IYRS Holly Jolly Weekend

About this event

IYRS School of Technology & Trades invites the local community, alumni, supporters, families, and friends to its annual Holly Jolly Weekend; a festive celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community taking place on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, on the IYRS waterfront campus in Newport.

The weekend will feature two signature events: the IYRS Community Holiday Party on Friday, December 4, and the Artisan Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for attendees to kick off the holiday season while supporting local makers and artisans.

The IYRS Community Holiday Party will bring together members of the IYRS community for an evening of celebration, connection, and holiday cheer. Guests will gather in the historic Restoration Hall to reconnect with friends and colleagues, and enjoy a festive evening with alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters, and friends of the school.

The following day, the campus will transform into a vibrant holiday marketplace featuring handcrafted goods, unique gifts, artisan products, and seasonal offerings from local makers. The Artisan Holiday Market provides community members with an opportunity to shop local, discover one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and support the talented artisans who help make New England’s creative economy thrive.

IYRS is currently seeking artisans, makers, craftspeople, and small businesses interested in participating in the 2026 Artisan Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 5. Vendors offering handmade goods, fine art, jewelry, home décor, specialty food products, and other unique creations are encouraged to apply. This market offers artisans the opportunity to showcase their work to hundreds of visitors during one of Newport’s most festive holiday weekends while connecting with shoppers who value craftsmanship, creativity, and locally made products.

The Artisan Holiday Market aligns with IYRS’s commitment to celebrating makers and supporting the region’s vibrant creative community. Vendor spaces are very limited, and interested artisans are encouraged to apply early.

Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, hoping to connect with fellow community members, attend a festive holiday gathering, or showcase your handcrafted products, Holly Jolly Weekend offers something for everyone.