By Mia Lupo –
With Thanksgiving passed, Christmas lights and music have arrived almost like magic. Wakehurst is draped in garland and Christmas trees decorate Salve Regina’s campus. Salve is not the only place in Newport that is celebrating the season.
There are plenty of events happening in Newport during Christmas time, like boutique sales in the Brick Market Place, The Nutcracker ballet at Rosecliff, and the Polar Express Train Ride on the Newport Dinner Train.
Unfortunately, all of these activities cost more than the average work study check. As college students, we have come to appreciate the little things. Whether it’s touring the mansions or grabbing a Starbucks, it is easy finding a way to enjoy your Newport Christmas on a college budget. Here are five things to check out when you’re not hitting the books:
Christmas Tour of the Breakers Mansion
Media Credit: Lauren Kane - Breakers deck the halls for their seasonal Christmas tours
Nov. 19-Jan. 2
If you are a freshman, take advantage of your free mansion tour offer in your Free Stuff! booklet. The retail price is $19, but if you fill out your coupon with your name and Salve ID number, you can get in for free! Offer valid any Saturday/Sunday in November/December.
Holiday Drinks at Starbucks
All season long!
Who doesn’t like indulging on a Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha on a cold day? Not a coffee lover? The Carmel Apple Spice and Peppermint Hot Chocolate should do the trick. Go out with your friends and study (?) in the loft of the Starbucks downtown.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Program
Now-Dec.14
This is a great way to get into the spirit of giving! The Community Service Office is hosting the Angel Tree Program that gives to disadvantaged children and seniors. Each registered “Angel” in the program is promised a gift under the Salvation Army program. Then, the Angel fills out a tag with their age, gender, and what they would like for Christmas. Choose your Angel from the trees in Wakehurst and Miley then drop your Angel’s gift at the Community Service Office at Wakehurst 202.
Sovereign Bank Skating Center at the Newport Yachting Center
Dec. 9-Late winter
The skating rink is opening on Friday, Dec. 9 with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with hot cider, cocoa and Santa! Admission is $5 and skate rental is $3. Last year, Salve students could skate for free on Thursdays—we’ll tweet @MosaicNewsWeb if that’s the case this year!
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. (Adult Skate is 9 p.m.-11 p.m.); Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
