Happy Thanksgiving from Nantucket!
Thanksgiving on Nantucket feels a little different—in the best way. The island slows down, the air gets crisp, and the community leans into cozy gatherings, fall flavors, and a handful of beloved local traditions. Whether you live here year-round or you’re visiting for the holiday, here are the top Thanksgiving events and things to do on Nantucket this season.
Fisher Real Estate has a limited number of Nantucket rental homes available for Thanksgiving 2025 on the Island. Please contact your Fisher Agent to see what properties are available.
The Nantucket Cold Turkey Plunge
Each Thanksgiving morning, hundreds of families, friends, and brave souls head to Children’s Beach for a quick (and icy) dip to support a fundraiser for the Nantucket Atheneum’s Weezie Library for Children.
Date: Thanksgiving morning
Location: Children’s Beach
Why go: It’s a fun, fast way to kick off the holiday and support a great local cause.
Tip: Bring a warm blanket, hot cocoa, and your camera—you’ll want the photos. Fingers crossed for a sunny day!
Registration:
Make sure you register online and be there early to get your t-shirt and wristband.
You can register here: Link to register
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
On the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28th at 4PM 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.
We need you to help make this the best Tree Lighting yet! Bring your singing voices so you can sing along during the community caroling.
Former President Biden will attend the ceremony, so expect high security and screening.
Hosted by Nantucket Chamber. Fisher Tip: Main Street will be closed from 12-6 pm.
Thanksgiving Farmers & Artisans Market
A Pre-Thanksgiving Market will be held on Saturday, November 22, from 9 AM–1 PM in the usual downtown location. Fogtown Farm, Washashore Farm, and Eat Fire Farm will be offering a wide selection of fresh winter crops—perfect for all your Thanksgiving side dishes. Locally grown produce stays fresher longer, so picking it up on Saturday means it will be at peak flavor for your Thursday feast.
Cody Penotte of True Grit Sharpening will also be on site providing professional knife sharpening, ensuring your kitchen tools are ready for holiday prep.
A variety of artisan vendors will be present as well, making it a great opportunity to start holiday gift shopping with locally made goods.
Thanksgiving Weekend: Friday, November 28 & Saturday, November 29
Location: Cambridge + North Union Streets
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
NHA Festival of Wreaths
This is a cherished Nantucket Historical Association tradition showcasing beautifully crafted wreaths donated by local artists and businesses. The wreaths will be on display from November 24–29, 2025.
Stop by the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum for a one-of-a-kind shopping event: Sip, Shop, and Sea!
On Saturday, November 29, visit the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum for a shopping event featuring local artisans, snacks, and museum shop discounts.
Nanpuppets Show
Nanpuppets show will be held at:
Friday, November 28: Nantucket Whaling Museum (Under the Whale), 10:15–10:45 AM
Saturday, November 29: The Gaslight, 2:30 PM
Wreath Workshops
November 28 at 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join us in the Garden Center to create your own holiday masterpiece.
We provide all the supplies, instruction and tips, you get to be creative! Decorate your 12″ wreath with any of the available embellishments – scallops shells, pine cones, berries, glitter sprays, fancy baubles, and more. Our staff will be on hand to answer your questions or give design advice.
Workshops start at 9am, 11am and 1pm. Reserve your spot here!
Thanksgiving Eve Open Night: Stargazing at Loines Observatory
Join our astronomers at Loines Observatory for a special Thanksgiving edition of Stargazing. The 7pm session is best for families with small children.
Our 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!
Pre-registration is strongly recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. You can register here.
Thanksgiving Feasts at Local Restaurants
Even though the island gets quieter in November, several restaurants stay open and offer special holiday menus or take-home dinners.
Popular options often include:
Oran Mor, Lola 41, The Brotherhood, Company of the Cauldron (take out dinner) Billie’s, Provisions, Bar Yoshi
Reservations are highly recommended—Thanksgiving week books up quickly.
For the complete list of restaurants, click here:
Walks, Hikes & Quiet Nature Time
Late November is one of the most peaceful times of year to enjoy the natural side of Nantucket.
Local favorites include:
Sconset Bluff Walk
Steps Beach at sunset
Middle Moors & Altar Rock
Gardner Farm + Sanford Farm trails
With fewer visitors on island, you’ll feel like you have the landscapes to yourself.
For more events happening this year, be sure to check our full events calendar.