43rd annual Christmas Stroll Weekend

From 43rd annual Christmas Stroll Weekend Website:

Now in its 43rd year, Christmas Stroll Weekend will take place from December 2nd through 4th. Santa Claus arrives on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and is escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to his nautical "sleigh"--a vintage whaling boat! Santa parades up Main Street and across Centre Street to the historic Jared Coffin House where he'll meet with eagerly awaiting children. Children of all ages are entertained by the Magical Talking Tree at the top of Main Street, while carolers in period costume, student choirs and more create an unforgettable backdrop. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances including the ever-popular Christmas House tour on Friday evening add to the festivities. Also, don't miss the 23rd Annual Festival of Trees running throughout December at the Whaling Museum.

If you could conjure the quintessential Yuletide experience.....cobblestone streets lined with glittering fir trees, strolling carolers in Victorian garb, the scent of wood smoke wafting through a bustling, European-style marketplace, Santa Claus greeting wide-eyed children beside a glowing hearth.... this picture-perfect backdrop is what makes Nantucket's annual Christmas Stroll Weekend a truly enchanting experience.

Affectionately dubbed Nantucket Noel, holiday festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Caroling. Locals and visitors alike gather at the top of Main Street at dusk to watch over 100 Christmas trees magically come alive in a blaze of colored light. Joyous caroling fills the air, led by Nantucket High School's youth choir, the Accidentals & Naturals. School children, youth groups and non-profit organizations join with island businesses to decorate the trees in time for Christmas Stroll the following weekend.