Enjoy noncommercial holiday traditions like lantern walking tours, caroling lessons, and Christmas tea in Newport. The two-week celebrations start with a tree lighting complete with a Newport Artillery cannon salute. Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus then arrive by boat at Bowen's Wharf before heading for pictures at one of the festively decorated historic mansions. And in the holiday spirit of giving, the town also collects money for charities through its annual events.