Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 39th year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar.

In a community collaboration among residents, businesses and the city, only clear bulbs illuminate the scenic harbor and wharves, the restored colonials of the Point and Historic Hill sections, and the Victorian splendor of Bellevue Avenue.

The lights are meant to simulate candlelight, and are the brainchild of Christmas in Newport founder Ruth Myers, who wished to recapture the candlelit holidays of bygone days. With a volunteer base numbering 1500, the non-profit organization, Christmas in Newport, raises thousands of dollars for charity each year. In keeping with the true spirit of the season, any event listed in the annual program must be free of charge or must benefit a non-profit institution or charity.

For more information about Christmas in Newport, call our hot line at  (401) 849-6454, or visit our web site at http://www.christmasinnewport.org/ (courtesy of Pirata Media)  A 30-minute video highlighting many of our December activities is available for a fee from Video Image Productions at (401) 847-3229. For a listing of accommodations in the Newport area, please write the Gateway Information Center at 23 America's Cup Avenue or call (800) 326-6030.

2009 Christmas in Newport

Important notice:
The opening ceremonies for Christmas in Newport 2009
will be held on November 30th at 6:00 pm for this year only.

Calendar of Events
  Denotes Children's and family events

November 30th - Monday
	Official Opening of Christmas in Newport, 6 p.m., Washington Sq. Features proclamation from the Mayor, tree lighting, Newport Artillery cannon salute, live entertainment. Free. 849-6454. www.christmasinnewport.org
December 1st - Tuesday
	Newport Historical Society Holiday Open House at Newport Colony House, 5-6 p.m., Washington Square, Newport. Tour the Colony House before the Christmas in Newport’s official opening ceremony. Seasonal music and refreshments. Donation requested. 846-0813.
	Island Moving Company Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff, Rosecliff Mansion, 548 Belleview Ave. Times vary. Be a part of the story as you follow the dazzling performers through the spectacular setting of Newport’s most romantic mansion. $75 Golden Circle, $60 Silver seating, $35 child pillow seating for 10 yrs. & younger. 847-4470.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
December 2nd - Wednesday
	Nativity of Christ Puppet Show, 7p.m., The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown. Larger than life rod & stick puppets & marionettes tell the story of the Nativity. Fun for the whole family. Free will donation requested. 846-3515 or 862-0573.
	Traditional Lessons and Carols Performed by Schola Cantorum of St. John’s, 6 p.m., Church of St. John the Evangelist, Washington & Willow Sts. A service patterned after that presented at King’s College, Oxford, seven traditional readings interspersed with musical offerings. Free will offering. 848-2561.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Christmas Acoustic Benefit Concert, 7 p.m., Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham St. Numerous local musicians participating to benefit Lucy’s Hearth and The McKinney Shelter. Admission $10. 849-4250. MGorman20@cox.net
	Island Moving Company Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff, see Dec. 1 for details.
December 3rd - Thursday
	Nativity of Christ Puppet Show, 7p.m., The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown. Larger than life rod & stick puppets & marionettes tell the story of the Nativity. Fun for the whole family. Free will donation requested. 846-3515 or 862-0573.
	Island Moving Company Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff, see Dec. 1 for details.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Holiday Projects, for Pre-K to Grade 1, 4-5 p.m., Griswold House, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave. Children Children will create jewelry and decorative objects to give to a special friend or relative. Members $10, non-members $15. Please register at 848-2787 or www.newportartmuseum.org
December 4th - Friday
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Based on the Warner Brother movie, this holiday classic tale comes to life on a journey to The North Pole. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit every child on board with a special gift for those who truly believe. Children encouraged to wear pajamas. Reservations recommended. Adults $26.95, children $18.95 plus tax. 841-8700. www.newportdinnertrain.com or www.polarexpressride.com
	Holiday Lantern Tours of Historic Newport, 5 p.m. departing from the Brick Market Museum, 127 Thames St. Discover the history of Newport winter traditions on a lantern-lit stroll through Newport’s historic hill. Reservations strongly recommended. $12 adults, $5 ages 12 and under. Weather permitting. 841-8770.
	Nativity of Christ Puppet Show, 7p.m., The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown. Larger than life rod & stick puppets & marionettes tell the story of the Nativity. Fun for the whole family. Free will donation requested. 846-3515 or 862-0573.
	Christmas at the King House, 7-8p.m., 35 King St. Holiday classics from around the world performed by The Salve Regina Madrigal Singers. Admission $7. 846-7426.
	Island Moving Company Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff, see Dec. 1 for details.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Victorian Christmas Feast at Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, 7-10p.m., 580 Bellevue Ave. Join the Astor family for St. Nicholas day 1891 in this 3 hr. celebration, which features a lavish holiday dinner and musical performance. Reservations required. $125 per person. 846-3772.
	Holiday Critter Glitter Jewelry Preview Party at Potter League for Animals, 5-8 p.m., 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown. Refreshments. Tickets $25 per person. 846-8276.
	Wine Tasting & Holiday Tabletops Reception, 6-8 p.m., Griswold House, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave. Festive designer holiday tables decorated by members of the Newport Showhouse Guild. Wine tasting presented by Bellevue Wine & Spirits. Members $15, non-members $25.
December 5th - Saturday
	9th Annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale, 9-1 p.m., Rotunda at Easton’s Beach. Christmas wreaths and table top decorations created by designers, artists, gardeners and florists from our community. All proceeds go to Lucy’s Hearth. 848-7515.
	Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes, Samuel Whitehorne House, 10-3 p.m., 416 Thames St. Gain an intimate glimpse of Christmas festivities of the early 1800s in a Federal-style Newport Mansion. Meet the two Whitehorne daughters and learn about the history of the holiday and why some less tolerant colonies had outlawed holiday celebrations. Sample one of Mrs. Whitehorne’s desserts and take away a booklet of authentic colonial recipes. $5 per person, children under 5 are free. 847-2448. liz@newportrestoration.org
	UnDecked Halls: A Glimpse Behind the Shutters at Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave., 10-3 p.m. (tours offered every ½ hr. with last tour at 2:30 p.m.). Enjoy an authentic view inside heiress Doris Duke’s Newport mansion in the winter. Experience the quiet house, decorated staff wing, hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday spent in Hawaii, and learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. The tour is of the first floor of the house and refreshments are served. $10 adults, $8 children under 12 yrs. Tickets sold at the door. 847-8344. liz@newportrestoration.org
	39th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting and Open House, America’s Cup Ave., 4:30p.m. Frosty The Snowman and caroling, City Official lights the tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat (weather permitting). Open house at Bowen’s Wharf shops. Free admission. 849-2120. www.bowenswharf.com
	12th Annual Harbor Lights Parade of Boats & Blessing of the Fleet, 6 p.m., Newport Harbor. Commercial boats and pleasure crafts decorated and lighted for the holidays. Free. 845-5815.
	Salve Regina University’s 33rd Annual Governor’s Ball, 9 p.m., Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave. $150 per person, corporate sponsorship available also. Black tie gala with proceeds benefiting Salve Regina’s scholarship fund. 401-341-2381.
	Holiday Movies, Crafts and Drawing Contest at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 10-3 p.m., 194 Bellevue Ave. Victorian Christmas display on view. Guided Museum Tour at 1:30 p.m. For all ages, free to ITHF members, $10 for non-members. 849-3990 or visit www.tennisfame.com
	Santa’s Workshop, noon-3p.m., Easton’s Beach Carousel & Rotunda. Fun afternoon for families to enjoy crafts, ride the carousel and visit with Santa who arrives by fire truck at 1p.m. $7 per child includes a goody bag and 1 ride on the carousel and 1 ride on the mini-train. Refreshments. Admission limited due to space capacity. 845-5800.
	Christmas Silver Tea and Boutique, Honyman Hall, Trinity Church, Queen Anne Sq., 1-4p.m. Tea, crafts and seasonal greens. $8. 846-0660.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	Swanhurst Chorus’ “An Evening with Anton Bruckner”, 8 p.m., Church of St. John the Evangelist, Washington & Willow St. The evening will feature Brucker’s Mass in f minor, Ave Maria and Virga Jesse. $20 in advance, $22.50 at door, $10 student. For tickets or more info. 682-1630 or www.Swanhurst.org.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Redwood Library and Athenaeum Holiday Open House, 10-4p.m., 50 Bellevue Ave. Music, entertainment, refreshments for children and adults, as well as tours of the historic Library at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 847-0292. www.redwoodlibrary.org/events.
December 6th - Sunday
	Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes, Samuel Whitehorne House, 10-3 p.m., see Dec 5 for details.
	Christmas at Whitehall, “A 1730 Christmas”, 2-4 p.m., Whitehall Museum House, 311 Berkeley Ave., Middletown. A colonial Christmas party, candle-lit tours of the historic home of George Berkeley, wassail, cookies and music of the period. Sponsored by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Free, donations accepted. 849-3672. www.whitehallmuseumhouse.org
	Holiday Band Concert, 3 p.m., Salve Regina University, Ochre Court Great Hall, 100 Ochre Point Ave. Newport Community Symphonic Band performing. Admission $5, $3 for students and seniors. 401-341-2945.
	Christmas Concert & Tea at Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Ave., 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour through the castle with a choral concert in the French Gothic Ballroom followed by silver tea service in the Italian Banquet Hall. 846-0669. Adults $35, Seniors $30, Children 6-12 $10.
	Annual Christmas Music Service, 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Broadway at Everett St. Sanctuary Choir, Handbell choir and soloists. Free. 847-1749.
	Holiday Movies, Crafts and Drawing Contest at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, see Dec. 5 for details.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	“Deck the Hall”, 5:30 p.m., at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 194 Bellevue Ave. Annual outdoor tree lighting ceremony with caroling by the Cluny School Choir and refreshments. Free. 849-3990 or visit www.tennisfame.com
	Victorian Christmas Concert, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Astors’Beechwood Mansion, 580 Bellevue Ave. Join the Beechwood Theatre Company for an early evening of Christmas vocal music. Reservations recommended. $10 per person. 846-3772.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Visit with Santa Claus at The Breakers, noon – 3 p.m., 44 Ochre Point Ave. Sponsored by The Preservation Society of Newport County. Adults $16.50 , youth 6-17 yrs. $4, members free. 847-1000. www.newportmansions.org.
December 7th - Monday
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 8th - Tuesday
	Nutmeg and Mistletoe, 7:00p.m., Ocean Cliff ballroom, Ocean Dr. The area’s finest musicians and singers, performing holiday music to benefit the Matthew Quinn Scholarship at Rogers High School. Admission $15. 683-6565. www.DickLupinoMusic.com
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 9th - Wednesday
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
	Potter League for Animals “Candlelight Memorial Celebration,” 6:30 p.m. at the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Land, Middletown. Come celebrate all the animals that have touched your life. Refreshments. $10 donation at the door is appreciated. RSVP to Susan at 846-0592 or susanr@potterleague.org.
December 10th - Thursday
	Children’s Impressions of Christmas in Newport, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Newport Yacht Club, Long Wharf. Art show by Newport Schools K-12 grade students and US Postal Service commemorative postmark for Christmas in Newport. Free. 846-9410 or 846-5843.
	Christmas at The King House, 7p.m., 35 King St. Celebrate a Victorian musical evening with The Astors Beechwood Singers. Admission $7. 846-7426.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest, deadline is Friday, December 11. Register your home or business for judging at 848-6707.
	St. George’s School, Service of Lessons and Carols, 372 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, 7:00 p.m. The birth of Jesus is told by lesson and song. Congregational singing and carols by the School choir. Free. 847-7565.
	Holiday Clay Platters (Grades 2-5) Part 1, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Kahn Bldg., Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave. Children will make clay holiday platters and glaze them to keep or give to a special friend. (Two classes - part 2 on 17 Dec.) Members $30, non-members $45. Please register 848-2787 or www.newportartmuseum.org
	MUSE Exhibition Reception, 5-8 p.m., Griswold House, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave. The student-curated MUSE (Museum Studies) exhibition runs through Jan 6, 2010. No charge. 848-8200.
December 11th - Friday
	Holiday Lantern Tours of Historic Newport, 5 p.m. departing from the Brick Market Museum, 127 Thames St. Discover the history of Newport winter traditions on a lantern-lit stroll through Newport’s historic hill. Reservations strongly recommended. $12 adults, $5 ages 12 and under. Weather permitting. 841-8770.
	Christmas in Song by the Newport Navy Choristers, 7:30 p.m., St. Lucy’s Church, 909 W. Main Rd., Middletown. Concert to benefit The Artillery Co. of Newport. Admission $8 adults, $5 children under 12 & seniors, $20 family. 849-1135.
	Christmas Choral Concert, 8 p.m., Salve Regina University, Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave. SRU Chorus, Madrigals. $5 general admission, $3 seniors and students. 401-341-2945.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	Victorian Christmas Feast at Astors’Beechwood Mansion, 7-10p.m., 580 Bellevue Ave. See Dec. 4 for details.
	Judging of the Newport Doorway Contest today.
	29th Annual Newport Yachting Center Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center, 5:45 p.m., America’s Cup Ave. Music, ice skating, carols, refreshments, Santa and Mrs. Claus and other surprises. Free. 846-1600.
December 12th - Saturday
	Holiday Open House at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, 194 Bellevue Ave., 9:30-5p.m. Family friendly activities including scavenger hunts, drawing contests and Wii tennis. Victorian Christmas display on view. Guided Museum Tour, 1:30 p.m. Visit from Santa Claus and reading of the Night Before Christmas at 3 p.m. For all ages. Free to all with donation of a non-perishable item for charity. 849-3990 or visit www.tennisfame.com
	Holiday Bazaar & Artisans Faire, 9a.m-4p.m., The Edward King House, 35 King St. Crafts, handmade items, bake sale, white elephant sale, refreshments. Free. 846-7426.
	Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes, Samuel Whitehorne House, 10-3 p.m., see Dec 5 for details.
	UnDecked Halls: A Glimpse Behind the Shutters at Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave., 10-3 p.m. See Dec. 5 for details.
	The Invisible Church Concert, 7 p.m., Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. M.F. Wheatland Blvd. A celebration of the endurance and spirit of the “Invisible Church.” Come and share the rich history of songs that tell the story of Black America. Free will offering. 847-1707 or(401)225-0848.
	Christmas Choral Concert, 8 p.m., Salve Regina University, Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave. SRU Chorus, Madrigals. $5 general admission, $3 seniors and students. All tickets sold in advance. 401-341-2295.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	Newport Inn’s Bed and Breakfast Christmas Tours, 4-7 p.m., various Inns around Newport, three different inns per day – locations to be announced. Tickets can be purchased at the Newport Visitors Center or day of the tour. Light refreshments served. $10 for one day. 855-8701.
December 13th - Sunday
	Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes, Samuel Whitehorne House, 10-3 p.m., see Dec 5 for details.
	Christmas Concert & Tea at Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Ave., 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour through the castle with a choral concert in the French Gothic Ballroom followed by silver tea service in the Italian Banquet Hall. 846-0669. Adults $35, Seniors $30, Children 6-12 $10.
	Christmas Open House, 2-4 p.m., Glen Manor House, 3 Frank Coelho Dr., Portsmouth. Local entertainment. Free. 683-4177.
	Christmas In Sign, sponsored by the James L. Maher Center, 4p.m., O’Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina Univ. Christmas songs and dances performed in black light and in sign language. Admission $4. 401-423-0808.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	Holiday Craft Fair at Potter League for Animals, 10-4 p.m., 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown. Free admission. 846-8276.
	Visit with Santa Claus at Marble House, noon – 3 p.m., Bellevue Ave. Sponsored by The Preservation Society of Newport County. Adults $11, youth 6-17 yrs. $4, members free. 847-1000. www.newportmansions.org.
	Newport Inn’s Bed and Breakfast Christmas Tours, 4-7 p.m., various Inns around Newport, three different inns per day – locations to be announced. Tickets can be purchased at the Newport Visitors Center or day of the tour. Light refreshments served. $10 for one day. 855-8701.
December 14th - Monday
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 15th - Tuesday
	Newport County Orchestra Holiday Concert, 8p.m., Ochre Court Great Hall, Salve Regina University. Admission $5 adults, and $3 for seniors and students. 401-341-2945.
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
	98th Annual Medieval Christmas Pageant, St. George’s School Chapel, 372 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, 7:00 p.m. Candlelit service of the portrayal of the Christmas story. Free. 847-7565.
	Lunch with the Artist – Michelangelo’s David: A Modern Man or Old Fashioned Prophet?, Hosted by Richard Tyre, 12 p.m., Griswold House, Newport Art Museum. Free for museum members, $5 for non-members. 848-8200.
December 16th - Wednesday
	22nd Annual WADK-AM/WJZS-FM Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Newport Marriott Hotel Atrium, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Larry Brown’s Swinglane Orchestra and The Astors’ Beechwood Theatre Company Choral Ensemble performing. Free, canned food donation requested to benefit local charity. 846-1540.
December 17th - Thursday
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
	Holiday Clay Platters (Grades 2-5) Part 2, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Newport Art Museum. Please see Dec. 10th for details.
December 18th - Friday
	Holiday Lantern Tours of Historic Newport, 5 p.m. departing from the Brick Market Museum, 127 Thames St. Discover the history of Newport winter traditions on a lantern-lit stroll through Newport’s historic hill. Reservations strongly recommended. $12 adults, $5 ages 12 and under. Weather permitting. 841-8770.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	Victorian Christmas Feast at Astors’Beechwood Mansion, 7-10p.m., 580 Bellevue Ave. See Dec. 4 for details.
December 19th - Saturday
	Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes, Samuel Whitehorne House, 10-3 p.m., see Dec 5 for details.
	UnDecked Halls: A Glimpse Behind the Shutters at Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave., 10-3 p.m. See Dec. 5 for details.
	Holiday Evening Duet – The Elms & Marble House, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy 2 houses for the price of one during this evening open house with live music and refreshments. 847-1000. Adults $28 in advance, $35 at the door, children 6-17 $10.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	17th Annual Messiah & Carol Sing: “The Christmas Story”, 7 p.m., Emmanuel Church, Spring & Dearborn Sts. Shanhurst Chorus will feature much of the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and the telling of the Christmas Story. Bring your own score and sing along. Wassail Bowl reception following. Admission $10, $5 for children 12 and under, and $25 maximum per family. 682-1630 or www.Swanhurst.org.
	Celebrate this holiday season colonial style with Polly Wanton and the White Horse Tavern, The Newport Historical Society and the White Horse Tavern have partnered with a tour of the 1697 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and a tour and refreshments at the 1673 White Horse Tavern. Hear the stories that are often untold in front of an open fire as colonial visitors once did. $25 per person and $20 for NHS members. Reservations necessary. 841-8770.
	Holiday Murder Mystery at Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, 580 Bellevue Ave., 7 – 8:30 p.m. Play holiday whodunit in this 1890’s Christmas murder mystery with the Beechwood Theatre Company. Advance reservations recommended. $30 adults, $15 youth 6-17 yrs. 846-3772. www.astorsbeechwood.com
December 20th - Sunday
	Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes, Samuel Whitehorne House, 10-3 p.m., see Dec 5 for details.
	Christmas Concert & Tea at Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Ave., 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour through the castle with a choral concert in the French Gothic Ballroom followed by silver tea service in the Italian Banquet Hall. 846-0669. Adults $35, Seniors $30, Children 6-12 $10.
	The Polar Express, Newport Train Station, 19 America’s Cup Ave., 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 for details.
	“Christmas On Historic Hill,” Service of Lessons and Carols, Trinity Church, Queen Anne Sq. Time TBA. An ecumenical candlelight service with Aquidneck Island church choirs and clergy. Free will offering. 846-0660. www.trinitynewport.org
	Visit with Santa Claus at The Elms, noon – 3 p.m., Bellevue Ave. Sponsored by The Preservation Society of Newport County. Adults $11, youth 6-17 yrs. $4, members free. 847-1000. www.newportmansions.org.
	Music in the Galleries, 2 p.m., Griswold House, Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave. Sponsored by Newport Fed. Newport Brass Quintet performing. Museum members (individual) $5, non-members (individual) $10, member households $10, non-member households $15. 848-8200.
December 21st - Monday
	Cancelled due to storm and school cancellation "A Living Nativity" presented by Cluny School, 75 Brenton Rd., 6:00pm. Live animals and choral music will enhance this annual reenactment of the "first Christmas" under the stars. A gift to the community expressing the true meaning of Christmas. Please bring a blanket and flashlight. Free. 841-9753, clunyschool.org
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 22nd - Tuesday
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 23rd - Wednesday
	Christmas at the King House dramatic reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas", 3:30 p.m., 35 King St. Recitation of Clement C. Moore’s classic poem by actor Tim McGuiness. Refreshments. $5 for families, or $3 per person. 846-7426.
December 24th - Thursday
	CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES ISLAND CHURCHES
	Candlelight Christmas Eve service at Newport Congregational Church, 73 Pelham St. 6 p.m. 849-2238.
December 25th - Friday
	A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS TO ALL
December 26th - Saturday
	Holiday Train Rides, 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave. Ride along scenic Narragansett Bay in antique railroad coaches, decorated, enclosed and heated. Adults $7.50, Seniors $6, Children $5, first class $11. 401-624-6951.
	Holiday Murder Mystery at Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, 580 Bellevue Ave., 7 – 8:30 p.m. Play holiday whodunit in this 1890’s Christmas murder mystery with the Beechwood Theatre Company. Advance reservations recommended. $30 adults, $15 youth 6-17 yrs. 846-3772. www.astorsbeechwood.com
December 27th - Sunday
	Holiday Train Rides, 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave. Ride along scenic Narragansett Bay in antique railroad coaches, decorated, enclosed and heated. Adults $7.50, Seniors $6, Children $5, first class $11. 401-624-6951.
December 28th - Monday
	Holiday Train Rides, 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave. Ride along scenic Narragansett Bay in antique railroad coaches, decorated, enclosed and heated. Adults $7.50, Seniors $6, Children $5, first class $11. 401-624-6951.
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 29th - Tuesday
	Holiday Train Rides, 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave. Ride along scenic Narragansett Bay in antique railroad coaches, decorated, enclosed and heated. Adults $7.50, Seniors $6, Children $5, first class $11. 401-624-6951.
	UnDecked Halls: A Glimpse Behind the Shutters at Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave., 10-3 p.m. (tours offered every ½ hr. with last tour at 2:30 p.m.). Enjoy an authentic view inside heiress Doris Duke’s Newport mansion in the winter. Experience the quiet house, decorated staff wing, hear about Miss Duke’s tropical holiday spent in Hawaii, and learn how Rough Point’s winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. The tour is of the first floor of the house and refreshments are served. $10 adults, $8 children under 12 yrs. Tickets sold at the door. 847-8344. liz@newportrestoration.org
December 30th - Wednesday
	Holiday Train Rides, 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave. Ride along scenic Narragansett Bay in antique railroad coaches, decorated, enclosed and heated. Adults $7.50, Seniors $6, Children $5, first class $11. 401-624-6951.
	Holiday Gingerbread House, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel for public viewing and picture taking, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with non-perishable canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.
December 31st - Thursday
	Holiday Train Rides, 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Old Colony Railway Depot, 19 America’s Cup Ave. Ride along scenic Narragansett Bay in antique railroad coaches, decorated, enclosed and heated. Adults $7.50, Seniors $6, Children $5, first class $11. 401-624-6951.
	Holiday Murder Mystery at Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, 580 Bellevue Ave., 7 – 8:30 p.m. Play holiday whodunit in this 1890’s Christmas murder mystery with the Beechwood Theatre Company. Advance reservations recommended. $30 adults, $15 youth 6-17 yrs. 846-3772. www.astorsbeechwood.com

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS

Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Ave. Guided tours hourly on Saturdays in Dec. between 11-4 p.m. Guided tours on Sundays in Dec. at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Adults $15, Seniors and college students $10, student 13-18 yrs $7, child 6-12 yrs. $5, child under 6 free.
Champagne Candlelight Tour, 6 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays & Fridays during the month of Dec. Admission $18. 846-0669.
www.Belcourtcastle.org

Holiday Gingerbread House, starting Dec. 7th - 8 a.m.-9 p.m., open daily at The Newport Marriott Hotel, 25 America’s Cup Ave. Free with canned good donation for charity. 849-1000.

International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum, Newport Casino, Bellevue Ave. Open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission. 849-3990. www.tennisfame.com.

Newport Historical Society Museum and Library, 82 Touro St. Open Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – noon. 846-0813.

Newport Yachting Center/Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center. Daily skating, skate rental available. Admission. 846-1600 x209.

Potter League for Animals Holiday Critter Glitter Jewelry Sale, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown. Dec 5-13 from 10-5 p.m. Free admission. 846-8276.

Preservation Society of Newport County, Bellevue Ave. The Breakers, Ochre Point Ave.; The Elms, Bellevue Ave.; Marble House, Bellevue Ave. Three great houses adorned with period-inspired ornaments, elaborate yuletide decorations, fresh flowers, trees, wreaths and garlands. The Breakers 9-4 p.m, The Elms and Marble House 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission. All three houses $28 adult, $9 children 6-17 yrs. 847-1000. www.newportmansions.org

Holiday Evening at The Breakers, Dec 5,12,26. Live holiday music and refreshments. 6-8p.m. Adults $28 in advance, $35 at the door, Children 6-17 yrs. $10. 847-1000 for reservations. www.newportmansions.org

Redwood Library, 50 Bellevue Ave. Open Monday, Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. 847-0292.

Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center, America’s Cup Ave. Outdoor waterfront skating facility, skate rentals, concessions, lessons available. Starting mid-December. $7 adults, $5 children 3-11 and seniors 55+.

The Newport Historical Society's Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market, 127 Thames St, Washington Sq. Open M-Thur 10-6 p.m., Fri-Sat 10-8 p.m. Sunday 10-5 p.m. Admission is by donation. 841-8770.

Trinity Church, Queen Anne Square. Open Sundays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $2 donation suggested. 846-0660.

Victorian Christmas Tours, Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, 580 Bellevue Ave., times and days vary in the month of Dec. Step back to Christmas 1891 with music and holiday fun. $20 adults, $8 youth, $50 for family of 2 adults and 4 youth. 846-3772. www.astorsbeechwood.com

Viking Bus Tours, Ocean Drive, Bellevue Ave, historic buildings and points of interest. 847-6921.

The Colony House on Washington Square is decorated on the exterior by the Newport Garden Club.