November heralds in the Christmas spirit at many of the mansions in Newport, R.I.

While visits to The Elms, Marble House, or Astors’ Beechwood remain popular summer pastimes, these same mansions are transformed for the holidays.

In a “no expense spared” extravaganza you can be entertained with carols, music, and fine dining.

It all begins this weekend and continues through to the New Year.

Preservation Society of Newport Mansions:

Each holiday season the Newport Mansions of The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House put on a stunning show of spectacular evergreens, trees, thousands of poinsettia plants, fresh flowers and wreaths.

In addition to the normal daily tours the decorated mansions are also open for special events at weekends and holiday evenings. Holiday evenings are held in all three mansions and includes a self-guided tour and continuous live music.

Holiday evening at The Elms and Marble House is on Saturday December 17, 6 – 9pm.

The Breakers has a larger selection of special events throughout the season. Holiday evenings are held Saturdays, November 19 & 26, December 3 & 10, 6 pm to 8 pm. In addition on New Year’s Eve you can watch a special cabaret evening on December 31st between 6-8:00pm.

Even with the ornate displays these mansions portrays the holiday still wouldn’t be the same without a visit from the “Big Man” himself. And so rest assured Santa will visit each of the three mansions throughout Christmas.

So with your regular admission you and the kids can meet Santa at these locations and dates:

Sunday, December 4th at The Breakers between Noon to 3:00pm.
Sunday, December 11th at Marble House between Noon to 3:00pm
Sunday, December 18th at The Elms between Noon to 3:00pm.

Tickets can be purchased at any of the mansions.

Astors’ Beechwood Mansion:

The Astors’ Beechwood Mansion is famous for its intertwining of tours and theatrical role playing staff. You see the mansion through the eyes of your host and are treated as a close friend of the family.

At Christmas this theme is carried through in the Victorian Christmas Tour and Christmas Feast.

Traditional Victorian holiday decorations abound and add sparkle and color to an already imposing house. In case you’re not sure what to expect for Victorian decorations, let me tell you the trees will be large, and the trimmings plentiful.

During the tour you’ll be entertained by the host family with singing and ballroom activities that you’ll be welcome to participate in or just enjoy watching.

Cost of the Victorian Christmas Tour is $15 per adult, and $8 for ages 6-17 years, and it lasts approx. one hour.

The Christmas Feast caters for those who want to experience a more intimate and leisurely stroll through the mansion capped with a traditional Christmas dinner and entertainment all served up by the Astor family. The cost is $90 per person, and reservations are required.

For more information on schedules and admission rates check their web site by clicking here.

Take a holiday Newport Mansion tour and relive Christmas from the gilded age.

Have a great visit to Newport.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Site