While Newport is best known for its summer fun and yachting history, visiting during it’s off-season winter months can be quite magical.
After Thanksgiving, this city-by-the-sea transforms into a Christmas Wonderland with tree lightings, festive boat parades and of course, the mansions all decked out for the holidays. With its cobblestone streets, gas lit sidewalks and holiday decorations everywhere you go, you are sure to get into the spirit of Christmas.
After the holiday season, the fun doesn’t end. Newport is host to one of the biggest Winter Festivals in New England each February and there are still plenty of fun things to do during these chilly months.
Visiting Newport during the off-season definitely has its advantages. You won’t have to deal with all the crowds or traffic jams of summer and most public parking is free. And best of all, you can score some pretty unbelievable deals on your accommodations.
While the weather can get a little frightful, it gives you an excuse to cozy up in a quaint B&B with a nice fireplace for a romantic getaway.
So, what are the best things to do during the winter in Newport, Rhode Island?
Explore the Magic of Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Each year, The Breakers, The Elms, and The Marble house get all decked out for the holidays and you can get a glimpse of what it was like being one of the wealthiest families in America. It is truly a sight to see with each room uniquely decorated in holiday grandeur, including the famous towering Poinsettia tree in the Great Hall. “Holidays at the Newport Mansions” runs from late November through January 1st.
Enjoy the Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers is an outdoor spectacle of holiday lights that will delight you! Stroll the grounds to view thousands of festive-colored lights and dazzling displays.
Tickets are available for both the house tour and outdoor festivities through The Preservation Society of Newport Country website or can be purchased at the mansions. The combination ticket is $40 adult/$10 children for non-members.
Bundle Up and Explore the Cliff Walk
Walking the Cliff Walk in the off-season definitely has its perks. Not only can you stroll along the ocean without bumping into people along the way, you will have much better views of Narragansett Bay without all those leaves on the trees. It does get quite frigid near the water, especially with the wind blowing, but if you bundle up, it can be quite exhilarating.
Park along Narragansett Avenue where you can see the 40 steps and check if it is safe to go walking on the path. Be careful if there is snow and don’t use the steps if they are icy.
If conditions are good, head to the right and you’ll pass some of the beautiful buildings at Salve Regina University and The Breakers, Newport’s most impressive mansion.
Your best bet is to stay on the paved path and don’t attempt the more difficult sections of the Cliff Walk at this time of year. When we visited over Thanksgiving weekend parking was free and the restrooms were still open.
Take a Trip to Goat Island to Visit Newport Harbor Island Resort and Marina
Located on Goat Island, the new Newport Harbor Island Resort is surrounded by Narragansett Bay and offers stunning views of the bay and Newport Bridge. Unfortunately, the resort is closed for renovations this winter and not offering it’s winter activities. Check back in Spring of 2024 to see the transformation.
Get Some Great Deals Shopping the Winter Sales
If you’re up for some retail therapy, you certainly won’t be disappointed with the variety of stores in Newport’s historic waterfront shopping district.
Stroll along the cobblestone paths on Thames Street and along Bowen Wharf and Bannister Wharf where you’ll find all sorts of unique boutiques and shops. January is a great month to take advantage of the winter sales and promotions after the holidays.
Hit the shops at Long Wharf and Washington Street if you are looking for big name retailers like Gap, LuLuLemon and Sephora, as well as more local options. For high-end stores and boutiques, shop along Bellevue Avenue.
Watch the Sunset Along Ocean Drive
No matter what time of year you drive down Ocean Drive you will be amazed at the breathtaking ocean views you will see. And sunset is the perfect time to experience this 10 mile stretch of road, known to locals as “The Drive”.
Grab your hat and gloves and head down to the end of Bellevue Avenue where you can pick up Ocean Drive. Along the way, you’ll pass Brenton Point State Park, where you can park and get out to check out the stunning sunset and seaside views.
Dine at Some of Newport’s Classic Restaurants
Brick Alley Pub is one of my favorite restaurants and one of the best restaurants in Newport.
Not only does this place have great character with it’s vintage signs and memorabilia, it has been serving mouth-watering foods for over 40 years. The menu sports much more than the traditional pub food. In addition to their famous nacho platters, large selection of burgers and other pub style food, the Brick Alley Pub is known for their award winning lobster roll and clam chowder.
Located in the heart of Newport’s shopping district, across from the Museum of Newport History, the Brick Alley Pub is the perfect place to grab a casual meal. Just look for the bright yellow awnings to find this Newport favorite.
The Red Parrot is another favorite which has been around since 1993. The restaurant is housed in a 3-story historic building built in 1893 and is on the National Register of Historical places in Newport. Located in a prime spot on the corner of Thames and Memorial Boulevard, across from the new Hammet’s Wharf, this is a very popular restaurant.
You will find an extensive menu here, with options ranging from fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches and some very unique pizza creations. Even the finickiest of eaters will find something to satisfy their likes at this hot spot.
Don’t miss out on their frozen concoctions, which they claim to be The“Most Outrageous Frozen Drinks in Newport”. Try the Red Parrot Rum-Bah, Psychedelic Iguana or Oreo Mudslide for an after dinner treat. This is the perfect place to take a break from shopping and recharge.
Get a Treat at the Newport Fudgery
Take a break from shopping and stop by the Newport Fudgery on Thames Street to get a treat and a first hand view of how these sweet creations are made. Try one of the many flavors of their smooth and creamy fudge or their famous saltwater taffy.
Take a Trolley Tour
Oh what fun it is to ride the Trolley. Explore Newport’s scenic Ocean Drive and the beautiful tree-lined Bellevue Avenue on a 90 minute narrated Trolley tour. Viking Tours of Newport runs tours on select days during the winter months so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Be sure to upgrade your ticket to include admission to The Marble House and The Breakers if you haven’t visited these magnificent mansions yet.
If you are just looking for transportation, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority offers trolley service from the Newport Visitor Information Center with stops along Bellevue Avenue to the Newport mansions. The trolley runs daily every 15 to 20 minutes and is $2 per ride or $6 per day (cash only). Children 4 and younger ride for free.
Experience Newport’s Annual Winter Festival
Each February Newport hosts one of New England’s largest annual winter festivals featuring over 150 events throughout Newport. Melt away the winter blues with family fun events like the Mac & Cheese Smackdown, Teddy Bear Tea, Magic Shows, Beach Polo and lots of exciting concerts. The Newport Annual Winter Festival has something for everyone in the family. This year’s festival is February 16th-25th 2024.
The Bottom Line
Newport, Rhode Island is one of the best winter destinations in New England if you are looking for an upscale getaway. Newport’s unique shops and award winning restaurants are open all year round and its compact waterfront area is very walk-able.
Many of the local hotels and B&Bs run winter specials so you can experience some of the high-end resorts at deep discounted prices. While the temperature may be a bit chilly, you can still explore the Mansions, visit the museums or Tennis Hall of Fame and enjoy the stunning scenery along Narraganset Bay.
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