Newport events guide · Reviewed October 2026
Holidays at the Newport Mansions runs from November 22, 2026 into early January 2027. Newport’s Gilded Age estates are filled with decorated trees, poinsettias, wreaths and garlands, and The Breakers adds an evening light display called Sparkling Lights.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions at a glance
- Season: November 22, 2026 to early January 2027
- Houses decorated in recent seasons: The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer
- Evening event: Sparkling Lights at The Breakers (separate timed ticket)
- Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In recent years the houses closed early on December 24.
What to expect inside
In recent seasons the Preservation Society has decorated the houses with close to 30 Christmas trees, plus poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and floral arrangements. At The Breakers, the Great Hall has featured a towering poinsettia tree built from about 150 plants.
The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms have typically been open daily during the season, with Chateau-sur-Mer open on weekends. Check each house’s schedule before you go.
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
Sparkling Lights turns The Breakers’ grounds into an evening light display and includes access to the mansion’s interior on the same visit. It requires a special ticket for a specific date and entry time:
- Timed entry every half-hour from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, with the house and grounds closing at 8:00 pm
- Regular Breakers tickets are not accepted after 3 pm on Sparkling Lights dates
- Buy in advance. On-site tickets are sold only on the day, and only if it has not sold out.
Tips for visiting
- Weekdays are calmer. Weekends around Thanksgiving and in December are the busiest.
- Pair a daytime house with an evening at The Breakers. Visit Marble House or The Elms in the afternoon, then go to Sparkling Lights after dark.
- Dress for the cold. Grounds and Cliff Walk views are windy in December.
- Add the Cliff Walk. Our Newport Cliff Walk guide covers the stretch that runs behind the mansions.
Where to stay
Bellevue Avenue and the Cliff Walk area put you closest to the mansions, while downtown keeps you near restaurants and the holiday lights on the waterfront.
- Hotels near the Cliff Walk
- Romantic hotels in Newport: popular for December getaways
- Downtown Newport hotels
- Newport hotel deals and booking tips
Frequently asked questions
When does Holidays at the Newport Mansions start in 2026?
The 2026 season begins November 22 and runs into early January 2027.
Do I need a separate ticket for Sparkling Lights?
Yes. Sparkling Lights at The Breakers requires its own ticket for a specific date and entry time.
Which mansions are decorated?
In recent seasons, The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer have been decorated. Check newportmansions.org for 2026.