The mansions in Newport, Rhode Island are impressive at any time of year, but the Newport mansions really come to life at Christmas.

The Most Popular Newport Mansions

The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are the most popular of the Newport mansions:
  • ​​The Breakers (1895) named for the ocean waves crashing on the cliffs below the property
  • Marble House (1892) named for the 500,000 cubic feet of marble used in its construction
  • The Elms (1901) named for the American Elm trees that surrounded the property

From November 22, 2025 to January 1, 2026, these 3 mansions are decorated for Christmas (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).

During the holidays, the interiors of these grand houses take on a warmth they might lack in any other season. The vast rooms are filled with greenery and light.
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​Christmas at The Breakers

The Breakers is the biggest Newport mansion with 70 rooms and nearly 140,000 square feet.
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The Breakers mansion in Newport.

These “Stone Palaces” can look cold and imposing behind their wrought iron gates.
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Wrought iron gate at The Breakers.

In the winter, the houses come alive with fresh flowers and lavish decorations.
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The Poinsettia Tree at The Breakers.

At The Breakers, the 15-foot “Poinsettia Tree” stands in The Great Hall. Each year, the “tree” is created from approximately 150 red poinsettia plants.
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Grand Staircase decorated with red and white poinsettias.

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The Music Room at The Breakers.

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The loggia is open to the air and sea view.

​Christmas at Marble House

Marble House has 50 rooms and covers nearly 140,000 square feet.

Marble House is the Newport mansion with a tea house. After the death of her second husband, the former Alva Vanderbilt added the Chinese Tea House on the seaside cliff of Marble House and hosted rallies for women’s suffrage at the tea house.
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Outside Marble House on a winter day.

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The Entry Hall and grand staircase at Marble House.

The Entry Hall at Marble House features a large wreath, white poinsettias, and a festive tree to highlight the yellow Siena marble staircase.
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The Dining Room at Marble House.

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The Gothic Room at Marble House.

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The Music Room at Marble House.

From 1888-1892, Marble House was built as a summer cottage and 39th birthday present for Alva Vanderbilt. 

In 1895, Alva’s daughter, Consuelo​, married the Duke of Marlborough, and lived in a real palace in England. See inside Blenheim Palace.
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​Christmas at The Elms

Which Newport Mansion is the best? Oh, this answer is a tricky one. The “best” ​depends on your personal taste. Just like ice cream or pizza. 

​I can say that my favorite is The Elms. This 48-room mansion with a total of 60,000 square feet is in the style of a French chateau.
Front Entrance, The Elms, Newport, Rhode Island

The front entrance at The Elms.

For Christmas, The Elms limestone-clad exterior is decorated with greenery.
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Late afternoon in the Library at The Elms.

You might consider visiting the mansions in late afternoon when the rooms take on a soft glow.
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The Grand Ballroom at The Elms.

The Grand Ballroom at The Elms glimmers with light from a crystal chandelier. The ballroom can accommodate 400 guests.
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White poinsettias surround a tree in The Elms ballroom.

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The Conservatory at The Elms with a view of the back lawn.

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The rear façade at The Elms opens to the back lawn.

The Elms has a 10-acre park with marble and bronze statues, impressive trees, a fountain, and a sunken garden.
The Elms, Newport, Rhode Island has a 10-acre park with marble statues.

A statue overlooks the landscaped lawn at The Elms.

The park at The Elms is a breath of fresh air (even on a winter day) and a lovely end to the self-guided tour.


​Get tickets and plan your visit to Holidays at the Newport Mansions.