'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.
Today, Nantucket Christmas Stroll is in its 45th year starting Friday November 30th to December 2nd 2018.
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.
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
Friday, November 30, 2018
10 AM to 5 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
1 to 7 PM - 28th Annual Christmas Stroll Craft Show
One of the largest collections of items handmade on Nantucket : jewelry, textiles, art, and much more. Nantucket Artisans Collective, upstairs at 11 Centre Street.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
12:45 PM - Santa Claus Arrives on Nantucket
Gather at Straight Wharf to watch Santa arrive via Coast Guard cutter, and join Santa's parade as it travels up Main Street and across Centre Street to the Jared Coffin House. The "Head Elf" visits with children from 1-2:45 pm. Doors close promptly at 3 pm.... Santa needs to return to the North Pole! Presented by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.
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 Victorian Carolers for a Christmas Stroll sing-along on the steps of Pacific National Bank at the top of Main Street. Sponsored by Nantucket Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
10 AM to 5 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
