Christmas on Martha’s Vineyard is a magical time. Many of our summer residents make a special trip back to take in all the festive events that take place and indulge in Christmas “island-style”.
Typically on the first Wednesday of December the Oak Bluffs Tree Lighting and Caroling Party takes place at Post Office Square on Kennebec Ave (opposite Offshore Ale Co for those who prefer their GPS coordinates to be based around bars) to kick-off activities on the island. OK so this year it took place on 30th November but rules were meant to be broken and it really is never too early to switch into Christmas mode! Anyway Santa clearly got the memo on the early date as he was there to hear first-hand what the local kids wanted for Xmas. As if Santa being there wasn’t enough, there were also free antlers and bottomless vats of hot chocolate, and did I mention it takes place outside the Offshore Ale Co.
Next up is the signature event for the island, “Christmas in Edgartown”. Taking place this year between 8th – 10th December it is packed with Christmas events. Most of the stores along Main Street will be offering discounts to tempt you to part with your cash for a holiday gift. What says Christmas more than some designer clothes from The Great Put-On, a bauble from Claudia Jewelry or a bag of bait from Larry’s Tackle! Alternatively for the crafty ones amongst you, head to The Kelley House for the Arts & Crafts Fair.
On Friday the 9th you have the tough choice between the Evening of Enchantment at Donaroma’s Nursery at 5-7pm and the lighting of the lighthouse at the Harbor View Hotel from 5-8pm, or are you up to the challenge of making it to both? Alternatively you can attend the cocktail soiree and celebrate an old-fashioned Martha’s Vineyard Christmas at the historic Daniel Fisher House ($75pp) from 5.30-7.30pm.
On Saturday another Arts & Crafts fair takes place to entice you to spend. Then at 11am the main event starts, the Christmas Parade with Santa down Main Street. What could possibly follow a parade with Santa you ask, well a chowder contest of course (this is a New England Christmas)! Head to the Kelly House for the annual MVY.COM Martha’s Vineyard Chowder competition 12-2pm.
Just when you think you’re all tinseled out and no sooner than Edgartown waves Santa on his way, “’Tiz The Season” starts in Vineyard Haven. Kicking off on 11th December with hayrides and Alpacas (I’m sure the three wise men rode on alpacas, didn’t they?). Thursday 15th December the Main Street stores are staying open until 8pm and there will be a DJ providing music as you weave in and out of the stores. On Saturday 16th the alpacas will be back in town and the bell choir will perform 2-3pm. Sunday is the day of the much awaited and anticipated “Holiday Hunt” with lots of festive prizes to be won.
OK that takes us into Christmas week itself and, hopefully, all your shopping is now complete and you can get ready for a week of eating, drinking and being merry!
Happy Christmas to you and yours from your favorite Martha’s Vineyard Boutique Inn
Safe travels,
Simon