Cobblestones, candlelight and more than 150 decorated trees. Spend a December weekend on Main Street with Victorian carolers, a European-style marketplace and a visit from Santa himself.
Christmas Stroll Weekend is December 4, 5 and 6, featuring a visit by Santa Claus, Santa's Village Marketplace, live entertainment, craft shows, tours and local specials.
Stroll Saturday on Main Street
Downtown becomes one big holiday party, with live entertainment and the most anticipated arrival of the year: Santa, by boat, with the U.S. Coast Guard.
11:45am
Town Crier announces Santa’s arrival at the Main Street Stage
12:00pm
Santa arrives at Straight Wharf, then parades up Main Street with a local drum line
1–2:30pm
Meet Santa at the Pacific National Bank and drop letters in Santa’s Mailbox
All day
Victorian carolers, the Magical Talking Tree and live performances
Meander through the Christmas Stroll Marketplace and follow the aromas of delicious food and beverages while you browse handcrafted gifts and merchandise from Chamber members and nonprofit organizations.
When
Saturday, December 5, 10am–3pm
Where
Stop & Shop lot downtown, 9 Salem Street, near the bottom of Main Street
Vendors
30+ artisans, local shops, food vendors and nonprofits
Parking
Two rows of the lot close Dec 4 afternoon to Dec 5 evening
Starting November 1, participating Chamber member businesses hand out one red ticket for every $25 you spend. Collect your tickets for a chance to win, while supporting island businesses all season long.
$1,000to 5 lucky winners
$5,000to 1 extra-lucky winner
Dec 24Drawing at 1:00pm. You must be present to win.
The holiday season begins with the celebratory Tree Lighting on Main Street: more than 150 trees illuminated, musical performances and community caroling. Main Street is closed 12–6pm. Details & carol lyrics
Kickoff
Stroll Specials & Shopping
Downtown shops and restaurants open their doors with Stroll-weekend specials.
Shopping
Walking Tours & Book Signings
Explore the historic district and meet authors at local bookshops.
Culture
Theater, Concerts & Receptions
Holiday performances and gatherings around town.
Evening
Stroll Pins & Merchandise
Pick up this year's collectible Stroll pin and official merchandise.
Shopping
Santa's Village Marketplace
Handcrafted gifts, food and beverages from 30+ Chamber members and nonprofits at the Stop & Shop lot, 9 Salem Street, near the bottom of Main Street. See the vendors
Market
Town Crier Announces Santa’s Arrival
Gather at the Main Street Stage to help the Town Crier ring in this iconic moment.
Main St
Santa Arrives by Coast Guard
Santa lands at Straight Wharf with the U.S. Coast Guard (aiming for about 12:15, harbor permitting), then parades up Main Street to the Pacific National Bank, led by a local drum line.
Don't miss
Santa Meet & Greet
Meet Santa and take photos at the Pacific National Bank on Main Street. Bring letters for Santa’s Mailbox!
Family
Carolers, Talking Tree & Family Fun
Victorian carolers, the Magical Talking Tree, craft shows and decorating contests downtown.
Family
Island Hikes
Guided winter walks across Nantucket's open spaces.
Outdoors
Festival of Trees
Dozens of trees designed by local organizations at the Whaling Museum.
Culture
Last-Chance Stroll Sales
Wrap up your holiday shopping downtown.
Shopping
More details will be announced as plans progress. Check our Events Page for up-to-date events; 2026 events are added as information becomes available. Parking: two rows of the downtown Stop & Shop lot close from the afternoon of Dec 4 to the evening of Dec 5 for the marketplace.
Est.
1973
What began as a three-hour shoppers' stroll became an internationally renowned holiday celebration.
History
More than 50 years of Stroll
More than 50 years ago, the originators of the first Nantucket Christmas Stroll were trying to discourage islanders from traveling to Cape Cod, 30 miles across Nantucket Sound, to do all their holiday shopping. They were hoping island residents would do their shopping locally.
Rewind to 1973, a year when local merchants kept shops open late that first Friday in December, inviting locals to do all their holiday shopping on-island. That evening, christened as a “Christmas Shoppers Stroll,” was a mere three hours in duration and was a huge success. Shopkeepers entertained shoppers with wine, hot chocolate, tea, mulled cider, fruitcake and holiday cookies while they perused crafts, books, clothes and wares, and other holiday gift items.
In subsequent years, the event grew exponentially, drawing larger crowds until it became a nationally and, ultimately, internationally renowned holiday event. Now organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, this popular and festive event is typically held during the first full weekend of December.
Over the decades, the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce has enlarged and improved Christmas Stroll weekend, but it is our island’s warm welcome and hospitality that add to the holiday spirit and feeling of fellowship on Nantucket Island.
Scenes from the Stroll
Nantucket in its holiday best
Around the Season
More holiday magic on the island
Stroll weekend is the heart of the season, but the celebration starts earlier and lasts longer.
Friday after Thanksgiving · Nov 27 · 4pm
Nantucket Noel Tree Lighting
The holiday season begins with Nantucket Noel 2026 and the celebratory Tree Lighting on Main Street, when more than 150 decorated Christmas trees downtown are illuminated, with musical performances and caroling. The carol lyrics are online, and a scannable QR code will be posted on Main Street, so you can sing along.
