A popular destination for summer tourists, Newport Rhode Island, an Historic Places Designation in the 2008 National Geographic Traveler, is less crowded in the winter and a great place to enjoy a unique Christmas holiday.
The lavish mansions, summer homes of the rich and famous of the Gilded Age of the 19th century, line both sides of Bellevue Avenue with some decorated for the holiday season with period appropriate decorations, theatrical presentations, and weekend afternoon musical performances.
Famous Mansions on Bellevue Avenue
- Astor's Beechwood - 580 Bellevue Ave. - Beechwood Theatre Company offers interpretations of the Gilded Age lifestyle.
- Belcourt Castle - 657 Bellevue Ave. - built for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont who married a Vanderbuilt
- The Breakers - 44 Ochre Point Ave. (just off Bellevue) - 70 room " summer cottage" of Cornelius Vanderbuilt
- The Elms - 367 Bellevue Ave. - National Historic Landmark
- Griswold House - 76 Bellevue Ave. - designed by Richard Morris Hunt is now the Newport Art Museum
- Marble House - 596 Bellevue Ave. - built for Alva & William Vanderbuilt
- Rosecliff - 548 Bellevue Ave. - designed after the Versailles' Grand Trianon
- Rough Point - 680 Bellevue Ave. - estate of socialite Doris Duke
When in Newport, pick up the latest edition of Best Read Guide Newport, that lists all the mansions, hours of operation and year round special events.
Christmas Festivities at the Bellevue Mansions
There are Christmas feasts scheduled from November 20 through the beginning of January. The public can participate in a formal holiday dinner party at the Astor’s estate Beechwood, or the Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers.
Although the above mentioned festivities are a bit pricey, the general mansion tours are reasonably priced and available daily for individual mansion or combination mansion tour tickets ranging from $11-$30.
There are evening tours with refreshments and holiday music every Saturday from Thanksgiving through Christmas week.
Cliff Walk Behind Mansions on Newport’s Rocky Coast
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile path that runs along the back yards of the mansions on the edge of the rocky cliffs above the ocean. There are several handicap access points to Cliff Walk, but the walkway is not totally accessible for the entire distance. This walk gives public access across the backyards of the mansions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
What to Pack for Holiday in Newport RI
Be sure to pack warm clothing for brisk ocean breezes while shopping along Bowen’s Wharf, strolling on the Cliff Walk, or taking an invigorating walk or run through the trails at Sachuest Point Wildlife Preserve in nearby Middletown. A winter snowfall is always possible and could just be the icing on the cake for a memorable New England holiday.
Newport tends to be casual as most coastal towns in New England, but make sure to include evening wear if planning to attend the "dinner with the Astors" at "Beechwood" where black tie is optional, the dinner dance at "The Breakers", or other more formal holiday festivities.
Where is Newport Rhode Island
Newport is in the state of Rhode Island on the Atlantic coast of northeastern United States in the region called New England.
- Providence Airport (PVD) is a 30 minute drive by rental car available inside the airport or with Newport Shuttle Taxi. ($25 each way & reservations recommended at 800-846-1502)
- Providence Train Station (PVD) is a 45 minute drive to Newport. Rental cars are not available at the train station and should be arranged ahead to be picked up.
- Boston's Logan Airport (BOS) is 1.5 hours drive with rental cars available at the airport.
- New York City is about 3.5 hours drive.
Newport is a year-round travel destination with significant historic places, a reknowned summer jazz festival, food festivals, beaches, marina, fine dining, historic inns, numerous bed & breakfasts, and a mixture of quaint and chic shops. Enjoying Newport in the quieter off-season is especially beautiful during the holiday season and provides a non-traditional way to celebrate.
Resource: 2008-2009 Best Read Guide Newport, Edward A. Sherman Publishing Co.
Barbara Shema - Barbara Shema is a freelance writer and artist from the USA currently living in Europe to teach English as a foreign language.
