Nantucket is particularly enchanting during the holiday season, when New England’s finest traditions come alive for the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, (December 3 - 5, 2010) part of Nantucket Noel (Nov. 26 – Dec. 31) a month-long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. The festivities begin on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving, with the Chamber's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Caroling in which all the Christmas trees in Nantucket’s historic downtown and island wide are lit. Residents and visitors alike gather to watch while the cobblestone byways become illuminated with color and light. A performace by the Nantucket High School chorus,The Accidentals & Naturals follows, along with community caroling which fills the air with the familiar sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas. The Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend is a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. Now one of the original Christmas Strolls, Nantucket’s was started in 1973, as a way to encourage locals to do their holiday shopping on-island, stimulate the local economy andprovide an enjoyable social event. In the beginning, the event was known as the ‘Nantucket Shoppers Stroll’and held on a Friday evening for 2 hours. Stores would remain open late, and shoppers would “stroll” from shop to shop where owners would offer seasonal goodies, a chance to socialize with friends and neighbors and of course purchase their holiday gifts. Over the years, the event gained popularity, due strictly to word of mouth. Summer residents and seasonal home owners returned to the island in December for what became a fashionable event and often brought their family and friends. The event eventually was expanded to encompass the entire weekend. By the early 1990’s,the event had grown to encompass the entire season. The 37th Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend will be held December 3 - 5, 2010. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive to the island via a Coast Guard vessel and parade up Main Street accompanied by the Town Crier. Children will have the opportunity to meet with Santa at the Pacific National Bank, while chatting with the Magicial Talking Tree! Victorian carolers, bell ringers and other musicians will stroll through town as well as perform festive music throughout the day on Main Street. It is the perfect weekend to get in the holiday spirit while enjoying Nantucket’s cozy lodging, unique shops and delicious restaurants. For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 508-228-1700. Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrival on Nantucket (Video Clip) An Interview with Santa & Mrs. Claus (Video Clip) The Coast Guard Annual Wreath Hanging on Brant Point Light (Video Clip) Nantucket Historical Association's Festival of Trees (Video Clip) 2009 Christmas Stroll Calendar of Events (PDF)