Billed as the “original” Christmas Stroll, the annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll has been delighting visitors to the Island of Nantucket since 1973. On the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend, Nantucket Town is alive with Christmas decorations, carolers in costume, bell ringers, and choirs. The weekend features craft shows, exhibitions, performances, a popular Christmas House tour and more. New as of 2011 is a European style “Christmas Market” at the corner of Easy Street and Main Street where non-profit organizations offer food, hot drinks, craft sales and games.
One big attraction for the young and young at heart is when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via Coast Guard vessel. They and are escorted to a waiting horse and carriage. They parade up Main Street and take residence in the historic Jared Coffin House to meet with children.
The Christmas Stroll is part of the larger Nantucket Noel event that starts the day after Thanksgiving with Nantucket’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and community caroling, and culminates on the first weekend after Thanksgiving weekend with the Christmas Stroll.
Coinciding with Nantucket Noel and the Christmas Stroll is the annual Festival of Trees that runs all of December at the Nantucket Whaling Museum.
Pictures courtesy of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.
