Newport Mansions Announces Six Weeks of Holiday Programming Including the Return of Christine Baranski
Christine Baranski and Skylark in
“A Musical Retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’”
Tickets now on sale for beloved annual Sparkling Lights at The Breakers Presented by BankNewport
“A Musical Retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’”
Tickets now on sale for beloved annual Sparkling Lights at The Breakers Presented by BankNewport
The Preservation Society of Newport County (Newport Mansions) has announced six weeks of holiday programming and events including “A Musical Retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Performed by Skylark and Narrated by Christine Baranski,” December 17 at 7pm at The Breakers; Holiday Dinner Dance at the Breakers, December 19; and the return of the beloved annual Sparkling Lights at The Breakers presented by BankNewport, November 21 – December 27 from 4-8pm. Ticketing information for all events is available at NewportMansions.org/Events.
An Emmy-and Tony Award-winning actress, Baranski is one of the current stars of Julian Fellowes’ “The Gilded Age” on HBO. She will join Skylark, one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles led by Grammy-nominated Artistic Director Matthew Guard, for an exclusive one-night-only musical retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” generously supported by Carol and David Bazarsky. Tickets will be available October 20 for Preservation Society members, and October 22 for the general public.
Additionally, spectacular holiday decorations will be on view at The Breakers, Marble House, and Chateau-sur-Mer, November 21 – January 3, including nearly 30 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, and a 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers.
The Preservation Society is also seeking the donation of two 20 to 30-foot evergreen trees which will be strung with lights in Washington Square and at Marble House. Interested parties can call 401-846-7718 to provide contact information and a brief description of the tree.
A full outline of Newport Mansions' holiday events can be found below.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions 2026
November 21 – January 3
The Breakers & Marble House Open Daily
Chateau-sur-Mer Open Saturdays & Sundays Only
Surround yourself with the magic of the Newport Mansions in all their festive holiday finery. The Breakers, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer welcome visitors with spectacular holiday displays throughout the houses. Nearly 30 Christmas trees are exquisitely decorated to complement the décor and theme of each room, like Mr. Vanderbilt’s tree in The Breakers, ornamented with trains and top hats! Hundreds of poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and fresh floral arrangements add color, warmth and life. As always, the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers – made up of 150 poinsettia plants – provides a perfect holiday photo opportunity.
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers presented by BankNewport
November 21 – December 27 | 4-8pm
The Breakers
Now in its 7th season, Sparkling Lights at The Breakers brings the magic of the holidays to this landmark Gilded Age mansion. Stroll along a half-mile-long path glittering with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights while music fills the winter air. See illuminated displays and sparkling surprises along the way. Tour the opulent interior of The Breakers decorated in holiday splendor. Enjoy holiday treats and adult beverages for purchase at the back terrace and The Breakers Welcome Center. A special Member Night will be held December 13 during which members and their guests will enjoy special offerings including giveaways and family activities.
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
December 5 | 10am-12pm
The Breakers Greenhouse
Led by Jeff Curtis, Director of Gardens & Landscapes, The Preservation Society's Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop offers instructions on how to create one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths using locally sourced materials. Participants will be provided with wreath-making materials.
Behind the Scenes: Holiday Decorations
December 10 at The Breakers | 10-11am
December 17 at Marble House | 10-11am
Learn how the magic of holiday decorating comes together at Newport’s iconic mansions. These tours of The Breakers and Marble House interior holiday decorations will be hosted by Jim Donahue, The Preservation Society of Newport County’s Curator of Historic Landscapes and the creative genius behind our holiday glamour. Donahue will discuss how the decorations are created and installed and share tips and tricks to use at home.
A Musical Retelling of “A Christmas Carol,” Performed by Skylark and Narrated by Christine Baranski
Thursday, December 17 | 7pm
The Breakers
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Skylark, one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles, in the spectacular holiday setting of The Breakers. Under the direction of Grammy-nominated Artistic Director Matthew Guard, Skylark brings together some of America’s finest voices.
This exclusive, one-night-only event features Skylark’s acclaimed musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” narrated by Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress Christine Baranski, one of the stars of Julian Fellowes’ “The Gilded Age.” Through soaring choral music and evocative storytelling, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption comes vividly to life in one of America’s most iconic properties. A 6pm reception with complimentary access to Sparkling Lights at the Breakers will precede the 7pm performance. Tickets will be available October 20 for Preservation Society members, and October 22 for the general public. This performance is generously supported by Carol and David Bazarsky.
Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers
December 19
The Breakers
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with an unforgettable black-tie evening at The Breakers. The festivities begin with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres surrounded by elegant holiday décor, setting the stage for a spectacular evening. Guests will enjoy dinner served in the Great Hall or the State Dining Room, followed by an evening of dancing in the stunning Music Room. Join us for an elegant celebration filled with festive cheer, fine dining, and dancing in one of Newport’s most iconic settings. Tickets will be available October 7 for Preservation Society members, and October 13 for the general public.
ABOUT NEWPORT MANSIONS | THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY
The Preservation Society of Newport County is Rhode Island's largest cultural organization, protecting, preserving and presenting the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. As a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Preservation Society's 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development from the Colonial era to the Gilded Age.
Through its historic properties, educational programs and related activities, the Preservation Society engages the public in the story of America’s vibrant cultural heritage. Today, these "Newport Mansions" are an integral part of the living fabric of the city in which they stand.
For more information, please visit NewportMansions.org.
