary Garden

May 10 – 12, 2024 8 am -10 am.

Get your garden going or find nice springtime and Mother's Day gifts for friends and family! A variety of flowers, vegetables and specialty plants are available while supplies last.

Am I Not a Man and a Woman: The Rise of African Heritage Political Identity in Gilded Age Rhode Island

May 16, 2024 6:00pm – 7:00pm.

Rhode Island Black Heritage Society scholars will interpret the evolution of Black Civil Rights from the early beginnings of the 18th century Free African Societies to the formation of Colored Women Clubs of the Gilded Age.

The Newport Flower Show: “At Home”

June 21 – 23, 2024.

After a one-year sojourn to Marble House, New England’s premier flower show returns to Rosecliff with the theme of “At Home.” Tickets now on sale.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

September 20 – 22, 2024.

Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences.

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

Partners in Preservation