It’s the most wonderful time, of the yearrrrrrr, especially in Newport. Growing up in Newport, I have so many fond memories of the excitement around the holiday season here. The storefronts decorated with lights and greenery, the Bowen’s Wharf tree lighting, the crispness of the air, and the occasional December snow day. Every year Newport steps up their holiday game and what used to be the “off-season” is now a great time to visit and enjoy the City by the Sea. Here are some of my favorite things to do if you find yourself in Newport for the holidays.
Newport Holiday Stroll
The first two weekends of December, the Newport Holiday Stroll, is a fun way to enjoy Newport with activities, special shopping discounts and offers from local restaurants. There’s also a free guided shopping tour (make sure you RSVP).
A few of my local favorites include:
Kristen Coates, get lost in the most beautifully curated shop with everything from skincare treatments to candles to books to artwork and more. One of my favorite places to shop in Newport.
Shore Soap Co, stock up on handcrafted natural bath and body products, and the best candles.
Stop for coffee and a pastry at the Coffee Grinder. You can’t beat the ambience, sip a latte as you watch the water glisten in the harbor.
While it’s not part of the Newport stroll, Farmaesthetics up on Bellevue Ave is another one of my favorite shops in Newport. All natural skincare in their beautiful store and they also always do a beautiful holiday window display.
Wreath Workshops
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than making your own wreath? A few of my favorite local florists and garden shops have wreath (and other floral) workshops in December. Check out the workshop dates and locations below:
Greenlion Design, December 3rd in Middletown
Verde Garden Shop, December 2 -17, Newport
Weatherlow Florals, December 2nd & 3rd, Westport, MA (about a 20 minute drive from Newport)
Flowers by Semia, December 2nd, Providence, RI (about 40 minute drive from Newport)
Newport Mansions
What’s better than visiting the mansions? Visiting them when they are decorated for the holidays. If this doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit I don’t know what will. The Breakers, the Elms and Marble House are all decorated for Christmas. You can see the full schedule here. The Preservation Society recently changed their policy on photography and you are now allowed to take photos in the mansions. That said, please be respectful and aware of others when taking photos. You can see their policy here.
How fun! I love going to Newport and this post makes me want to go there during the holidays!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I would LOVE to visit Newport this month. It sounds so pretty and festive! I’ve never heard of a wreath workshop before– that seems like so much fun!
Mia | http://www.verymuchmia.com
After following your adventures on IG and your blog, I am now dying to come visit Newport! It looks adorable! I have spent some time in New England and fell in love with the natural beauty and charm. I just moved to southern CA and can’t believe it, but I’m actually missing the snow…
xo, Serene