Events to bring the holidays home
Anticipation of the holidays begs for a celebration to end all celebrations, and what better place to immerse yourself in holiday cheer than in beautiful Ocean House, Weekapaug Inn and Spicer Mansion?
These historic sites contribute much to our rich cultural landscape. As key tourist attractions, they also host dinners, classes and special occasions for the year-round enjoyment of local residents. A visit is a great way to give your holidays a sense of grandeur without the expense of travel.
The Weekapaug Inn (est. 1899) is a quintessential New England inn with striking panoramic views. Situated in a coastal village on the edge of two large saltwater ponds — the Quonochontaug and Winnapaug — the inn is a wonderful place to savor locally sourced food by a wood-burning fireplace.
Originally built in 1853, Spicer Mansion has been restored to its Gilded Age opulence, including parquet floors, hand-painted murals and soaring windows. Located near downtown Mystic, the mansion’s intimate atmosphere includes generous salons decorated with maritime art and antiques from around the world and a belvedere which offers 360-degree views from atop the Mansion.
High atop the shores of Watch Hill, the Ocean House resort commands breathtaking views of the wide Atlantic. The extensive property, dating to 1868, features several restaurants which are open to the public and its annual tree lighting ceremony has become a much-loved local tradition through the years.
“We really love the holidays, and go all out with decorations and everything to get our guests into the spirit,” says Candice Traskos, Director of Communications. The wide variety of events and festivities supports her enthusiasm. During the festive month of December, Ocean House collects toys for donation to the Jonnycake Center in Westerly, which helps local families in crisis through food and heating assistance and other social services. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from paid events benefits local charities.
Seaside celebrations
Ocean House in Watch Hill celebrates the Twelve Days of Christmas leading up to Christmas Day. These festivities range in price from $20 to $65, making it easy for anyone to have a special time at the historic hotel. And Santa Claus visits for Sunday brunch on Dec. 11 and 18. The brunch includes unlimited sparkling wine, juice, coffee, buffet and a la carte selections.
On Monday, Dec. 12, the hotel is host to a Gingerbread Village Competition from 6-8 p.m. Ocean House works with culinary students from a local vocational school. Every year, the students choose a different theme for their village. This is a competition between the students and is judged by hotel staff. Awards and money toward education are given out.
This complimentary event supports local students and is a sweet sight for visitors. “It’s such a fun way to kick off the holidays,” says Traskos.
The following day, Dec. 13, the owner of Grafton Village Cheese of Vermont visits the hotel for the Grafton Village Cheese and Wine Tasting. “They have the best cheeses and we use them in many of our dishes,” according to Traskos. The event will feature Ocean House’s Food Forager and Sommelier from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $25 per person.
Another festive and informative event is the Dec. 15 class in Creating Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres. Ocean House’s Food Forager and Sommelier help you master the secrets to hosting a great holiday party at your home. The workshop runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and is $25 per person.
On Dec. 16, enjoy a three-course holiday-inspired dinner in Seasons restaurant, accompanied by musical performances of the New Paradigm Theatre. The event kicks off at 7 p.m.; $105 per person.
On Dec. 18, bring the little ones in their holiday party attire to share a traditional English afternoon tea, complete with tea sandwiches and scones, with Paddington Bear in the Living Room. 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is $42 per adult; $25 per child for ages 4 to 12; and free for children 3 and under.
Love Christmas sweets? Attend the Decorating Workshop for Cookies and Cupcakes on Dec. 20. You’ll have a large selection of icings, candies, and wonderful toppings to create your masterpieces, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., $25 per person.
As the calendar marches steadily toward the big day, you’ll quickly get into the mood with Christmas in Song on Dec. 23 at the Watch Hill Chapel. Carolers, singers, bell-ringers, and storytellers will fill this complimentary evening with nostalgia and love. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m.
And then it’s here. Ocean House Seasons restaurant serves a special four-course Christmas Eve dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m., a scrumptious Christmas brunch from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an elegant Christmas dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve dinner is $95 per person ages 8 and older; children under 8 order à la carte from the children’s menu. Christmas Brunch is $62 per adult; $25 per child ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger. Christmas Dinner is $95 per person for age 8 and older; children under 8 order à la carte from the children’s menu.
Next up is New Year’s and a chance to dance the night away. Dust off your black tie and dig out that rhinestone tiara for the New Year’s Eve Gala featuring food, open bar, and live music. Tickets are $175 per person (21 years and older only) and the evening runs from
7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Holiday warmth in Weekapaug
Historic Weekapaug Inn invites you to enjoy the run-up to Christmas in the intimate setting of this 117-year-old destination in Westerly. Start with one of the beautiful Sunday brunches – all of which will feature a visit from Santa during December. Tickets are $52 per adult; $24 per child ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. Brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Santa will be on hand to talk to little ones from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Dec. 17, be creative at the Holiday Centerpiece Workshop and take home a work of art that will impress everyone at your holiday table. Admission is $65 per person and includes all materials and instruction. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Feast of the Fishes Christmas Eve Dinner is a tradition at the Inn and also among the large population of Italian-American families in the region. This family-style meal is from 5 to 8 p.m., and admission is $68 per adult; $34 per child for ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and younger.
Christmas arrives and dinner is served! Enjoy a three-course Christmas Day Dinner in The Restaurant from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per adult; $35 per child ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger.
For an elegant send-off to 2016, enjoy cocktails in the Garden Room on New Year’s Eve, followed by a delicious five-course tasting menu and dessert buffet in The Restaurant. Tickets are $125 per person and the event begins at 7 p.m. Live music and dancing round out the evening meant to welcome a new year.
Deck the halls in luxury
Newly-renovated Spicer Mansion has joined the Christmas season and is now open to the public on select days. During December, come to the mansion for a Holiday House Party. On Mondays, small groups can enjoy an Open House Party from 6 to 9 p.m., or on Tuesdays, schedule a Private House Party for your business in a private setting from 6 to 9 p.m. Both events include hors d’oeuvres, four food stations, a decadent dessert table, and complimentary house wine and champagne. Live music sets the mood for an evening of holiday celebration. Cost is $55 per person. For the Tuesday night event, a minimum of 30 people is required.
Plans also are underway for a splendid New Year’s Eve gala at the Mansion. The menu will include gorgeous food and wine pairings, including oyster, caviar, foie gras, native cod, lobster, beef and pork tenderloin; and wines from France, Italy, California, Greece and Spain.
Please contact each location for more detailed information on the various events:
Ocean House
877-511-8862
One Bluff Avenue
Watch Hill, RI 02891
Weekapaug Inn
855-709-6394
25 Spray Rock Road
Westerly, RI 02891
Spicer Mansion
844-205-1731
15 Elm Street
Mystic, CT 06355
