Christmas 2012 in Newport

Traveling to Newport, Rhode Island, especially at Christmas, is like stepping back in time to America’s Gilded Age when the Vanderbilts, Astors and DuPonts held court in high finance and society.   These days it’s a busy seaside port during the summer but much more relaxed in the winter, when the summer cottages of the Victorian set are decorated for the holidays and set the perfect stage for a mother-daughter getaway, a solo weekend escape or a romantic rendezvous.

Three mansions along Bellevue Avenue, The Elms, Marble House and The Breakers, remain open all year and begin Christmas tours on November 17, 2012.  This year the Grand Dame of them all, The Breakers, has a full calendar of holiday festivities including a holiday dinner, a performance of The Nutcracker, candlelit tours which are my favorite, and Santa will also make an appearance.  Seeing The Breakers at night is magical when you’re served eggnog and cookies, it’s almost as if The Vanderbilts were still around.

Newport at Christmas offers the perfect Girls Getaway or Mother-Daughter weekend when you can dine like Victorian high society, enjoy candlelit tours and decorated doorways, where the locals compete for the best dressed door in town.

TOURIST TIPs:  Cliff Walk is a must-do on a sunny day.  The vistas of the rough, winter waves are breathtaking.  Make sure to walk or drive down to the end, beyond The Breakers, for a sweeping photo spot.

Book a hotel deal in Newport today.