Nantucket Holiday Events
11/22/2023
The holidays are a great time to plan a Nantucket getaway—the island is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive events, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and of course the main event: Christmas Stroll. This holiday season, cozy up at our boutique hotel and enjoy this classic Nantucket holiday events.
Things officially kick off with the tree lighting ceremony on November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving, at the top of Main Street. At 5pm, not one but hundreds of trees decorated by local schools, non-profits and businesses are lit up, and the whole crowd sings carols together. Bring your coziest mittens and a thermos of hot cocoa—the event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit on the island.
Once the town is fully decked out for the holidays, it's time to get down to business during the Christmas Stroll, held annually in early December. A townwide tradition since 1973, the Stroll is three days of special events, promotions, and naturally, mulled wine and cookies. The shops of downtown Nantucket keep later hours while everyone gathers to knock out their holiday shopping. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by Coast Guard cutter midday on Saturday, and the holiday choir will perform from the middle of Main Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic during the festivities.
Weekends during December, the Nantucket Whaling Museum hosts the Festival of Trees where the museum is transformed into a winter wonderland. Decked out with holiday trees decorated by local organizations, the festival is a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying the museum and enjoying the holiday season. While many island communities go dormant during the winter months, these Nantucket holiday events are a celebration of family, friends, and island life—and you're invited.