I’ve lived in New England my whole life. There’s one coastal city I swear by visiting for a cozy winter weekend.
Newport, Rhode Island, often celebrated as a summer hotspot, transforms into a winter wonderland that captivates visitors and locals alike. As the bustling summer crowds dissipate, the city’s historic mansions come alive with holiday decorations, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. For those seeking a cozy retreat, Newport’s charm shines brightest in the winter months. The author, a Rhode Island local, highlights the joys of exploring the city during this quieter season, where iconic locations like Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street become picturesque backdrops for festive activities. The annual tree lighting ceremony at Bowen’s Wharf, complete with carolers and hot chocolate, sets the tone for a magical holiday experience.
Visitors can indulge in a variety of seasonal delights, such as personalized ornaments from the store “A Christmas to Remember” and delicious treats from local eateries. The author recommends a stay at the Almondy Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast that offers stunning harbor views and easy access to downtown attractions. A drive along Bellevue Avenue reveals Gilded Age glamour, with homes adorned in twinkling lights, including the stunning Breakers mansion, which hosts an impressive holiday light display. The city’s culinary scene also flourishes in winter, with popular restaurants like Nitro Bar and Clarke Cooke House offering a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for a romantic date or a cozy meal with friends.
Newport’s winter charm is further enhanced by its rich history and stunning coastal views, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and festive spirit. The author emphasizes that winter is the ideal time to experience the city’s warmth, from sipping hot chocolate at The Chanler at Cliff Walk to enjoying hearty clam chowder at The Black Pearl. With its Gilded Age architecture, delightful food offerings, and vibrant holiday atmosphere, Newport stands out as a must-visit destination during the winter months, proving that even in the cold, this coastal city remains a beacon of joy and charm.
Newport is my favorite place to visit during the winter.
danf0505/Shutterstock
Newport, Rhode Island, is a popular summer destination, but it’s even better during the winter.
It’s less crowded in the colder months, and the
historic mansions
are decked out for the holidays.
I recommend taking a nighttime stroll near Bowen’s Wharf and visiting a seasonal hot chocolate bar.
When the narrow cobblestone streets begin to empty, the usually omnipresent sailboats are tucked away in storage, and the Del’s Lemonade trucks are closed for the season, it’s clear that winter has arrived in
Newport, Rhode Island
.
I’m a Rhode Island local who spends time in this coastal city year-round. Tourists usually flock to Newport during summer, and I get it: The city’s
Gilded Age buildings
, sweeping coastal views, and quaint local businesses make it a great beachy getaway.
That said, I believe there’s something enchanting about The City by the Sea in the winter, when the mansions are decked out in holiday decor and the crowds have thinned.
Newport fully embraces the magic of the holiday season
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Onne van der Wal/Getty Images
One day, pumpkins and gourds line doorsteps, but seemingly as soon as October ends, white lights glisten on trees and Christmas ornaments sparkle along Bowen’s Wharf.
Early in December, there’s an annual tree lighting at the wharf, complete with carolers, hot chocolate, and warm cinnamon-sugar doughnuts.
There’s a lot to explore around Bowen’s Wharf, too. The Kiel James Patrick flagship store always decks the halls and becomes a picture-perfect backdrop for Christmas photos.
Nearby is Thames Street, where I love peeking in shop windows to find the best nautical gifts for the holidays.
A must-stop is the store A Christmas to Remember, where you can buy a hand-personalized ornament that looks like just about any object under the sun, from a macaron to a seashell.
For those interested in spending a snowy weekend on the coast, I’d recommend the Almondy Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast with gorgeous harbor views, just steps away from downtown.
Drive along Bellevue Avenue to see some cheerful, historic glamour
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Morgan Rizzo
Bellevue Avenue is nothing short of timeless in its beauty, lined with Gilded Age homes. Starting with Salve Regina University’s Ochre Court, you can admire rows of beech trees glowing with twinkling lights, and see the historic, châteauesque mansion adorned with wreaths.
Down the street, The Breakers — one of Newport’s
famous Gilded Age mansions
, and a former Vanderbilt residence — hosts its annual holiday light display, illuminating the lawn in festive shades of red and green.
Inside, every room dazzles with holiday charm. You’ll find a 15-foot poinsettia tree in the Great Hall, and gorgeous, decorated trees throughout the building.
Winter is the peak time to visit Newport’s best restaurants
Without the summer crowds, Newport’s best-known spots are even better.
I love seeing the long summer lines at the Nitro Bar, but I prefer being able to walk right in during the winter for pesto, tomato, and mozzarella toast with an iced chai.
For a romantic winter date night, the Clarke Cooke House is perfect for an
espresso martini
by the fireplace. The Black Pearl also makes an unforgettable cup of warm clam chowder.
Finally, there’s nothing better than sharing chicken nachos at Diego’s with friends while sipping on white peach sangria.
caption
Morgan Rizzo
Although this spot is one I’d like to gatekeep, Mamma Luisa Ristorante Italiano feels like stepping back into my grandmother’s Italian home. White tablecloths drape the tables, photos and art line the walls, and the hospitality is impeccable.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the hot-chocolate bar at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a
historic hotel
built in the 19th century. Open seasonally through the end of December, there’s no better place to grab a cozy cup of cocoa.
With Gilded Age charm, delicious food, and sparkly, holiday vibes, what would be a dark, cold day anywhere else is typically a festive one in Newport.
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