NANTUCKET NOEL CELEBRATION
November 27 - December 31, 2009

FEATURING THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STROLL WEEKEND
December 4 - 6, 2009

Nantucket is particularly enchanting during the holiday season, when New England’s finest traditions come alive for the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, which is part of Nantucket Noel a month-long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.The Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend is a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to the island via a Coast Guard vessel and ride up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the Town Crier. Carolers in Victorian costumes, bell ringers, student choirs and other musicians perform on the Main Street stage as well as stroll through town performing, all the while visitors can enjoy Nantucket’s unique shops and restaurants. For more information, please call 508-228-1700.
View Plum TV Video Highlights of the:
**Christmas Stroll Weekend Festivities**
**An Interview with Santa & Mrs. Claus**
**The Coast Guard Hanging Wreath at Brant Point Light**
**Nantucket Historical Association - Festival of Trees**

2009 Nantucket Noel Calendar of Events
2009 Nantucket Holiday Specials, Sales, Travel Packages & More!

SPRING ON NANTUCKET April - Mid June 2010
Beyond the island’s unique historic and cultural appeal is its sheer natural beauty and unparalleled environmental integrity, making it an ideal destination for spring travelers who take pleasure in biking, hiking, fishing, nature study and other outdoor relaxation.

Nantucket has long been a pioneer in the area of land conservation. Since the 1960s the non-profit Nantucket Conservation Foundation has vigilantly defended the island’s rare habitats, endangered plants and animals, and sprawling open spaces, and today has an astounding 8,500 acres of land under its stewardship. In 1984, Nantucket became the first community in the United States to institute a Land Bank. Thanks to the efforts of these two organizations—and a host of other, smaller groups-over 40 percent of Nantucket is protected forever.

Within this land, along its roads and well-delineated trails, a plant enthusiast can find any number of rare species of fauna, and birders can catch glimpses of the dog-eared owl or the northern harrier, endangered predators of the plain grasslands. For those who prefer adventure of the offshore variety, Nantucket’s waters are among the cleanest in the nation and support hundreds of different animal species. Gray seals spend the winter frolicking off the Nantucket coast and can be seen in the Sound and in the surf around Tuckernuck and Muskeget (two islands off the Western shore). It’s also not unusual to see schools of whales passing through the island’s waters.

And of course, there is fishing! Running the gamut from offshore and surfcasting to pond fishing, Nantucket is rich with opportunity for anglers of every stripe. Early spring fishing revolves around the island’s many fresh water ponds, until the month of May arrives. Then, most anglers head for the beach, for a shot at the elusive striped bass or the feisty bluefish. Stripers make their debut as early as May 1st. Nantucket’s tackle shops are full of gear to rent or buy, information on fishing guides and charters and helpful people who know where they’re biting!

One of the best ways to tour Nantucket Island is by bicycle, especially on a spring day. Since the island is just 14 miles by 3.5 miles, a dedicated cyclist can bike around the entire island in one day. Round up the family, pack a picnic lunch and explore Nantucket from shore to shore. With nearly twenty miles of paved bicycle paths - bikers, walkers, and runners - may share the trails.

There are plenty of events and happenings to enjoy including the offical kick-off to spring, The Annual Daffodil Festival Weekend, Figawi Race Weekend, Nantucket Wine Festival, Nantucket Restaurant Week, Nantucket Film Festival and much more! Check out the Spring Calendar of Events for more information on upcoming happenings.

** 2009 Spring on Nantucket Calendar of Events** April 1 - May 31 (PDF version)
** 2009 Summer on Nantucket Calendar of Events** June 1 - August 31 (PDF version)
** Spring on Nantucket Travel Special & Packages ** (PDF version)

DAFFODIL FESTIVAL WEEKEND April 23 - 25, 2010
From early-April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket Island. This blossoming, and the advent of spring itself, is the focal point of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Daffodil Festival.

Originated by the late Jean MacAusland, a summer resident of Nantucket and former publisher of Gourmet magazine, the weekend has grown into a full-scale celebration of winter’s thaw, joyous for both islanders and visitors alike. Daffodils adorn the island’s roadsides, gardens and shop windows with blossoms of yellow, orange, white and even pale pink.

The Daffodil Festival’s grand event, held on Saturday (Rain or Shine) is the Annual Antique Car Parade, featuring over 100 daffodil-bedecked antique cars (pre-registration necessary for participation.) After winding through town and across the island to the charming village of Siasconset, participants join residents and visitors for the Annual Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. Held on the lush lawns leading into the village the picnic boasts fare ranging from elaborate gourmet cuisine served on fine china to box lunches and burgers. Other highlights include the Nantucket Garden Club’s Annual Daffodil Show, Daffy Dog Parade, Children’s Daffodil Parade and The Daffy Hat Pageant.

**View Video Highlights of Daffodil Festival Weekend** (Plum TV)
**2009 Daffodil Weekend Calendar of Events** (PDF)

NANTUCKET WINE FESTIVAL May 19 - 23, 2010
A multi-faceted exploration of food and wine emphasizing Nantucket's historic celebration of all things gastronomic. For over twelve years, Nantucket Island becomes host to over 100 wineries of international acclaim with special events including celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, seminars, auction and new Lunch Symposia. Come sip wine in grand homes and dine in Nantucket's world-class restaurants! For a wine festival program or reservations, call 508-228-1128 or visit NantucketWineFestival.com
**View Video Highlights of Nantucket Wine Festival** (Plum TV)

NANTUCKET SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK June 7 - 13, 2010
Enjoy a week of culinary extravaganza showcasing Nantucket’s superb restaurants with special menus and price points.
For more information and a list of participating restaurants visit NantucketRestaurantWeek.com or call 508-325-0048.

NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL June 17 - 20, 2010
For over ten years, the Nantucket Film Festival has been renowned for its eschewing of Hollywood glamour and its focus on the substantive art of screen writing. The festival boasts independent films, celebrity panels and readings and the annual screenwriters tribute. For more information, please call 508-325-6274 or visit NantucketFilmFestival.org.
**View Video Hightlights of Nantucket Film Festival** (Plum TV)

37TH ANNUAL SANDCASTLE & SCULPTURE DAY August 21, 2010
The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts (NISDA) will hold the 37th Annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, Saturday, August 21, 2010 on Jetties Beach. Over 50 sculptures will emerge from the sand on this August afternoon. A late-summer ritual for some, families and teams return year after year to vie for top honors. The rules are simple - be creative! Tools and building aids, ornaments and decorations all may be used, but none are supplied. Contestants are urged to work with biodegradable items,and must take away any non-biodegradable items used.

Pre-registration is necessary and should be completed at the Chamber office at Zero Main Street until noon on Friday, August 20, 2010. Contestants may enter in one of four categories: Family Team, Adult Team, 11-16 Year Olds and 10 & Under. The age group of a team is determined by its oldest member. A family is considered a team if adults participate. Family members not registered can cheer all they want but must keep their hands off the sand. The non-refundable entry fee is $10 per person. (Free admission for spectators!)

Judging is based on CREATIVITY, CONCEPT and DESIGN. Highlights have included everything from Nantucket Lightship Baskets to VW Bugs. All participants will receive a ribbon and a People’s Choice ribbon will be awarded! Judges are professional artists from the faculty of the Nantucket Island School of Design.This is a fun-filled day for participants or admirers of sandcastle sculpting. A visit to Jetties Beach to watch the sculpting in action or view the finished sculptures at sunset is well worth the trip!

View Plum TV Video Hightlights of: **The 2008 Sandcastle & Sculpture Day**

FALL ON NANTUCKET September - November 2010
With its crimson-colored landscape, dramatic sunsets and weather tempered by an Indian summer, the mood following the busy summer season is relaxed but still offers much to experience! Some of the finest months on Nantucket are September October and November, when the island’s natural beauty takes center stage and its historic museums, shops, lodging and fine restaurants remain open to accommodate fall visitors. Nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, history buffs and patrons of the arts will delight in the myriad of activities available on Nantucket each autumn. Visitors can enjoy walking, bicycling, hiking, picnicking, nature study and scenic viewing. Birdwatchers will appreciate the number of rare and endangered species to be sighted.

Those who love architecture or history will becharmed by Nantucket Town, which recalls the illustrious past of a whaling empire with its cobblestone carriageways and narrow lanes. More than 800 houses built between 1740 and 1840 still grace the island’s downtown core, and almost all are preserved in their original settings. Nantucket is the only community in America where the entire islandis recognized as an historic district.

October and November are filled with additional seasonal activities and events. From the Annual Chowder Contest (Oct. 17) to the 4th Annual Nantucket Restaurant Week (see below) Nantucket Arts Festival, (see below) The Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair (Oct. 3) and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival (Oct. 10) there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Fall on Nantucket 2009 Calendar of Events (PDF file)
Fall Travel Specials, Packages & Sales! (PDf file)

THE NANTUCKET ARTS FESTIVAL 2010 Dates TBA
A celebration of arts on Nantucket sponsored by the Nantucket Arts Council. This week long festival bringing together the best of performing, visual and literary arts with venues throughout the island. For festival information call 508-325-8588 or visit NantucketArtsCouncil.org.

NANTUCKET FALL RESTAURANT WEEK
September 27 - October 3, 2010
Enjoy a week of culinary extravaganza showcasing Nantucket’s superb restaurants with special menus and price points.
Highlighted Fall Week events include Taste Nantucket! Opening Event (September 26) and Nantucket Junior Chef competition (October 3)
For more information and a list of participating restaurants visit NantucketRestaurantWeek.com or call 508-228-1700.

Please Note:
With only 900 licensed hotel/guest rooms on the island, accommodations book well in advance. Early reservations are recommended.
For last-minute accommodations call the Nantucket Visitor Services at 508-228-0925.

Nantucket is accessible by airplane and ferry. (One hour high speed ferry services are also available.)Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave their cars behind;most activities are accessible by seasonal Shuttle, walking, bicycle, or taxi. Please call the Chamber of Commerce at 508-228-1700 to order the Official Guide - the best Nantucket resource. Complete listing of Nantucket events updated weekly.