Good morning, Newport.

Newport Hospital celebrated its new James P.

Nolan, MD and Peggy Nolan Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit on Dec. 15, while Bike Newport held a holiday bike giveaway on Dec. 6 and Middletown announced its Holiday Card Art Contest winners; Potter League for Animals also returns with its Host a Howliday Houseguest program from Dec. 22 to 27.

Newport Classical named Oliver Inteeworn as its new executive director; he will begin the role on Jan.

5 (bringing 25 years of nonprofit arts leadership) and lead the organization’s 2025-2028 strategic plan. He replaces Gillian Fox and interim director Eric Gershman.

Newport and Middletown reported record beach revenue for 2025 with Newport collecting $1.34 million + a 20% rise from 2024 and Middletown reaching $2.5 million thanks to sunny weekends and revised parking fees.

Brown University Health is requiring Level 2 surgical masks at its facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts today amid rising flu and respiratory virus cases, with state data showing a jump in flu ED visits from under 1% to nearly 3% and about 40 weekly hospital admissions.

South County Health offers free childbirth classes for expecting parents at the Newport County YMCA in Middletown, led by Victoria Gatling (BSN, RN, IBCLC); the classes cover labor stages, pain management, newborn basics and partner support, with registration open to everyone.

Newport County Dinner Club returns for its 37th year with a holiday offer providing 2-for-1 dinners at over 55 local restaurants.

Members pay $27 and can join online or at retailers in Middletown (Portsmouth, Bristol, and Newport) for a year of dining deals.

Coastal Queen's Meet & Greet with Santa Cruise

11 AM - 12 PM — Coastal Queen Cruises — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the magic of Christmas with a festive cruise and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Frank Sinatra Christmas Celebration

1-2:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Tickets required — Enjoy a festive mix of holiday favorites and classic Sinatra hits performed by renowned musicians.

National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with a classic film screening and festive fun.

Wednesday Trivia Night

6-8 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Reservations recommended — Test your knowledge while enjoying great drinks and tasty bites with friends.

Alex Cohen Acoustic Performance

7-11 p.m. — Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic renditions suitable for all ages in a festive setting.

Badfish: A Sublime Tribute

9:00–10:30 PM — Ocean Mist — $20 — Experience the energetic tribute to the legendary band Sublime at a local favorite venue.

New Year's Eve Celebration at Gas Lamp Grille

9:30 PM – 1:00 AM — Gas Lamp Grille — Menu pricing varies — Indulge in gourmet entrees while ringing in the New Year in style.

Earl Knightwood Band Performance

7-10 p.m. — Pancho O' Malleys — Tickets required — Enjoy a lively evening of R&B, Soul, Modern Blues, and New Orleans funk with the Earl Knightwood Band.

Herbal Teas Workshop

12-2 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost TBD — Cozy up with hot herbal teas and learn to create your own blends in a beautiful setting.

Alex Cohen Live at Basta

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Basta Italian Restaurant — Reservations encouraged — Enjoy an acoustic mix of classics from the '50s to today, along with original music.