Happy Thanksgiving from Nantucket!
This year, we welcome back President Biden and his family, fundraise for the Weezy Library by jumping in the Harbor at Children’s Beach, and gather on Main Street to light up the Christmas Tree. Keep reading for a breakdown of some events held on Thanksgiving weekend in 2024.
The Main Event
Options for Dining in for Thanksgiving on Nantucket
Purchase your turkey and fixings from Stop & Shop, Bartlett’s Farm, Pip & Anchor, and Nantucket Meat & Fish Market. Premade dinner options can be found at Bartlett’s Farm, Pip & Anchor, PPX, Born & Bread, The Hub, Nantucket Bake Shop, Company of the Cauldron, and Something Natural. Hatch’s Package Store is a great option for alcohol with delivery options.
Options for Dining out for Thanksgiving on Nantucket
American Legion Hall, Breeze at the Nantucket Hotel, Crosswinds at the Airport, Faregrounds, Oran Mor, and Sister Ship.
Public Open House at 2 White Elephant Way
This Thanksgiving weekend join Fisher and Brian Sullivan at 2 White Elephant Way on Friday, November 29th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. As one of the first two homes offered by this prestigious company, the property boasts a prime spot just across from Lola 41 restaurant, providing effortless access to the town’s vibrant shops and restaurants. View the listing.
Cold Turkey Plunge
The Nantucket Atheneum Cold Turkey Plunge provides the funding necessary for Weezie Library for Children to offer FREE, year-round access to programs, services, and materials to all library users.
Head to their registration and fundraising website, and learn how you can create a team, fundraise for the Weezie Library, win fun prizes, and #PlungeDayYourWay!
Fisher Tip: Register early so you don’t have to wait in line the morning of and risk missing the Plunge!
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
On the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29th at 4 pm we kick off our Annual Tree Lighting & Community Caroling. Enjoy the beauty of Nantucket as we prepare for this one-of-a-kind holiday season. Over 150 trees will magically come alive in a blaze of light as we enjoy musical performances. Hosted by Nantucket Chamber. Fisher Tip: Main Street will be closed from 12-6 pm.
Whaler’s Parade After Island Cup Victory!
At 11am on Wednesday, November 27th following their victory at Fenway Park, the Varsity Football team will follow their homecoming parade route around town.
Shopping Around Town
60 local businesses are participating in the Red Ticket Program, where you receive one ticket for every $25 spent. The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce encourages shopping local for the holiday season and promoting the sustainability of island commerce. On December 24th at 1 PM, 6 lucky winners of $1,000, and 1 extra-lucky winner of $5,000 will be chosen at random from the multitude of tickets.
Festival of Wreaths
This community-driven event features an array of 50 beautifully crafted wreaths made by islanders, local businesses, non-profits, schools, and organizations. From traditionally decorated greens to unconventional arrangements, the Festival of Wreaths truly captures the creativity of Nantucketers! Link to bid online.
Thanksgiving Farmers & Artisans Market
We are so excited for the Sustainable Market to return to Cambridge Street on Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30, from 10 am-2 pm to kick off their Holiday Farmers and Artisans Markets.
Come by to reconnect with your favorite farmers and artisans, who have been hard at work in the fields and their studios. Embrace the magic of the holiday season by shopping and supporting our talented Island creatives!
Breakfast with Santa
For the first time, Santa will be dropping into the Nantucket Inn for a pancake breakfast and photos with the ole man himself. This fundraiser for Rising Tide Preschool hopefully becomes a new Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Link.
Drop-In Wreath Making at Bartlett’s Farm
- Wednesday, 11/27
- Friday – Sunday, 11/29 – 12/1
- Wednesday, 12/4
- Friday – Sunday, 12/6 – 12/8
After getting inspired by the wreaths at the Whaling Museum, head over to the farm to create your own! Decorate your 12″ wreath with any of the available embellishments – scallops shells, pine cones, berries, glitter sprays, fancy baubles, and more. Their staff will be on hand to answer your questions or give design advice. Link.
Visit the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
The museum will open this weekend for a special afternoon of exploring, learning and shopping! The Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum will be “popping open” on Saturday, November 30. The museum will be open for tours from noon to 3 pm. Admission is by donation.
Then, that evening, stop by the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum for a one-of-a-kind shopping event, Sip, Shop, and Sea! Swing by between 4 pm and 7 pm and enjoy discounts on all items in the museum gift shop, explore a local artisan and maker market, and indulge in complimentary drinks and snacks.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street
Theatre Workshop opened their holiday production, Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street, just in time for the holidays. Following a sold-out run last year, Theatre Workshop presents this stage adaptation by TWN’s own Artistic Director, Justin Cerne one more time.
Thanksgiving Stargazing at Loines Observatory
Join MMA astronomers for a special “Thanksgiving Edition of Stargazing.” Their astronomers will lead an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky and guide you in viewing astronomical objects through our historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and our modern 24-inch research telescope. Get a chance to view the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even other galaxies!
Turkey Bowling (for the Kids)
Head to the Rose and Crown on Wednesday the 27th for turkey bowling from 4 pm to 6 pm!
Nanpuppets at Gaslight
But wait… there’s more! Bundle up the kiddos and head to a special puppet show by Lizza on Sunday at Gaslight at 2 pm. $8 tickets at the door.