Lighting the Lighthouse: Newport’s Harbor Holiday Kickoff

Event snapshot

Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Newport Harbor Island Resort, 1 Goat Island, Newport, RI 02840
Price: Free, open to all

Set on Goat Island with sweeping views of Newport Harbor and the Newport Bridge, the event is easy to add to an evening in town, from downtown dinners to waterfront strolls.

A lighthouse that starts the season

The evening centers around the lighting of the resort’s historic lighthouse, turning a working harbor landmark into a glowing holiday beacon. As the light comes on, guests can enjoy carolers, warm drinks (including spiked options for adults), and festive treats while taking in panoramic water and bridge views.
After the lighthouse is illuminated, the party continues at Torpedo Bar & Lounge with live music, a hot chocolate bar, and seasonal favorites, making it a full night out rather than a quick photo op.

Family‑friendly coastal tradition

This is a complimentary community event, welcoming both visitors and year‑round Newport County residents, which makes it an easy “yes” for families, couples, and groups of friends. From November 29 through December 24, kids can also write letters to Santa and drop them into a magical North Pole mailbox at the resort, with each child receiving a response—an extra touch that turns the outing into a holiday tradition in the making.

Why it belongs in the Edge Report

For the Edge Realty community, the Lighting of the Lighthouse beautifully captures what living in and around Newport offers: walkable waterfront experiences, historic charm, and a strong sense of local togetherness. It is the kind of event that helps buyers fall in love with the Classic Coast in every season and reminds longtime residents why they chose to make Newport County home.

Make it part of your plans

Consider pairing the lighthouse lighting with dinner in downtown Newport, a drive along Ocean Drive to see the lights, or a visit to the holiday‑decorated mansions to round out a full coastal holiday experience. And if this evening on Goat Island has you imagining your own harbor‑view home or condo, the Edge Realty team is here to help you find a place that feels just as magical year‑round.

Click here to learn more.

About The Authors

Edge Realty was founded in 1990 in the waterfront community of Edgewood, Rhode Island, inspired by the richness of the architecture and the quintessential Ocean State coastline. With a background in the arts, we took our creativity and strategic thinking into Real Estate. Since then, Edge Realty opened its South County and Newport locations, and has continued to expand; now operating throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with referral partners worldwide. With three strong decades of sales in all aspects of real estate, from first time buyers to luxury homes, Edge Realty has sold thousands of properties- including one-of-a-kind architect designed homes, historic time pieces, and whimsical beach cottages. We bring the Art of Real Estate to you – with a Creative Edge.