Imagine - crisp sea air spiced with wood smoke drifts through a historic village’s cobblestoned streets festively lined with decorated trees and warmly lit shops, while church bells chime familiar carols… the holiday season on Nantucket is magical.
Affectionately named Nantucket Noel, the holiday festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Caroling. Everyone gathers at the top of Main Street to watch over 100 Christmas trees come alive with color and light. Caroling follows, filling the air with sounds of an old fashioned Christmas. School children, youth groups and non-profit organizations join with island businesses to decorate the trees in time for Christmas Stroll the following weekend.
Now in its 39th year, Christmas Stroll Weekend is held the weekend after Thanksgiving. The 2012 Christmas Stroll will take place from November 30 through December 2. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to a waiting horse and carriage. They parade up Main Street and across Centre to the historic Jared Coffin House where they meet with eagerly awaiting children. Children of all ages are entertained by the Magical Talking Tree at the top of Main, while carolers in period costume, bell ringers, student choirs and more perform on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances – including the popular annual Christmas House tour on Friday evening – add to the joyful festivities. Don't miss the 18th Annual Festival of Trees running throughout December at the Whaling Musuem.
New as of last year, is a European style "Christmas Market" at the corner of Easy Street and Main (by Straight Wharf). Fifteen non-profit organizations will be offering delicious food, hot drinks, craft sales and games. Open from 10-3 p.m. on Saturday, December 1.
To truly enjoy all the entire island has to offer, be sure to catch a ride on the Holiday Hop On/Hop Off shuttle service. Running on Saturday, December 1 (exact times TBA) from in front of the Whaling Museum on Broad Street, visitors can make a loop around the island, getting off at various locations to enjoy cooking demos, activities and shopping opportunities wherever they like and catch the next shuttle that comes around.
Holiday contests encourage creativity as people participate in events such as the Holiday Window, Doorway and Tree Decorating Contests. Events continue throughout the month and many island shops, lodgings and restaurants remain open through New Year’s Eve. (Accommodations can book well in advance for Stroll Weekend, so be sure to make your reservations early.)
2011 Holiday Stroll Program 