'Buy Local' is a popular rallying cry these days but here on the island it's more than just a passing fad. And the annual Christmas Stroll is a perfect example, since 1973 local merchants have been keeping their shops open late on the first Friday in December to celebrate the season. The first Stroll, was only three hours in duration but by all accounts it was a huge success. Over the years, the event has grown to become a nationally-renowned holiday event.
Nantucket Christmas Stroll is in its 46th year starting Friday December 6thth to December 8nd 2019.
Stroll has something for everyone, live entertainment on Main Street, craft shows, performances, special dinners at island restaurants, tours, and exhibitions. Local merchants, just as they did back in 73' will be offering refreshments to shoppers throughout the event.
Stroll is a very popular weekend on Nantucket, we recommend you plan ahead. Many of our rental properties offer weekend availability, call us at 508 228 1881 to connect with an agent.
For the kids or kids a heart, check out the Stroll midday on Saturday, the Nantucket Town Crier, in full regalia, will ring in the Christmas Stroll, and lead everyone to the wharves to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive via Coast Guard Cutter, walk down the wharf, and then ride to the Jared Coffin House downtown to meet with children.
If you are not on Nantucket for Stroll, you can watch some of the festivities from our Main Street Webcam.
Below is just a small sampling of Stroll events, for more details visit http://christmasstroll.com/events.php and https://www.nantucketchamber.org/nantucket-stroll Events are added and updated.
Friday, December 6th, 2019
10 AM to 4 PM - Annual Festival of Trees
This sparkling island tradition features community-crafted trees designed by local merchants, nonprofit organizations, artists and children. The Whaling Museum is transformed into a festive winter wonderland for the month of December. 13 Broad Street. 508-228-1894
11 AM to 4 PM - NHA Holiday Homes
Visit Hadwen House, at 96 Main St, Thomas Macy House at 99 Main, & Greater Light at 8 Howard St to see the homes adorned for the holidays. $20. Tickets incl. admission to the Festival of Trees. Holiday Houses are open through December.
7:30 PM - A Nantucket Christmas Carol - by White Heron Theatre
This delightful new play by Mark Shanahan, premiered in 2018 at White Heron Theatre, as an adaptation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. Music, drama and quick-change artistry help tell the story of whaling captain Ebenezer Scrooge in this beloved Nantucket holiday favorite. 5 North Water Street. Tickets at 508-825-5268 WhiteHeronTheatre.org
Saturday, December 7, 2019
11:45 AM - Nantucket Town Crier Rings in Stroll
Gather at the Main Street stage to help our Nantucket Town Crier ring in the Chamber of Commerce 46th Christmas Stroll and follow him down to Straight Wharf to welcome Santa. A Nantucket Stroll Event
12:15 PM - Santa Arrives on Nantucket
Santa Claus comes to Nantucket Island by boat on Christmas Stroll Saturday. Watch him arrive on Straight Wharf. His arrival is usually attended by lots of admirers, so if you want to watch, come early. He will not dally on Straight Wharf (no time for selfies with the big guy), as he is due to meet with island children at 1 pm. Insider Tip: If you cannot get a good position to photograph his arrival, try taking your picture from a street leading to the Whaling Museum.
1 to 3 PM - Magical Talking Tree
Chat with the large Christmas tree at the top of Main Street, and it will answer! Presented by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.
4:30 to 5:15 PM - Community Caroling
Join our world- renowned Victorian Carolers for a very special sing-along on the steps of Pacific National Bank at the top of Main Street. Sponsored by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
10 AM to 4 PM - Annual Festival of Trees
This sparkling island tradition features community-crafted trees designed by local merchants, nonprofit organizations, artists and children. The Whaling Museum is transformed into a festive winter wonderland for the month of December. 13 Broad Street. 508-228-1894
