Christmas at Newport Mansions

Christmas at Newport Mansions will bring back memories. Here's one of mine...

Even as I child I’m not sure what excited me most about Christmas – the prospect of receiving presents or the warmth and joy of the season.

My strongest recollections are those of hanging-up lights, decorating the tree, and listening to carol singers. I remember the days leading up to Christmas of trudging home from school in the snow, and having hot chocolate and reading a favorite Christmas story.

I loved our house at Christmas time, and enjoyed the excitement of clothing its inside with seasonal color while listening to Christmas songs.

Okay, call me sentimental.

I guess my point is I remember the spirit created in our home from Christmas’ past a lot more vividly than most of my presents – although I do remember my first train set. I have my parents mostly to thank for those fond memories.

So I do my best to recreate that spirit for my family in our house each year.

But there’s a few houses in Newport, R.I. who have a slightly larger budget than mine for Yuletide decorations, and entertainment value.

Here’s a few…

Preservation Society of Newport Mansions

The great entrances and hallways display magnificently decorated trees. The dining tables are set with period silver and china, and mannequins are dressed in authentic costumes.

To see The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House during the Yuletide festivities is to enjoy the spirit of Christmas at the Newport Mansions.

You can see this stunning display of seasonal decorations at these Newport Mansions yourself between November 20 through to January 3, 2010.

In addition to the normal daily tours the decorated mansions are also open for special events at weekends and holiday evenings. Holiday evenings are held in all three mansions and includes a self-guided tour and continuous live music.

Holiday evening at The Elms and Marble House is on Saturday December 19, 6 – 9pm.

The Breakers has a larger selection of special events throughout the season. Holiday evenings are held Saturdays, November 28, December 5, 12 & 26, 6 pm to 8 pm. The Holiday Dinner Dance is scheduled for Saturday December 19 at 7:00pm and reservations for this popular event are definitely encouraged for this one.

Tickets for these events can be purchased at any of the mansions.

Astors’ Beechwood Mansion

You see the mansion through the eyes of your host and are treated as a close friend of the family.

At Christmas this theme is carried through in the Victorian Christmas Tours and, Christmas Feast.

Traditional Victorian holiday decorations abound and add sparkle and color to an already imposing house. In case you’re not sure what to expect for Victorian decorations, let me tell you the trees will be large, and the trimmings plentiful.

During the tour you’ll be entertained by the host family with singing and ballroom activities that you’ll be welcome to participate in or just enjoy watching.

Cost of the Victorian Christmas Tour is $20 per adult, and $8 for ages 6-17 years, and it lasts approx. one hour and starts November 11, 2009.

The Christmas Feast caters for those who want to experience a more intimate and leisurely stroll through the mansion capped with a traditional Christmas dinner and entertainment all served up by the Astor family. The cost is $125 per person, and reservations are required.

Feast dates are scheduled for December 4, 11 and 18th, 2009 at 7:00pm.

More Christmas at Newport Mansions Resources…

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