In the Great Hall of the Breakers a 20-foot tree is made up of nearly 200 poinsettias, some of the 2,500 grown to decorate the mansions. In all, about 20 Christmas trees help to make spirits bright. Wreaths line the three mansions' outside fences and gates. At all nine of the houses run by the Preservation Society of Newport County windows are adorned with white candles, more than 150 in all.
In addition to the decorations, there are at various times singers, choruses, musicians, and a certain jolly gent who favors red outfits. Mansion visitors are treated to cider, eggnog, cookies, and petits fours.
Then there are the Holiday Evenings musical performances, when you get to see the mansions lighted at night. All the performances are popular, but the Preservation Society deems one of them extra special because it takes place at two properties, The Elms and Marble House, and visitors can go to both for one price. Cabaret Elegance, a mixed-voice theatrical chorus, and the Navy Choristers will fill The Elms with seasonal sounds. At Marble House, the Voices of Xmas, also a mixed-voice chorus, and Avant Garde, a female barbershop quartet, will sing.
Tickets for daytime admission to all three houses, adults $25 and children ages 6-17 $9. Purchased separately: Breakers $16/$4, Marble House and The Elms $11/$4. Santa visits today noon-3 at Marble House and Dec. 16 at The Elms. Holiday Evenings, adults $25 in advance, $30 at the door, children 6-17 $10. Tickets available online or at each property. Visit newportmansions.org or call 401-847-1000.
RICHARD P. CARPENTER
