We have lived in RI for many years, and friends want to visit and I would like to show
them a great day in New England? any suggestions. We have done Newport in the
past. need new ideas!! Thank you

Are you talking just as a day trip or maybe a couple days? I was thinking maybe a couple nights at a ski lodge in Vermont which is always fun even for non-skiiers.

I think Woodstock Vermont would fit the bill!

-john

thanks for the input, it is just a day trip.

Are you looking for places in Rhode Island? That's how this post is tagged. If Newport is too much and you've done that, how about Bristol? A couple of historic sites, some good shopping and restaurants, but on a much smaller scale than Newport.
Are you planning something for now or another time of year? Visiting the wineries and Tiverton are is very nice, but not in winter!
There's plenty to do in Providence, but it depends on your interests

If you care to venture over the border to CT, Mystic Seaport does Christmas by the Sea from Thanksgiving until New Year. It does involve an admission cost, but if you might go more than once, check into a family membership, depending on your family size it can be about the same cost and is good for a year.

You could do Boston - the Faneuil Hall, Copley Plaza/Prudential, Newbury Street type of areas. It's well decorated and really pretty against the backdrop of so many historic buildings.

Bethlehem, CT