Holiday Magic at the Newport Mansions (RI)

Article by Contributor Tricia Bielinski

Every November kicks off “Christmas at the Newport Mansions” wherein select mansions decorate in full holiday regalia and offer self guided tours through New Year’s. Owned, maintained, and operated by the Newport Preservation Society, this is a wonderful look into the wealth that was American royalty at the height of the Gilded Age. I visited for the first time this season and toured the Marble House and The Breakers.

While these mansions were mere summer playgrounds to families such as the Vanderbilts, the Astons, and the Wideners, they are nothing short of stunning. Grand architecture, ocean views, marble, and gold trim leave you open mouthed strolling from room to room.

So stunning are these mansions that they have been featured in several movies, including The Great Gatsby, in which Rosecliff serves as the magnificent mansion of Jay Gatsby, played by Robert Redford.

Many don’t realize that after the wealth of that age faded into the Great Depression and ultimately economic strife, the fate of these awesome abodes was uncertain at best. Some were even discussed being made into parking lots.

The Newport Preservation Society stepped in and has not only done an amazing job rescuing these structures but the multiple mansions decorated with Christmas trees, massive potted poinsettias, carnations and roses and endless yards of garland truly provide for the most magnificent Christmas experience. You can’t help but wish you were part of this gone by era and sat at the long ornate dining table, lit by intricate candelabras and toasting your good fortune.

This was my first trip to the mansions for Christmas and I’m already looking forward to next year. The elegance is palpable, and I recommend a lunch at one of Newport’s many beautiful restaurants afterward to reflect on the sites and feel even just a little part of what it was to be a Vanderbilt!

Featured image taken at The Breakers