Good morning, Newport County.

It's cold but sunny today — bundle up and enjoy a packed weekend of holiday festivities. The 55th Annual Bowen's Wharf Tree Lighting headlines Saturday, the Marriott just unveiled a 16-foot gingerbread lighthouse, and markets and strolls across the county make it easy to shop local this year.

Here's what you need to know today.

Bundle up for a sunny but cold Friday — highs reach only 34° with light north winds. Tonight turns mostly cloudy as temperatures rise to 36° by early morning. Saturday brings a slight chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a chance of rain with highs in the mid-40s. Sunday stays partly sunny around 41° before another chance of rain and snow moves in Sunday night.

It's a packed weekend across Newport County. Tonight, the Franklin Street Holiday Stroll and A Rough Point Holiday: After Dark both begin at 4 p.m., Newport Vineyards hosts its Holiday Extravaganza at 5 p.m., and Bobby Cowsill performs at Belmont Chapel at 6 p.m. Saturday's main event: the 55th Annual Bowen's Wharf Tree Lighting, with Santa arriving by boat and the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Also Saturday: Lucy's Hearth's Designer Wreath Sale at Easton's Beach at 9 a.m., ShelterStock benefit concert at Newport Playhouse at 2 p.m., and tours of Newport Fire Station 5 as it turns 130. Catch The Bit Players at Firehouse Theater tonight or Saturday at 8 p.m., or "Wicked For Good" at the JPT all weekend.

The 55th Annual Bowen's Wharf Tree Lighting returns Saturday, bringing twinkling lights, live music, and Santa's arrival by boat to the historic waterfront. Admission is free, with festivities running from 12:30 p.m. until the tree lights up at 6 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors at the North Pole from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by performances from Lois Vaughan Music, Pennfield School Select Chorus, Regency Brass, Newport County Youth Chorus, and the Carl Hosbond Trio. Weather permitting, Santa will motor into Bowen's Basin by boat just before the 6 p.m. lighting ceremony. Organizers encourage guests to arrive early for holiday shopping — many shops will offer refreshments, and restaurants remain open for holiday meals.

The Newport City Council meets Wednesday evening with a packed agenda that includes approving applications for the 2026 Newport Folk and Jazz festivals. The Folk Festival is scheduled for July 24-26 at Fort Adams State Park, with the Jazz Festival set for July 31 through Aug. 2. Both would run 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with a Newport All-Star Softball Game at Cardines Field on July 23.

The council will also hear a police presentation on traffic safety initiatives, consider revisions to the city's two-tiered resident tax program, and vote on liquor license transfers for Scales & Shells and Jo's American Bistro as Heritage Restaurant Group completes its acquisition of both mainstays. Queen Anne's Loft is requesting to expand its service area with an outdoor deck. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa has unveiled what it says is Newport's largest gingerbread house — a 16-foot working lighthouse that ranks among the biggest gingerbread displays in New England. The structure, which includes a seven-foot keeper's house, took more than 100 hours to bake, build, and decorate using 530 pounds of organic gingerbread and nearly 240 pounds of royal icing.

Students from Chariho High School's Hospitality program helped construct the foundation and brickwork, receiving behind-the-scenes tours of hotel operations in return. The display is on view in the hotel lobby through Jan. 4 — visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Martin Luther King Community Center.

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Skip the mall and shop local this weekend — Newport County is packed with markets, strolls, and pop-ups featuring local makers and small businesses.

The Franklin Street Holiday Stroll kicks off tonight from 4 to 7 p.m. and continues Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., featuring Newport Sings carolers, in-shop specials, prizes, and refreshments. Newport Vineyards' Holiday Extravaganza tonight from 5 to 8:30 p.m. includes live music from Pete LeGrange & The Ghost Riders, Santa photos, and the biggest wine sale of the year — 20% off all cases.

Saturday afternoon, Juicy Market returns to Newport Craft from 1 to 5 p.m., and the DeBlois Gallery Fine Arts & Artisans Marketplace in Middletown runs all weekend. Sunday, head to Newport Vineyards for Sip 'n Shop Sundays with brunch and live music from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Cap off the weekend at Utility's Sip N' Shop from 5 to 9 p.m. at 58 Aquidneck Ave. in Middletown — featuring Babes Pie Co., Moonstone Oysters ($2 shucks), No Vacancy coffee, Frank & Laurie's cocktails, and exclusive flash tattoos from Two Cones Tattoo, plus 10% off at Utility.

Give local this year.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of... Robert M. Cleary, Janice Fisher, Constance Anderson, and Joyce Grout.

Paval Zacha scored twice, Joonas Korpisalo made 37 saves and the Boston Bruins beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 on Thursday night. (What’sUpNewp)

Derrick White scored a season-high 30 points, Jordan Walsh added a career-high 22 and the Boston Celtics, playing without Jaylen Brown, routed the Washington Wizards 146-101 on Thursday night. (What’sUpNewp)

Pet owners can take steps to keep their animals warm and safe, including learning about the dangers of extreme temperatures, buying weather-resistant accessories, and stocking up on extra supplies in case of power outages or storms.(What’sUpNewp)

Hotel Viking announced an extensive renovation ahead of the hotel’s 100th anniversary. The revitalized property will reopen in May 2026. (Lodging)

A grandparents’ rights case that’s been playing out in court since October had another hearing on Wednesday. Middletown Detective Scott Naso is attempting to keep his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dr. Siavash Ghoreishi, from seeing his 4-year-old daughter. (WPRI)

Guess the 5-letter word of the day that’s related to a recent story from WUN.