If you’re visiting Newport, Rhode Island in the winter you’re most likely visiting the famous Gilded Age mansions. These mansions in Newport are dressed head to toe during the holidays and it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in New England during the festive season. After living in Boston for many years, visiting during this time is one of my favorite things to do in New England during the holidays. Whether visiting this coastal city for the first time or during the holiday season, keep reading all the best things to do in Newport, Rhode Island in the winter!

Guide to Newport Rhode Island in the Winter

How to Get to Newport Rhode Island

If you’re flying into Newport the closest international airports are Providence and Boston. Providence is a much smaller airport and may have fewer flights compared to Boston. If you’re driving from Boston to Newport it will only take you between 1-2 hours depending on traffic.

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Best Places to Stay in Newport

Hammetts Hotel $$: If you want to stay near Newport’s beautiful marina, look no further than this lovely boutique hotel. This spot is in a prime location next to Bowen’s Wharf and the famous Newport Mansions!

Newport Harbor Island Resort $$: This property has a unique location as it’s almost on its own island overlooking the bay. This hotel offers plenty of activities in Newport Rhode Island in the winter, keep reading for them all!

Castle Hill Inn $$$: This is another beautiful property with ocean views. They have a wonderful restaurant open for non-hotel guests, and even a lighthouse within walking distance from the Inn!

The Chanler at Cliff Walk $$$$: One of the most beautiful and luxurious properties in Newport, you’ll almost feel as if you’re staying in one of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport yourself; you’ll be right down the street from them at this location! This location is right on the ocean and Newport’s famous Cliff Walk.

Newport Rhode Island in the Winter: 25 Best Things to See & Do

1 The Gilded Age Mansions in Newport

The Gilded Age mansions in Newport are one of the best things to do in Newport and one of my favorite activities in New England. Keep reading for some of the best things to do in Newport Rhode Island in the winter.

Newport is one of my favorite day trips from Boston. Here are a few others if you’re interested!

2 Enjoy the classic Nutcracker performance at Rosecliff

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday concert for the whole family, the Rosecliff in Newport offers one! This performance takes place inside the mansion and is such a special experience. You can’t tour this mansion during the holidays, but it does get dressed up for this occasion!

3 See the Poinsettia Tree at The Breakers

The Breakers is the most popular Gilded Age mansion and one of the best things to see in Newport Rhode Island in the winter. This mansion was formerly a summer home for the famous Vanderbilt family and it’s stunning. One of the most beautiful rooms is what I like to call the ‘music room’. It has a large piano and is always decorated with the most classic Christmas tree.

The best part about this mansion is that not only is the music room decorated but every room is decorated for the holidays. Each room has its own theme or different style of decor. Don’t forget to climb to the second floor to see the bedrooms and wander onto the balcony. The second floor will give you the best view of their famous poinsettia tree from above! Apart from the 30 Christmas trees to complement the theme of each room, this 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree is composed of 150 poinsettia plants! You might even get a surprise visit from Santa while visiting!

4 Admire the Marble House

This mansion is named perfectly, it’s entirely made of marble–well maybe not entirely. If you can believe it this Newport mansion was inspired by Versailles. Upon entering you’ll be greeted by a long marble hall and a large marble staircase. One of the rooms reminds me of Versailles, make sure to look for it when visiting! Similar to the Breakers and the other mansions in Newport, each room will be decorated to fit a theme. You’ll be able to explore the upstairs and my favorite room of the house–the library! The library is stunning and reminds me of the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

5 Visit the Elms

This actually may be my favorite mansion in Newport. The beautiful greenhouse is so unique and one of my favorite rooms in all of the mansions in Newport. If you’re looking for where to host your next holiday party in Newport Rhode Island in the winter, this mansion is available to rent for special events!

6 Enjoy tea at the Chinese Tea House

When visiting the Marble House look for their beautiful tea house overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Book a three-course holiday brunch which includes a three-tier tea tower, an entree selection, and assorted desserts. This spot not only offers tea services but also specialty cocktails and wine. You must be a Preservation Society member or have an admission ticket to book in for the tea house.

7 Walk along the Cliff Walk

Even though this isn’t technically associated with the mansions in Newport it’s still such a beautiful walk! Make sure to bundle up for the Newport winter weather, I’m sure with a layer of snow the town will look even more idyllic. Here’s a map of the Cliff Walk for reference.

8 See the ‘Sparkling Lights’ at The Breakers

Every year The Breakers offers a light show. Make sure to check out their website for how to book tickets.

9 Visit the luxurious Chanler at Cliff Walk

This is perhaps one of the best activities in Newport Rhode Island in the winter, the hot cocoa bar at this stunning hotel. What’s one of the best parts about the hotel? It’s located right off the scenic Cliff Walk! If you’re looking for luxurious places to stay in Newport, it’s Newport luxury at its finest. Book in advance as they only offer twenty rooms for guests!

10 Have Tea at Blithewood Mansion

Known for its beautiful gardens of daffodils that bloom every spring, this reminds me of one of the Newport mansions on a smaller scale. This estate also has a view of the water, here’s how to book in for your next afternoon tea!

11 Visit the Redwood Library

Even though this isn’t technically associated with the mansions in Newport, it is a historical treasure. This library is the oldest continuing lending library in the United States. It is a beautiful historical building that occasionally hosts special exhibits but also rents books in the traditional sense. If you love photography and have a chance, they have the iconic Slim Aarons exhibit until the end of December! It makes for such a cozy afternoon in Newport Rhode Island in the winter!

Enjoy the winter festivities at Newport Harbor Island Resort

12 Go Ice Skating with a view

With a unique location and views of the Newport Bridge, this is one of the best things to do in Newport Rhode Island in the winter. Newport Harbor Island Resort is in a unique location complete with a lighthouse! One of the best activities this hotel offers is its outdoor skating rink. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to visit.

If you’re interested in staying at this special property, check out how to book your next stay here.

13 Dine in an Igloo or by the Fire

The Newport Harbor Island Resort offers winter igloos to book for dining. When we visited a few years ago each igloo had a different theme, we dined in a Harry Potter-inspired one! Make sure to check out their website for more details.

Enjoy Newport’s waterfront spots

14 Admire the views from Hammetts Hotel

Enjoy an afternoon, evening, or even a weekend away at the boutique Hammetts Hotel. This property is simply stunning and offers wonderful views of Newport’s marina. If that’s not enough to convince you, it also made the list of the top 25 hotels in New England for 2024! Here are all the details about how to book at their bar, restaurant, or hotel!

15 Shop Newport’s Bowen’s Wharf

Bowen’s Wharf offers tons of cute restaurants and shops. One of my favorites, and one of New England’s favorite brands is Kiel James Patrick. This store always goes over the top with holiday decorations making it so festive during the holiday season. Another shop that always has classic New England holiday decor is Royal Male. This is a bit out of Bowen’s Wharf, but the walk isn’t far and the surrounding neighborhood is so idyllic.

16 Explore Fort Adam’s State Park

This park has beautiful ocean views and is free to visit. If you want to visit Fort Adams, you can book your tickets here.

17 Enjoy the beauty of Castle Hill Inn

Not only is this one of the best hotels in Newport but has one of the best restaurants in Newport too! This location has stunning 360-degree views of the ocean. Their food is delicious and would be perfect for a winter day. When visiting, don’t miss the Castle Hill Lighthouse, it’s a short walk away!

18 Take a drive down Ocean Drive

Even though you may need to be careful driving around Newport Rhode Island in the winter, this is one of the most scenic roads in the area and New England! You could even start at Castle Hill Inn, continue to Ocean Avenue, then Ocean Drive, and finally loop back around to the mansions in Newport on Bellevue Avenue.

19 Attend the Illuminated Boat Parade

This is one of the best events of the holiday season and one of the best things to do in Newport Rhode Island in the winter!

20 Dine at the Clarke Cooke House

An icon in Newport, it’s often featured as one of the best restaurants in Newport!

21 Don’t forget the Bowen’s Wharf Tree lighting!

Another one of the best activities on the season, check out their website for the date for this season!

22 Take a Trolley Tour

Even though these tours close at the beginning of November, if you’re there during that time it’s such a great way to see the city!

A few rainy or snow day Activities

23 Visit the Newport Car Museum

If you love old cars, you can tour and see quite a few at this antique car museum. It’s a great rainy or snowy day activity!

24 Enjoy the Newport Art Museum

With its unique architecture, you may even think you’ve walked into one of the gilded mansions in Newport. This museum has a mix of classic and contemporary art. You can also rent it for private hire, it’s popular for weddings!

25 Visit the idyllic International Tennis Hall of Fame

Even though their museum will be closed over the holiday season of 2024 and 2025, it is a beautiful place to wander into during the summer. Here’s a little more information on how to visit during the summer!