By Lena Sweet | Campus News Editor
December’s here! The fall semester is coming to an end and the holiday season has finally arrived. While this month holds the promise of friends, family and fun, it also presents students with a dreaded challenge: finals. If studying is sucking the life out of you, have no fear! Take a break from hitting the books and attend one or more of these ten, festive events throughout Newport. They are sure to keep your holiday spirit alive, at least until Christmas Break!
- December 1st, 2014 at 6 p.m., the Christmas in Newport Program begins! The kickoff event will feature an appearance from the Mayor, a tree lighting ceremony, craft fairs, candlelit house tours, a cannon salute and live entertainment. The program, which is set to take place in Washington Square, is free and open to all. According to it’s website, Christmas in Newport is “a city-wide celebration fostering the historic traditions of the holiday season.” For more information, and a complete calendar of events for the 2014 holiday season, visit http://www.christmasinnewport.org/#d1
- December 2nd-5th, 2014, Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff mansion, performed by the Island Moving Company. Visit http://islandmovingco.org/ for performance times and tickets.
- December 3rd, 2014 at 7 p.m., the 13th annual Festival of Lights will be held at Ochre Court. This multi-faith gathering will include songs, prayers and dances for peace.
- December 4th, 2014 from 4-8 p.m., the Bellevue Avenue Stroll. Attendees can explore participating businesses along Bellevue Avenue while enjoying songs from carolers and in-store refreshments.
- From December 4th, 2014 at 11 a.m. to Friday December 5th at 3 p.m., it’s Things for Thursday! Students can swing by Wakehurst to pick up their own, photo snow globes.
- From December 5th, 2014 at 8 p.m. to Saturday December 6th at 12 a.m., Friday Night Live: Holiday party. Attendees can enjoy Christmas cookies, holiday activities and horse-drawn carriage rides at Wakehurst.
- December 6th, 2014 starting at 4:30 p.m. The 44th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at Bowen’s Wharf, in downtown Newport. There will be a live, Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at 5 p.m. The tree will be lit at 6 p.m. Participating businesses will be open and warm beverages will be available. The event is free for all.
- December 6th, 2014 at 9 p.m. It’s Movie Night! The film Happy Christmas will be playing in DiStefano Lecture Hall in Antone Academic Center. Free popcorn included! Film. Antone 128.
- December 10th, 2014 at 6 p.m. The Mercy in Motion Christmas Party at the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, featuring holiday treats and crafts.
- December 12th and 13th, 2014 at 8 p.m. The Salve Regina University Christmas Choral Concert, held at 100 Ochre Point Ave. The SRU Chorus and Madrigal ensembles will perform a variety of holiday tunes. Tickets are $5.00 for students.
