The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) will host the 24th annual Festival of Wreaths from November 19–26 and the 29th annual Festival of Trees on December 2–31, on display at the Whaling Museum, offering FREE admission to both festivals for NHA members and island residents. These events underscore the NHA’s commitment to the community and celebrate Nantucket’s history as a community built on the talent, skill, and creativity of its members.
The Festival of Wreaths will continue its tradition of community-crafted wreaths by local businesses, organizations, and artists on display during the week of Thanksgiving. Visitors can bid on their favorite wreaths in an online silent auction to benefit the NHA’s year-round outreach efforts. NEW this year, the NHA will host a Festival of Wreaths celebration event on Friday, November 25, from 5 -7 pm, following the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce’s Main Street tree lighting. Ticket holders will be invited to come warm up in the museum among the wreaths while toasting and enjoying hors d’oeuvres before the bidding closes the following day.
The highly anticipated Festival of Trees will also return this season to transform the Whaling Museum into a festive winter wonderland for the entire month of December. This event features nearly 100 community-crafted trees designed by local businesses, school groups, and organizations. The NHA will host its kick-off to the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce’s Stroll Weekend with the Festival of Trees Preview Party, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, on Thursday, December 1, from 6-8 pm. 