Travel enthusiasts and Gilded Age lovers, if you’re dreaming of a winter escape that drips with old-world opulence and festive sparkle, look no further than Newport, Rhode Island. The Breakers—the breathtaking Vanderbilt summer “cottage” that defines the extravagance of America’s elite era—transforms into a true holiday masterpiece.
Every holiday season, the Newport mansions are decorated to the nines—and The Breakers stands out as the absolute crown jewel! I’ve visited this Vanderbilt masterpiece at least six times, and let me tell you, it never fails to leave me in absolute awe. The sheer scale, the beauty, the way it transports you straight back to the Gilded Age… it’s beyond impressive.
What makes it even more magical is how flawlessly the Preservation Society of Newport County brings it all to life. They do such a fabulous job curating these holiday displays. The attention to detail feels like stepping into a living postcard from the era of lavish balls and oceanfront grandeur. Picture wandering through this 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace, where platinum-paneled walls, intricate mosaics, and soaring marble arches are draped in miles of fresh evergreen garlands, velvet ribbons, and twinkling lights. Nearly 30 Christmas trees stand proudly throughout the mansion, each one uniquely themed to its historic room: the library’s tree adorned with leather-bound books and quills, Mr. Vanderbilt’s personal tree decorated with miniature trains and top hats in homage to his railroad empire, and the Music Room’s elegant display echoing the grandeur of the era’s legendary balls.
The centerpiece? A jaw-dropping 15-foot poinsettia tree in the Great Hall, crafted from hundreds of live blooming plants—a vivid crimson spectacle beneath the mansion’s gilded 50-foot ceiling. Fresh orchids, roses, and seasonal blooms spill from mantels and tables, filling the air with subtle fragrance while Victorian-inspired wreaths crown every doorway.
One of my favorite memories: my daughter, using crutches at the time, got to ride the historic two-person 18th-century elevator (yes, The Breakers has an original early elevator that’s still in service for accessibility between floors!). It was her absolute highlight—such a cool, rare glimpse into how the Vanderbilts moved through their own palace.
And the docents? They’re pure gold—always warm, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely happy to answer every question you throw their way. They make the history feel personal and alive.
Step outside after dusk for Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: a magical half-mile illuminated path winding across the oceanfront grounds. Hundreds of thousands of lights outline the historic facade, trace the manicured hedges, and create whimsical glowing scenes—think reindeer silhouettes, oversized ornaments, and cascading light tunnels—all set to gentle holiday music drifting through the crisp sea air. Warm up with hot cocoa or a seasonal cocktail on the terrace as you gaze at the Atlantic twinkling in the distance.
For anyone captivated by the romance of the Gilded Age or simply seeking a uniquely elegant way to celebrate the season, The Breakers at Christmastime is pure enchantment. The holiday decorations typically remain on display through early January—perfect timing for a cozy New England getaway.
Who else loves blending history with holiday magic?
