Tickets On Sale For Holiday Season At Newport Mansions

NEWPORT, RI — Halloween is upon us, which means it's almost time to start getting ready for the holiday season. Here in Rhode Island, a Christmas standby has been celebrating the holidays at the Newport Mansions, when the already-opulent "summer houses" are transformed into winter wonderlands.

Even though December feels like a long while away, tickets are already on sale for Christmas at the Newport Mansions. The seasonal event begins on Nov. 23 and runs through New Year's Day.

During the holiday season, The Elms, The Breakers and Marble House are decked out in holiday splendor, from a massive poinsettia Christmas tree to countless garlands and beautifully crafted ornaments. Tickets can be purchased on the preservation society's website.

Tours of the mansions are held daily, allowing guests to enjoy the opulent decorations. Each house also boasts its own gingerbread house replica. At night, Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions will feature live music and light refreshments in the dimly lit mansions. The evening schedule is as follows:

• Holiday Evenings at The Breakers, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 30
• Dec. 7
• Dec. 14
• Dec. 28
• Holiday Evening Duet at The Elms and Marble House: Dec. 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Santa Claus himself will visit the mansions on three Sundays in December. On Dec. 1, he will come to The Breakers, followed by Marble House on Dec. 8 and The Elms on Dec. 15. All visits will happen from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with admission included with tour tickets.

The Island Moving Company will perform the classic holiday ballet "The Nutcracker" at Rosecliff, using the classic mansion as a backdrop for the holiday tale. Shows run Nov. 27 through Dec. 6. More information and tickets are available on the company's website.