Winter Weather causing cancellations? Check  Cancellations.com
Newport County Convention & Visitor's Bureau Calendar of Events

The Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center in Newport is open in late November through (usually) March-  see the web site for more info.
Family or "Open" ice skating is also available...
most Sundays at Portsmouth Abbey Rink (2pm to 4pm) 683-0621
St. George's Hockey Rink (Fridays 7p - 9p, then 9:30p to 10:30p adults only; Saturdays 9:30a - 11:30a; Sundays 4pm to 6pm) 842-6698
The rinks are sometimes unavailable for Open skating due to hockey tournaments etc. Call ahead.

Skate sharpening can be done at St. George's Ice Rink (various times, 842-6698) and Double Play Sports, 89 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown, 841-0326 also sharpens ice skates. (Double Play is also open various times, please call)

Through Sunday, January 2, 2012 - Newport: Christmas at the Newport Mansions
        Make lifelong memories with a visit to the Newport Mansions during the holiday season. The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle, as you tour The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, decorated with period-style ornaments, trees, and evergreens. All three houses are open daily for tours. Winter Passport ticket for admission to all three houses is $28 for adults, $9 for children 6-17, children under 6 free. More information and tickets at www.NewportMansions.org or call (401) 847-1000. 
        Visits with Santa Claus: The jolly old elf will visit each of the mansions during December. Bring your children and your camera! Santa will make public appearances from noon to 3 p.m. at The Breakers on December 4, Marble House on December 11 and The Elms on December 18. Eggnog and cookies will be served. Included in regular daytime admission.
       
        Holiday Evenings at Newport Mansions: Take a leisurely self-guided tour through opulent Gilded Age mansions as you enjoy continuous live holiday music and sample holiday sweets, eggnog and cider. Adult admission $28 in advance, $35 at the door, children 6-17 $10, children under 6 free. More information and tickets at www.NewportMansions.org, or call (401) 847-1000.
                at The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Avenue: Saturdays, November 26, December 3 & 10, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                Holiday Evening Duet: The Elms and Marble House: Saturday, December 17, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 367 Bellevue Avenue and 596 Bellevue Avenue. See both houses for the price of one.
       
        Holiday Dinner Dance: December 17, 7 p.m. at The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Avenue. Join us for our 10th annual Holiday Dinner Dance, with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner and dancing in the Great Hall of The Breakers. Advance reservations required. More information and reservations, call (401) 847-1000 ext. 140.

December 1 - until he's done  - Portsmouth: Santa Claus makes his Yearly Tour
            Starting at about 6pm each night (Mon - Sat) Santa and some local helpers will be touring Portsmouth's neighborhoods as he does each year. Not sure if it is just a pre-Christmas run through, or if there is some "list checking" going on. Better be nice! For more information and to keep up with the schedule see Santa's Schedule and Map page.

December 2 - Portsmouth: Open House at The Pennfield School
      8 am - 10 am. at The Pennfield School, 110 Sandy Point Avenue. Come and meet the Head of the School, Rob Kelley, see a morning assembly, and tour Nursery - 8th grade with a current parent. To RSVP or schedule a private tour anytime, contact Kristin Emory at 401 849 4646 ext 147 or .

Dec. 3, 10, 17, 28 - Newport: UnDecked Halls: Behind the Scenes at Doris Duke's Mansion in Winter
     Tours offered every 1/2 hour from 10am until 2pm. Doris Duke's Rough Point Mansion, 680 Bellevue Avenue. Enjoy an authentic view inside a Newport mansion in winter. Heiress Doris Duke spent Christmas in sunny Hawaii far away from Rough Point, her Newport estate. Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke's tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point's winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Admission $10, $8 for child ages 5 to 12, under age 5 . For more information see Newport Restoration Foundation

December 3 - Portsmouth: "The Spirit of Christmas" Arts & Crafts Festival at St. Philomena School
      10 am – 4 pm. at St. Philomena School, 324 Cory's Lane. A selection of the finest New England artisans will be showcasing their work at St. Philomena School. What better way to express your warm wishes to family and friends than with a unique gift handmade by our local artisans. Be sure to bring your children for "Breakfast with Santa" from 9:00-11:00!!! FREE Admission, FREE Parking. Donations of non-perishable goods are kindly appreciated.

Saturdays/Sundays in December: 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 - Newport: Keeping Christmas with the Whitehornes
     10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Whitehorne House, 416 Thames Street. Glimpse the simple Christmas festivities of the early 1800s in a Federal-style Newport Mansion. Meet the two Whitehorne daughters who are preparing for a Christmas meal. Learn about the history of the holiday and why some less tolerant colonies had outlawed holiday celebrations. Visitors can sample Mrs. Whitehorne's Shrewsbury cakes and take away a booklet of authentic colonial recipes. *If group tours are interested, 10% off coupons to our museum store (located just across the street from Whitehorne) can be provided. It's a perfect place to start holiday shopping! $5/Adult, $2/Child ages 5 to 12, under age 5 free. For more information see Newport Restoration Foundation

December 3 - Newport: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Bowen's Wharf
        Festivities begin at 4:30 with Frosty the Snowman! The Christmas Carol Sing-a-long begins at 5 pm, and then we light the tree at 6 pm with the help of a City Official. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat (weather permitting) at 6 pm also, immediately following the lighting of the tree. Lots of charm, fun and good cheer for the entire family! BRING A CANNED GOOD TO DROP OFF TO SANTA! Proceeds go towards the Salvation Army of Newport. Restaurants open before and after the event. Retail shops open until 9 pm. Free Admission. Festivities held rain or shine. www.bowenswharf.com

December 3 - Portsmouth: Common Fence Music Series
       See The Spring Standards - alternative singer/songwriters, 8pm (doors open at 7pm for a pre-show "Folk Tail-Gate Party") at the Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Rd. For more information and reservations click here

December 6 - Newport: Gingerbread House, Newport Marriott Hotel
       From 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Come Visit the Famous Gingerbread House in the lobby of the Newport Marriott Hotel, 25 America's Cup Avenue. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Elves will be on hand that afternoon to greet children and take photos. They are collecting non-perishable food items (not beyond expiration please) at the Gingerbread House to be donated to a local charity

December 8 - Portsmouth: Blood Drive at Portsmouth Free Public Library
       From 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. For this blood drive, Dunkin' Donuts and The Rhode Island Blood Center have joined together for a "Give a Pint, Get a Pound" promotion. Those who are present to donate blood will receive a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. By offering all presenting donors a free pound of coffee, Dunkin' Donuts and the Blood Center are thanking donors who support the community blood supply by rolling up their sleeves to give the gift of life.

December 9 - Newport: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Newport Skating Center
       5:45 pm at the Newport Yachting Center Skating Rink. Dust off those skates and lace up for another season of winter whimsy at the Newport Skating Center! Join us for the official kick-off to the winter season with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - visit with Santa & The Elves, listen to rosy-cheeked carolers, and warm your soul with piping hot cocoa and cider, festive cocktails and treats, and a heaping holiday helping of good cheer and merriment! The festivities begin at 5:45pm - all ages are welcome to attend.
       All in attendance will get a 2-for-1 Skating Admission Pass, valid anytime this season! Santa's elves have been working 'round the clock to get the ice ready for skating, but these mild temperatures and rain are not helping them! We apologize, but we hope you'll come back to skate at the Newport Skating Center when the ice is ready next week.

December 10 - Newport: Fort Adams Festival of Lights
           8am to 8pm at Fort Adams. $2 Entry Fee includes One Voting Ballot, Additional Ballots available for $2. Ample FREE parking. Public Restrooms in the Park Visitor Center. FREE Round-Trip Trolley from Downtown Visitor Center provided by Viking Tours! The Fort Adams Festival of Lights will benefit the Fort Adams Trust & the James L. Maher Center
Departing hourly beginning at 10am
           8 – 10am: Tree Decorating on the Parade Field of Fort Adams
           10am – 6pm: Christmas Stroll, Public Viewing & Voting, Hot soups, hot beverages & sweets available for purchase, Various activities & entertainment
           6pm: Voting Closes
           7pm: Winners Announced & Cash Prizes Awarded

December 10 - Middletown: Holly Days at the Norman Bird Sanctuary
      11 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road. Celebrate the holidays with fun family activities, crafts, Mabel's Polar Express, tree lighting and more! Pre-registration is strongly recommended! 401-846-2577.  Pre-registration Fees: Adults $5, Non-members $7; Children (3-12)- $3, Nonmembers $5; Children under 3 are free; (All tickets will be $2 extra the day of the event)

December 10 & 11 - Tiverton: Winter Art & Artisan Fair
        Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun from 11am - 4pm at The Meeting House, 3850 Main Road, Tiverton Four Corners, Tiverton, RI (Rain or Shine). A unique, boutique artist showcase set in beautiful & historic Tiverton Four Corners Village! Shop for one of a kind holiday gifts from some of the best local artists & artisans. Leisurely browse, meet the Artists & see their amazing offerings. Make this year unique, memorable & sustainable by giving the gift of a local, handmade treasure. Free and open to the public! Donations will be accepted to benefit the Four Corners Arts Center. Arts and Artisan

December 10 & 11 - Tiverton: 6th annual Christmas Craft Fair (2011)
        10am-4pm at Knights of Columbus, 28 Fish Road,Tiverton. Join us for our 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair This is a Craft & Vendor event, where you could purchase holiday items for your shopping needs.Gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Show specials, discounts & More. Free Admission & Parking. web site

December 10 - Newport: Laura Jean's Trunk Show
   12-5 pm at Laura Jean Denim Shop, 198 Bellevue Avenue. Laura Jean Trunk Show featuring Andrea Valentini and refreshments

December 10 (raindate 12/11) - Newport: Fort Adms Festival of Lights Tree Decorating Ceremony
          As part of Christmas in Newport, this charity event, cosponsored by Fort Adams Trust and James L. Maher Center, will be held on the Parade Field. Includes visit from Santa, story-tellers, entertainment and tree lighting cermony at 5pm. Cash prizes for best tree. Food and hot beverages for purchase. Entry fee with voting ballot $2. Rain date Sunday, December 11. For more information visit www.fortadams.org or contact Laurie at 401-619-5801 or email .

Decmber 11 - Newport: Newport Arts & Crafts Show
           10am to 4pm at Newport Elks Lodge#104, 141 Pelham Street(corner of Bellevue Ave). Artisans from around New England will be displaying their crafts for purchase. Hand made items such as knitted sweaters, stained glass, pottery, art, photography, cards, jewelry, jams, candles, soaps, mazes, puzzles, adult & kids hand made clothing, hand bags, silk scarves, wood work, and so much more. We will be collecting items for the Potter League Shelter. Please remember our friends by bringing a toy, food, paper towels and blankets. Kate Begin will be with us representing Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island. She will have for purchase Murano Glass Jewelry. All proceeds go to the cause. For more information email Becky A Hanos .

December 11 - Jamestown: Favorite Choruses from Handel's Messiah with Festival Orchestra and English Carols
        3pm at the Jamestown Recreation Center, 41 Canonicus Ave., Jamestown The concert will feature 10 of the best-known choruses from Handel's Messiah, accompanied by a chamber orchestra assembled just for this event. Most of the orchestra members belong to the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Tickets (also available at the door on the day of the performance) are $18 general admission, $15 seniors/children. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call 401-423-1574 or visit the Chorus' website at www.jamestownri.com/chorus.

December 11 - Portsmouth: 28th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Program at Portsmouth Free Public Library
      Be there before 6pm at Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Due to the library's dedicated volunteers who so generously gave their time and effort to string lights on the tree and decorate the lamp posts, Portsmouth Free Public Library is now able to continue with the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting for the 28th year in a row. The tree lighting will take place when Santa Claus arrives at 6 PM. Santa will greet each child in the Library after the lighting and candy canes will be given to each. Bring a camera!

December 11 - Newport: The St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble will perform in concert at Emmanuel Church
        7:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, corner of Dearborn & Spring Streets, Newport. The St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble, one of the world's premiere male quartets, will perform in concert as part of the 41st Annual Christmas in Newport festivities. Suggested donation is Adults $20, Seniors (over 60) and Students (under 20) $15 and Children free under 12 when accompanied by an adult.

December 17- Newport: "The Art of the Masquerade" Murder at the Museum at the Newport Art Museum
   7pm - 8:30pm at the Newport Art Museum's Griswold House, 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. The Newport Art Museum invites guests to participate in a new "Murder at the Museum". The family-friendly performances are created and performed by the Marley Bridges Theatre Company. The group is staging an entertaining and interactive murder mystery, entitled "The Art of the Masquerade," set in 1916. The audience is invited to join bohemian artists, Newport millionaires and Hollywood stars for an evening of music, masquerade and murder. Revelry turns to devilry when a priceless painting steals the center of attention. Exposed grudges, double disguises and hidden agendas quickly lead to murder. Guests search the galleries for clues and question suspects to solve the crime. Costumes are welcome but are not required to attend this event.
   Tickets for Museum members are $15 for adults and $8 for youth (17 and under). Tickets for non-members are $20 for adults and $13 for youth. Groups of ten or more qualify for discounts. Tickets are available on the Museum website at www.NewportArtMuseum.org or at the door. For more information or to make reservations call 401-848-8200.

December 17 - Portsmouth: Common Fence Music Series
       See Annual Winter Solstice Concert - Aine Minogue Irish harpist & vocalist with Brendan Bulger, Fiddler, 8pm (doors open at 7pm for a pre-show "Folk Tail-Gate Party") at the Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Rd. For more information and reservations click here

December 17- Newport: Swanhurst Chorus presents the 19th Annual “Messiah and Carol Sing: The Christmas Story”
      Swanhurst Chorus under the direction of conductor Jonathan Babbitt offers the 19th Annual "Messiah and Carol Sing: The Christmas Story", a beloved tradition of Christmas in Newport, on Saturday, December 17th at 7 PM. The "Sing" will take place at Emmanuel Church, corner of Spring and Dearborn Streets. This special evening will feature much of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah as well as beloved carols, plus selections by Swanhurst's Chamber Singers and the telling of the Christmas Story. Bring your own score and sing along or just sit and be immersed in the glorious sounds of the season. Scores will be available for rent. A festive "Wassail Bowl" reception for all will follow. Admission is $10, $5 for children 12 and under, and $25 maximum per family. For more info, call 401-682-1630 or visit www.Swanhurst.org.

December 24 - Newport: The Schola Cantorum of St. John's will offer its Annual Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols
      4:00 pm at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, located on "The Point" at the corner of Washington and Willow Streets, Newport. The Schola Cantorum of St. John's will offer a Festival of Christmas Lessons & Carols for families. The service is patterned after that presented at King's College, Oxford, opening with "Once in Royal David's City". Repertoire will include ancient chant, traditional carols and hymns, as well as wonderful new settings of older texts, and will make full use of St. John's beautifully restored Hook & Hastings organ. For further information, please call the Parish Office at 848-2561 or Organist/Choirmaster Jonathan F. Babbitt at 401-682-1630. A free will offering will be taken. Swanhurst Chorus web site

Previous year's events (below) that we haven't gotten current information to update yet.
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December --- Newport: St. John’s Annual Christmas Bazaar
      10 AM – 2 PM. Books, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, handbags, art work, and more!! A light luncheon will also be available to enhance your shopping experience! Held at the Guild Hall, corner of Washington & Willow Street on “The Point” in Newport.

December -- - Newport: Swanhurst Chorus presents “Mary,Queen of Heaven ~ A Mozartian Tribute”
      Swanhurst Chorus, Newport County’s standing choral ensemble for 82 years, will offer “Mary,Queen of Heaven ~ A Mozartian Tribute” under the direction of conductor Jonathan Babbitt, Saturday, December 4th at 7:30 PM, in conjunction with Christmas in Newport. The evening will present delightful Mozart offerings: Alma Dei Creatoris, 2 Regina Coeli, and his Dominican Vespers at The Church of S. John the Evangelist on ‘The Point’, Washington and Willow Sts in Newport, RI. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22.50 at the door, and $10 for full-time students. For tickets or more information, call 401-682-1630 or visit www.Swanhurst.org.

December-- - Newport: Newport Gallery Night events at the Newport Art Museum
     at the Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. Artist Kim Salerno will talk about her room-size installation, Big Miniature, now on view at the Museum. Salerno's talk begins at 5:30 pm.
     The MUSE exhibition, which has been curated by students from Portsmouth High School, East Bay Met School and Rogers High School, opens on Gallery Night with a reception running from 5 - 7 pm. The exhibition, on view in the Museum's Griswold House through January 9, 2011, is the culminating project for young people enrolled in MUSE, the Museum's innovative school-to-work museum studies program. The Newport Art Museum has expanded MUSE to include paid internships and continues to offer the program through local schools thanks to a $134,000 "Museums for America" grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 2009.Admission is free to these events. The Museum is open until 8 pm on Newport Gallery Night.  For more information call (401) 848-8200 or visit www.newportartmuseum.com

December -- - Portsmouth: Santa's Workshop at Portsmouth High School
     From 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. in the Portsmouth High School cafeteria, 120 Education Lane. Event for children (grades K through 3) filled with fun activities such as arts and crafts, movies, and photos with a "special guest". PHS Student Council members will be in charge of the event.

December -- - Portsmouth: Greenvale Vineyards 12th Annual Warm Up for the Holidays Open House
     From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth, along the Sakonnet River. Greenvale Vineyards will host its 12th Annual Warm Up for the Holidays Open House. The event is held to welcome Newport County visitors and locals alike to celebrate the holiday season.
This year's Warm Up for the Holidays features live music with Dick Lupino on bass and vocals, jazz singer Tish Adams, and Kent Hewitt on piano for holiday favorites and jazz everyone can sing along to. The day also includes vineyard tours, tastings of Greenvale Vineyards' delicious wines, and local food samples from various vendors. Tastings are $15 per person and include a sample of six varieties of our award winning estate-grown wine and a logo wine glass souvenir. Along with local food we will be serving mulled wine, selling gift baskets, and offering fun activities for children as this is a family friendly holiday event!

December --- Jamestown: Jamestown Community Chorus' holiday concert, "A Very British Christmas, or What the Dickens!"
     Saturday, December 11, 7:30 PM, and on Sunday, December 12, 3:00 PM, at the Central Baptist Church, 99 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown. The Jamestown Community Chorus will present its holiday concert, "A Very British Christmas, or What the Dickens!" Charles Dickens' 1843 novel A Christmas Carol helped to re-introduce the celebration of Christmas into British society, where such festivities were outlawed in 1644 and not practiced for generations afterwards. This concert features numerous English carols along with Christmas works by British composers Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, and Benjamin Britten. Readings from Dickens, singalongs, and antique sleigh bells will round out the program. Refreshments will be served after each concert. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 seniors and children. For more information, call 401-423-1574, or visit the Chorus' website at www.jamestownri.com/chorus.

December -- - Portsmouth: Holiday Open House at the Glen Manor House
     2 pm to 4pm at the Glen Manor House, 3 Frank Coelho Drive. Performances by: Island Senior Chorus, Position One School of Dance, Portsmouth High School Vocal Ensemble and Chorus, & Special guest - Kate Grana. Santa Claus arrives at 2:45! Please come listen to this great holiday event and enjoy the free coffee, punch and fine deserts.

December -- - Newport: Newport Art Museum's Music in the Galleries
     All concerts begin at 2 pm in the Newport Art Museum's Griswold House at 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport.  "Music in the Galleries," is a Sunday afternoon concert series at the Newport Art Museum sponsored by NewportFed.  This FREE Holiday Concert features the Navy Band Northeast's Woodwind Quintet Crosswinds. For more information call (401) 848-8200 or visit www.newportartmuseum.com

December -- - Newport: Lunch with the Artist - "Versions of the Nativity: Art in an Envelope", Discussion with Richard Tyre at the Newport Art Museum
     12 pm at the Newport Art Museum's Griswold House, 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. "Versions of the Nativity: Art in an Envelope"is the topic for "Lunch with the Artist". This informal noontime discussion about greeting card art will be hosted by Richard Tyre and is free for Museum members and $5 for non-members. Guests can sit back and learn, or join the discussion. Participants may bring lunches. "Lunch with the Artist" is weather dependent. For more information about this event, weather cancellations, or the Newport Art Museum call (401) 848-8200 or visit www.newportartmuseum.com

December -- Newport: Artisans by the Bay - Master Artisans Holiday Show & Sale
            10am to 5pm at Elks Lodge, Corner of Bellevue Avenue & Pelham Street in Newport. Free Admission & Free parking. Please donate 1 or 2 non-perishable food items (donating to a local food pantry)
            A list of some of the items you can purchase:• Wearable & Decorative Clothing • Furniture • Blown Glass • Decorative Gourds • Textiles • Venetian Jewelry • Industrial Jewelry • Beaded Jewelry • Alpaca yarn, shawls, etc • Nantucket Baskets & Nantucket Handbags • Woodturning • Stained Glass • Copper works - Lanterns • Note Cards & Paper Weights • Photography & Photo Illustrations • Original One-Of-A-Kind Santa Dolls. Also, Artisan Food Cafes: • Custom House Coffee & Gift Baskets (Organic) Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI • Organically Good - Sandwiches • Salads • Market • Catering • Yacht Provisions- Bristol, RI • Sweet Berry Farms - Pastries - Middletown, RI

December -- - Portsmouth: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Program at the Portsmouth Free Public Library
            5:15 PM at the Portsmouth Free Public Library. 2658 East Main Rd. This special holiday program will include entertainment by Portsmouth Senior Chorus and Elite Academy of Dance. The tree lighting will take place when Santa Claus arrives at 6 PM. Santa will greet each child in the Library after the lighting and cocoa and cookies will be served. Bring a camera! This program is sponsored by Portsmouth Free Public Library.

December -- - Portsmouth: Annual International Celebrations at the Portsmouth Free Public Library
           6:30 PM to 8:00PM at the Portsmouth Free Public Library. 2658 East Main Rd. Come join us at the Library in a cultural and festive exchange of holiday customs. Guest speakers will talk about holiday traditions from other lands. Our speakers and their topics include:
Spain with Jessica Kokolski; Nicaragua with Katelin Reagan; Dominican Republic with Kristin Crary
This program is free and open to the public and is recommended for school age children. It’s a great way to start the holiday season!