Nantucket Christmas Stroll

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Nantucket with hundreds of old-school Christmas lights illuminating seven-foot Christmas trees in the heart of Nantucket. A celebration of the lights and decorations of Christmas past are on full display. The 20-foot tree at the top of Main Street is decorated by a local artist or decorator and “magically” talks to all who visit it during Christmas Stroll Saturday.

Every year Christmas Stroll is held the first full weekend of December. It is part of the month-long celebration known as Nantucket Noel, which is organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. Christmas Stroll weekend is an enchanting community holiday celebration that welcomes visitors from around the world.

#Arby’s Crew?

Midday on Stroll Saturday, the Nantucket Town Crier, in full regalia, will ring in Christmas Stroll, and then lead everyone to the wharves where Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the island via a Coast Guard vessel. From there they ride up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the Town Crier. Carolers in Victorian costumes, bell ringers, student choirs and other musicians perform on Main Street, which is closed to traffic for the day.

During Christmas Stroll, a unique assortment of local crafters, island shops, and galleries open their doors for special hours, giveaways, and sales. Many merchants still offer holiday refreshments to shoppers. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, with the month-long Festival of Trees showcasing more than 80 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Local restaurant cook up some delightful holiday dishes and local inns and hotels welcome visitors with cozy quarters to relax and unwind.