The 52nd annual Christmas in Newport celebration begins Thursday night, Dec. 1. The official opening is at 6 p.m. in Washington Square, and it features a proclamation from the Mayor, the official tree lighting, a Newport Artillery cannon salute, and music by the Pell School Champions Chorus. Admission to the event is free.

Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the non-commercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 52nd year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar.

In a community collaboration among residents, businesses and the City of Newport, clear sparkling lights illuminate downtown, the scenic harbor and wharves, the restored colonials of the Point and Historic Hill sections, and the Victorian splendor of Bellevue Avenue.

The lights are meant to simulate candlelight and are the brainchild of Christmas in Newport founder Ruth Myers, who wished to recapture the candlelit holidays of bygone days. With a volunteer base numbering 1500, the non-profit organization, Christmas in Newport, raises thousands of dollars for charity each year. In keeping with the true spirit of the season, any event listed in the annual program must be free of charge or must benefit a non-profit institution or charity.

Browse all events or filter by day, week, weekend or month at: www.christmasinnewport.org