Nantucket Noel , November 24 , 2017 – January 1 , 2018 Featuring Christmas Stroll Weekend , December 1-3 , 2017
It ’ s Nautical ……. and Nice !
Cobblestone streets lined with glittering fir trees , strolling choristers garbed in Victorian finery , a bustling European-style Christmas market , vintage homes bedecked for the season , Santa ensconced beside a glowing hearth as wide-eyed children await their visit …. the enchantment of a quintessential Yuletide is brought to life at our 44th Annual Christmas Stroll .
Nantucket Noel begins the day after Thanksgiving with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling Ceremony on November 24 . Main Street teems with locals and visitors alike in brimming expectation as our venerable Town Crier ( inset ) leads the “ countdown ” in his signature baritone and over 100 balsam trees magically come alive in a blaze of light . Jubilant caroling – led by our own high school a capella chorus , The Accidentals & Naturals – fills the crisp air , and the stage is set for a traditional holiday experience .
Our beloved Christmas Stroll Weekend – affectionately dubbed “ Stroll ” – follows on December 1-3 . This singular event transforms the island into a sparkling panorama of sight and sound and attracts a slew of visitors to our shores . The “ Jolly Man in Red ” arrives by Coast Guard boat – his very own “ nautical sleigh ” – at Straight Wharf and leads a festive parade up Main Street , to the delight of throngs of exuberant children and adults . Santa proceeds to the Jared Coffin House where children , lists in hand , eagerly await their annual visit with the “ Head Elf .” At the top of Main Street , the young and the young at heart marvel at the Magical Talking Tree as it beckons one and all to its gaily festooned branches .
Stop to admire the uniquely decorated windows and doorways of local merchants who vie for coveted ribbons acknowledging their creative handiwork . Stroll among the enticing stands serving up hot beverages , foods , crafts and wares at the Christmas Marketplace as you toast the season with friends and neighbors . Why not test your knowledge of island facts and lore ( and vie for great prizes !) by participating in the Stroll
Scavenger Hunt ? Gather a team of family and friends and amble throughout the Downtown to solve a list of challenging clues !
Nantucket New Years showcases an array of fun and festal activities island-wide from December 29 through January 1 . From nature walks , ice skating at our state-of-theart rink , comedy brunches – and more – it ’ s a wonderful , family-friendly way to celebrate the waning year on our unique island-at-sea . The pièce de résistance – a lavish New Year ’ s Eve themed ball held at the Nantucket Hotel ( last year ’ s fete paid homage to the Disco era ) encourages revelers to salute the “ old ” as they ring in the “ new .”
© Cary Hazlegrove nantucketchamber . org • 31