To celebrate this first day of 2026, I felt we deserved something with a WOW! effect…like a stop at The Breaker’s “Holiday Sparkling Lights.” Our visit was touched with the same sparkle as these lights…the last Supermoon of the year was vividly visible on a clear black night (it had been raining the three days prior) with just a few sweeps of clouds adding a theatrical note.

This significant landmark in Gilded Age architecture and history was the former home of the Cornelius Vanderbilt II family. Positioned on a point overlooking the Atlantic, the drama of a facade washed with luscious lights is a statement to be experienced…from the front entrance to the south-facing rotunda. It also provides such a childlike note to an otherwise very serious house (it has 70 rooms).

One of the outstanding features of this light show is that it points out the architectural details and statuary of this historic house, under the stewardship of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

A generous, circuitous walk (replicating the original garden plan of the 19th century) takes you around the thirteen acre estate, capturing the many specimen trees that are so integral to the landscape…from the quiet areas to the more festively lit. All making for a jolly, merry walk that definitely gets you in the mood for the holidays.

That Supermoon was to be seen from every angle, complementing the Christmas tree that changed colors every five minutes to the all white light globes that line the path to the front door.

What an addition the presence of this Cold Moon Supermoon made to the evening…the biggest, highest, and last one we’ll see ’til 2042!

While the lit globes tumbled along with their touch of humor bringing a smile to one’s face.

A pariotic note was struck in one long tunnel…

and golden lights offered an elegant contrast to the skeletal shapes of the bare trees.

On Saturday night, December 20th, sparkling lights were also to be seen, but this time in the Grand Hall of The Breakers, for the Preservation Society’s annual Christmas Dinner Dance. A perfect addition to a festive Newport season.

With appreciation to Kiel James Patrick for this image. xo

As the year turns, may the days ahead be filled with beauty, intention, and moments worth savoring. Wishing you a most splendid New Year.