This blog post is a repost from Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. To visit them directly go to : http://www.nantucketchamber.org/
| 'Tis the Season, Nantucket Style Nantucket Noel featuring Christmas Stroll Weekend |
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Imagine...crisp sea air spiced with wood smoke drifts through a historic harbor village...The cobblestoned streets are lined with decorated trees and warmly lit shops, while church bells chime familiar carols... the holiday season on Nantucket is magical.
Affectionately named Nantucket Noel, holiday festivities begin on the island the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25 at 5 PM) with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Caroling. Everyone gathers at the top of Main Street to watch over 100 Christmas trees come alive with color and light. Caroling follows, filling the air with sounds of an old fashioned Christmas. School children, youth groups and non-profit organizations join with island businesses to decorate the trees in time for Christmas Stroll the following weekend.
Now in its 38th year, Christmas Stroll Weekend is held the weekend after Thanksgiving (Dec. 2 - 4.) Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to a waiting horse and carriage. They parade up to the up Main and across Centre to the historic Jared Coffin House where they meet with eagerly awaiting children. Those strolling on Main Street during the day are entertained by the Magical Talking Tree (located at the top of Main), while carolers in period costume, bell ringers, student choirs and more perform on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances - including the popular annual Christmas House Tour on Friday evening - add to the joyful festivities. Our all new european style "Christmas Market" is open 10-3 on Saturday with island non-profit groups offering a delicious food, hot drinks, craft sales and games.
And, to truly see the island and all it has to offer, catch a ride on the Holiday Hop On/Hop Off Shuttle Service. Running 1:30-6 from the Whaling Musuem on Broad Street, visitors can make a loop around the island, getting off at various locations to enjoy cooking demos, activities and shopping opportunities wherever they like and catch the next shuttle as it comes around!
Holiday contests encourage creativity as people participate in events such as the Holiday Window, Doorway and Tree Decorating Contests. Holiday festivities and events continue throughout the month and many island shops, lodgings and restaurants remain open through New Years Eve. Check out the Nantucket Noel Calendar of Eventsfor a complete listing of all the season's festive activities and happenings!
Review this years zoning articles to see how and if they will affect use and development of properties Island wide. 
