Nantucket, Mass
December 2-4
Brant Point Dressed up for Christmas
This past weekend was the highlight of Nantucket Noel, the month-long period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the annual, three-day weekend known as the Christmas Stroll.The Stroll has a curious, though still evident according to recent goers, mercantile history. In1974, the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and a few local residents organized the first stroll in response to the opening of the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, MA. The hope was to encourage people to stay and shop locally. Now 38 years later, the island has just finished up its latest Stroll, last weekend.
Carolers on Main Street
Cherished events such as the Christmas House Tour on Friday evening and the Annual Craft Show on Friday and Saturday appeals to the adults, while Saturday’s Stroll Day delights children with window, doorway and tree decorating contests. The weekend’s biggest affair though is the highly anticipated arrival semenax ultimate male of Santa and Mrs. Claus by Coast Guard boat.
Main Street Decorated
At noon, the jolly couple arrives at Straight Wharf (where the Hy-Line ferry comes in) and then boards a horse-drawn carriage (sleigh, if you will), which carries them up Main Street, past a line of patient and eager, young fans up to a stage in front of the Pacific National Bank. Children have the opportunity to sit with Santa Claus, take a photo and, of course, relay their wish! Throughout the day Main Street is filled with costumed entertainers, characters such as the Magical Talking Tree, periodgarbed carolers and bell ringers who create aspirited environment. Older children and adults will also enjoy the tremendous creative effort displayed by the town’s shopkeepers who participate in the annual holiday contests.
The annual tree in the boat by North Wharf
Look for similar writeups on Nantucket Events on my upcoming App: NANTUCKET HIDEAWAYS
out this March!
