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edgartown events

The lighthouse in Edgartown decorated for Christmas.
Photo:  Massachusetts Office of Tourism & Travel / Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0.

As temperatures continue to drop and fall settles in, many people start looking ahead and working on their holiday plans. For families trying to get away this year and make the season extra special, consider packing your bags and staying at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our charming boutique hotel is the perfect home base for anyone looking to check out Christmas in Edgartown. Keep reading to learn more about this beloved annual festival.

What to Know about the Decades-Long Tradition

Taking place the second weekend of December, Christmas in Edgartown has been one of the most anticipated events of the year for over forty years. There are several jolly things to do that are sure to get your whole family in the holiday spirit!

The popular Edgartown Lighthouse gets a colorful refresh during the holidays. Make your way to the Memorial Wharf on Friday night to see the lighting of the lighthouse at 6 p.m. sharp. We recommend getting there early to snag a prime viewing spot.

Head to Main Street on Saturday morning for the Christmas parade. Join others to watch floats, fire engines, dancers, and more make their way from Pease’s Point Way to Water Street. 

Do a bit of gift shopping at the Holiday Faire in the Edgartown Village Green on North Water Street. Browse the booths of local artisans to see what hand-made items you stumble upon. There will be food and drinks available for purchase that benefit local non-profits.

Other popular festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa fun run, and a toy drive. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the shops in downtown Edgartown, as many offer special promotions this weekend.

Reserve Your Holiday Home Base

The outside of Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites in Edgartown decorated for Christmas.

Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites will be open during Christmas in Edgartown. Found in the heart of town, our Martha’s Vineyard hotel is perfectly situated for anyone looking to enjoy all the annual festival has to offer.

After a day of festive fun, warm up in the comfort of your cozy yet spacious room. With everything from dog-friendly rooms to luxury suites, our boutique Edgartown hotel has something for everyone. For more information about booking your stay with us or to learn about our special packages, call 508-627-4711.

How to Prep for Your New England Vacation
Where to Find Delicious Breakfast on Martha’s Vineyard
Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

Finding the perfect holiday gift can be a challenging task, especially if you’re searching in soul-sucking malls and shopping plazas. Add some joy to your holiday shopping by buying one-of-a-kind Christmas presents on Martha’s Vineyard. While many shops on the island close during the shoulder season, you can find gifts for everyone on your list at one of the many craft fairs, gift sales and festivals during the holiday season. This Martha’s Vineyard holiday shopping guide will help you find gifts for the whole family, and maybe even a little something for yourself.

Holiday shopping guide
Photo: Paul LaCedra

Holiday Shopping Guide for Martha’s Vineyard

Featherstone Center for the Arts Holiday Gift Show

There’s nothing more special than a handmade gift from the island. Featherstone Center for the Arts hosts their annual holiday gifts show in the month leading up to Christmas. Stop by and browse through gifts galore, from jewelry and purses to pottery and paintings. You can take pride in knowing that whatever you purchase, it will be one of a kind. In the spirit of the holidays, all sales benefits from the gift show will go towards local artists and the Featherstone Center to help keep art alive on the island.

 

Oak Bluffs Open Market

While Oak Bluffs Open Market is open through the summer and fall, this Martha’s Vineyard staple moves inside for the holiday season. With two markets held, one at the end of November and another in early December, the Oak Bluffs Open Market is ready to meet all your holiday shopping needs. And because most of Oak Bluffs regular vendors return for the indoor market, it’s easy to plan your shopping trip.

 

Christmas in EdgartownHoliday shopping

No Martha’s Vineyard holiday shopping guide would be complete without Christmas in Edgartown. While your children are partaking in cookie decorating and Christmas parades, slip away and take advantage of the deep discounts. Stop by Bryn Walker and get as much as 80% off clothing purchases, or attend the Christmas kickoff at Backwater Trading Co. and sip on hot cider while you shop. Plus, many local stores reopen just for Christmas in Edgartown, so this is your chance to pick up the perfect gift at your favorite Edgartown store.

 

Vineyard Holiday Gift Shop

Let’s be honest—not all of us are master planners when it comes to holiday shopping. For those of you who wait to hit the stores until three days before Christmas, Martha’s Vineyard has the perfect store for you. The Vineyard Holiday Gift Shop only operates during the Christmas season and, thankfully, stays open until Christmas Eve. Go to this everything-store to stock up on stocking stuffers for your kids, relatives, and even your dog. You can also purchase specialty items made by local artists and artisans that will be sure to impress even the most picky of family members.

 

With the help of this holiday shopping guide, you can bring some truly unique gifts home from Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re thinking of doing your holiday shopping on the island, consider giving yourself a relaxing stay at Vineyard Square Hotel. Located right in the heart of Edgartown, Vineyard Square will put the best holiday shopping on the island right at your fingertips.

How to Prep for Your New England Vacation
Where to Find Delicious Breakfast on Martha’s Vineyard
Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

There are lots of things happening before Labor Day! Come enliven the dog days of summer with a trip to The Vineyard.

Martha's Vineyard dance performances
Dance Theater of Harlem and other Late August Events on Martha’s Vineyard.

August 22, 7:30 pm — Livingston Taylor & Jessica Ashley in Concert

Island favorites Livingston Taylor and Jessica Ashley along with other surprise guests appear in concert at Edgartown’s Old Whaling Church. Tickets are $35 & $55 and are available at www.ticketsmv.com

August 23-25, 7:00 pm — Dance Theatre of Harlem Performance

Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director, returns to The Vineyard Arts Project with a new repertoire and new artists gathered from across the country.

August 30, 5:00-7:00 pm — Exhibit Opening: “One on the Line: The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby”

The Martha’s Vineyard Derby has been a staple event on the Island for over sixty years. This exhibition will trace the Derby’s rich history from its start in 1946 as an event to extend the shoulder season for Island tourism to an annual tradition that has brought people together from across the country. Derby committee member Janet Messineo will guest curate the exhibition. Free for Members, $7 for non-Members.

How to Prep for Your New England Vacation
Where to Find Delicious Breakfast on Martha’s Vineyard
Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

It’s not too early to book your room for one of Fall’s most fun (if heart-burn inducing!) events. Wingfest is coming on Saturday, December 1, 2012 and tickets are now available.

wingfest contestant Martha's VIneyard
Come taste competing sauces at Wingfest 2012!

This year all of our Edgartown hotel rooms are open that weekend – at GREAT quiet season rates.

Are you a wing aficionado? Got opinions about what makes a great sauce? This event is for you. Attendees rate sauces from the island’s best. And this year will be quite the contest. Why?

According to event sponsor, Sharky’s Cantina, the Edgartown Fireman’s Association isn’t eligible this year. Last year, the association reached Dynasty status by winning Best Wings three years in a row so that makes them ineligible to win in 2012. It’s anybody’s event to “clean up” by making a mess with a tart and tasty sauce!

Sharky’s issued a throwdown with the following statement: “Will it be the Edgartown Patrolman’s Association who fell just 3 votes short in 2011, is it Oak Bluffs EMS’s turn to earn their wings, or is there someone out there ready to step up and accept the challenge?”

Come fill your belly with competing sauces, see the results and enjoy the live music, contests, and giveaways. Serious fun and awesome food. Read more about wingfest here.

 

How to Prep for Your New England Vacation
Where to Find Delicious Breakfast on Martha’s Vineyard
Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown