Updated for 2023
Excitement fills the air as we get ready for holiday season events on Nantucket. Already, our calendar is filled with our favorite holiday events. Thanksgiving and Christmas on the island simply can’t be beat. Christmas strolls, tree lighting ceremonies, and festivals of wreaths and trees guide us gently toward the end of another year. We love traditions and all the revelry surrounding the holidays on the beautiful island of Nantucket.
While summer is long and languid, the holiday season explodes with merriment and good cheer. Join us at the Seven Sea Street Inn this year, and let us help you celebrate another blissful holiday season. Here’s a look at how we make merry on the island.
Nantucket Noel | Nov 1 – Dec 31
The Nantucket Noel holiday season runs from the beginning of November through the end of the year. A roster of fun holiday traditions includes visits from Santa, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and the much-anticipated Christmas Stroll weekend. We love seeing the storefronts decorated for the holidays and bumping into old friends shopping for gifts on the cobbled streets of Nantucket Town. With a nip in the air and the fragrant aroma of balsam ever-present, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Festival of Wreaths | Nov 20–25
The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) hosts the annual Festival of Wreaths. Beautiful holiday wreaths crafted by islanders, non-profit organizations, schools, and local businesses create a stunning display. From traditionally inspired greens to more fanciful arrangements, each creation is up for auction to the highest bidder online to benefit the NHA’s ongoing outreach efforts.
Annual Tree Lighting | Nov 24
Gather at the top of Main Street and wait in anticipation for the Town Crier’s countdown to lighting the trees; one hundred fifty balsams spring to life with colorful lights. Accompanied by community caroling led by the high school’s acapella group, this hometown celebration sparks the holiday spirit in all of us.
Christmas Stroll Weekend | Dec 1–3
Embracing the spirit of a bygone era, the Nantucket Christmas Stroll recreates the magic of the holiday season with fanciful trees lining Main Street, carolers in period costume, and the arrival of Santa by nautical sleigh announced by the Town Crier at noon. Main Street is closed on Saturday for a day filled with street performers and entertainment. Shopkeepers offer food and spirits, and restaurants serve special holiday dinners. Make your reservations early for this unique holiday weekend that attracts national and international attention.
Festival of Trees | Dec 1–30
This most highly anticipated event of the entire holiday season heralds the dawn of Christmas Stroll weekend on Nantucket. The Festival of Trees launches with a preview party on December 1. Witness the transformation of the historic Nantucket Whaling Museum into a winter wonderland of dazzling proportions. Trees sparkle among the exhibits, inspired and designed by local merchants, artists, children, and non-profit organizations.
All of these Nantucket holiday events remind us of how special it is to live and work on this magical island. Yes, spring, summer, and fall are equally beautiful. But the holiday season remains the most inspirational time of the year. Join us this season for a celebration that will warm your heart.
My mother, aunt, cousin, and I are a little traveling troupe that loves to see and do new things…and we just booked a room at the Inn for Christmas Stroll next year!! My mother and I fell in love with Nantucket years ago through books, and have dreamed of coming up for Stroll. I was able to visit for a weekend this spring while in New England for work, and immediately said it was time to make our dream trip reality. We cannot wait to take part in all of the festivities next Christmas, and are very excited as well for our very first experience staying at an Inn!