Is there anywhere in New England that celebrates the holidays like Nantucket? When Brant Point Lighthouse dresses up in a Christmas wreath each year,
courtesy of the Nantucket Coast Guard, we think the only answer is "ho, ho, no!" Annual holiday events on Nantucket are treasured by the community, and four of the most anticipated are on the horizon right now. Make your plans to be on the island for one or more of these traditions. All dates are for 2017.
Festival of Wreaths, November 22 and 24–26
The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) will host the
Festival of Wreaths from November 22 to 26 this year at the Whaling Museum at 13 Broad Street. This annual event provides guests with the opportunity to bid on handmade wreaths created by local organizations, schools, and businesses. Proceeds from this silent auction benefit the NHA’s outreach efforts. The Festival of Wreaths is free to attend. Drop in anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM on November 22, 24, and 25 and on November 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Please note that the festival is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 23.
Guests can purchase tickets online for a preview party on November 21 from 5 to 7 PM.
Annual Christmas Stroll, December 1–3
The annual
Christmas Stroll takes place December 1 to 3 along Nantucket's Main Street and surrounding streets, as well as on Straight Wharf. The Christmas Stroll features hundreds of decorated Christmas trees lining the streets, craft shows, live entertainment, special dinners at local restaurants, exhibitions, and local tours. Shopkeepers will welcome holiday shoppers with hot chocolate, mulled cider, and seasonal treats. A highlight of the event is the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Coast Guard cutter at the wharves at midday on Stroll Saturday. Contact local restaurants ahead of time to make reservations for special dinners offered during Christmas Stroll weekend.
Chef’s Bubble Bash at the Pearl
The Chef’s Bubble Bash takes place during Christmas Stroll weekend at
The Pearl restaurant, located at 12 Federal Street. For this popular event, local chefs wield their culinary skills to prepare dishes featuring the finest ingredients during this annual party, which also includes a cash bar. Check the
restaurant’s website and
Facebook page for updates on the date and time. Tickets will be available once the date and time are finalized. Call 508-228-9701 for more information on purchasing tickets. This event sells out, so be sure to reserve early if you plan to attend.
Festival of Trees, December 1–31
Along with the Festival of Wreaths, the Nantucket Historical Association also hosts the annual
Festival of Trees. From December 1 to 31 at the Whaling Museum, the museum will be filled with trees decorated by Nantucket’s artists, organizations, merchants, and children. General admission for this event is $20 per person and $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 17 years old. Admission is free for NHA members and children under 6 years of age. The Festival of Trees Preview Party is November 30 from 6 to 8 PM.
This event sells out every year so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Contact us today to reserve a Nantucket house rental or talk about Nantucket real estate!