FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025
CONTACT
Lauren Craig
Newport Historical Society to Debut Holiday Market at the Colony House
Open Daily Through December, Market Offers Unique Gifts and Seasonal Programming
Newport, RI — The Newport Historical Society (NHS) is ringing in the holiday season with the debut of a new Holiday Market at the historic Colony House. A first for the NHS and this iconic property, the Holiday Market will open this Friday, November 14, and run through the end of the year.
The market will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday until 6 p.m.
“The Holiday Market offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays in one of Newport’s most beautiful, historic settings,” said NHS Executive Director Rebecca Bertrand. “Christmas in Newport is already magical; decked out with more charm and cheer than ever before, the Holiday Market at the Colony House will make this season extra special.”
An opportunity for shopping and celebration during Newport’s vibrant holiday season, the market arrives as the Museum & Shop at the Brick Market is temporarily closed to undergo exciting renovations. The Holiday Market ensures that the beloved tradition of shopping for distinctive treasures at the Museum & Shop will continue on throughout the season in an even more festive way.
The Holiday Market is made possible by generous donors, including Exquisite Events Decor. It will feature items from the Shop, along with holiday activities for the whole family, such as book signings, a Sip & Shop event, a visit from Santa, and crafts, including ornament decorating and candle making. The Colony House will also serve as the starting site for the seasonal Holiday Lantern Tour, one of the NHS’s most popular historic walking tours.
The current Holiday Market schedule includes:
- November 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Silhouette artist selling custom silhouettes
- November 25, 6-7 p.m.: Hand-dipped candle making workshop
- December 5-7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Mingle & Jingle Trunk Show, with live music on Friday
- December 11, 12-2 p.m.: Book signing with Pamela McColl, author of The Wondrous Mrs. Claus
- December 12, 3-6 p.m.: Cookbook signing and tasting with Becky Diamond, author of The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook
- December 13, 12-2 p.m.: Pictures with Santa and readings of the poem, A Visit from St. Nicolas
- December 19, 3-5 p.m.: Book signing with John Tschirch, author of Jamestown: Architecture, Landscape, and the Making of a Rhode Island Paradise
Join the Newport Historical Society for the official opening of the Holiday Market at the Colony House on November 14. The NHS will sponsor a food and toy drive starting that day to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.