5 Reasons to Visit Nantucket in December | Christmas Stroll

Nantucket might be on your radar for a summer vacation, but the island is equally charming in the off-season. While most local businesses close for the winter season, they remain open for the main tradition that kicks off the holidays: the annual Christmas Stroll. Held the first full weekend of December (in 2017, December 1-3), it’s the chance to sip mulled wine, listen to carolers, see a talking Christmas tree and shop for gifts. And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by stepping into a Charles Dickens backdrop? Here are five reasons to visit the family-friendly event.

1. Shop for Holiday Gifts

The stroll originally started over 40 years ago as an effort to keep residents from leaving Nantucket to buy gifts on Cape Cod. In an effort to encourage shopping local, businesses kept their stores open late the first Friday in December. The event now lasts throughout the weekend, and visitors can peruse the quaint downtown shops, plus a craft fair featuring local artists. Some stores even pass out treats (mulled wine, cookies) to shoppers.

2. Attend events on Main Street

On the Saturday of the stroll, Main Street is closed off for pedestrians for an array of activities. Costumed carolers will be on hand to bring forth holiday cheer. An ugly sweater competition, a Christmas market, cookie decorating, ice carving displays, an art show silent auction and special tours are also on deck.

3. See the Christmas trees

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, hundreds of 7-foot Christmas trees line the streets of downtown Nantucket. But the king of the forest is the 20-foot tree at the top of Main Street. Each year, a local artist is chosen to decorate this tree, which also has magic powers: it talks to anyone who visits the Stroll on Saturday.

4. Meet Santa

How does Santa arrive on an island? By boat with the help of the Coast Guard, of course. His arrival is signaled by the Nantucket Town Crier, who leads everyone down to the wharves to see him. From there, Santa and Mrs. Claus hop on an antique fire truck and ride to the Jared Coffin House library to meet with children. Santa’s elves also pass out hot chocolate and candy canes while kids wait for the chance to tell him their wish list.

5. Catch the Festival of Trees

Every December, the Nantucket Whaling Museum is transformed into a winter wonderland for the Festival of Trees. The month-long event features more than 80 Christmas trees, decorated by local business and organizations. And these aren’t your average decorations: past themes have included lobster buoys, Barbie dolls and strobe lights.

Where to Stay

One of the most romantic hotels in the Northeastern U.S., White Elephant is located on Nantucket Harbor within walking distance to the center of town. The hotel is offering a Christmas Stroll package, which includes a White Elephant Christmas Stroll ornament, mistletoe and red sangria from Nantucket Vineyards with a recipe for mulled wine, and an autographed copy of a A Very Nantucket Christmas by local author Nancy Thayer. Rates start at $1,995 for three nights (taxes and hotel fees not included). Use booking code: Stroll.