Excitement fills the air as we prepare for the best holiday season events on Nantucket. Already our calendar is packed. Thanksgiving and Christmas on the island simply can’t be beaten. 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 that surrounds the holidays. 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. We love seeing the storefronts decorated for the holidays and bumping into old friends shopping for gifts on the cobbled streets of Nantucket Town. A roster of fun holiday traditions includes visits from Santa, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and the much-anticipated Christmas Stroll weekend. With a nip in the air and the ever-present fragrant aroma of balsam, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Annual Tree Lighting | Nov 25
Gather at the top of Main Street and wait in anticipation of the Town Crier’s countdown to lighting the trees. The 150 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.
Festival of Wreaths | Nov 29 – 26
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.
Festival of Trees | Dec 2 – 31
The Festival of Trees launches with a preview party on December 1. This most highly anticipated event of the entire holiday season heralds the dawn of Christmas Stroll Weekend on Nantucket. 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.
Christmas Stroll Weekend | Dec 2 – 4
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.
All these holiday season events on Nantucket 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!