With over 100 events at Christmas in Edgartown each year, it’s hard to know where to start. The Edgartown Board of Trade hosts this annual holiday celebration, which raises more than $50,000 for Islandwide charities and nonprofits, according to the Board of Trade website. Starting Thursday, Dec. 7, through the entire weekend, make your way to Edgartown for festivities going on all day. Check out what’s new and popular this year.
For off-Islanders — Hy-Line Cruises is offering weekend-only trips that will bring you straight to the action. For the first time in over 40 years, the Hy-Line will run boats from Hyannis to Edgartown all weekend long. Ferries will start running on Friday, Dec. 8, departing Hyannis at 3:20 pm, and 7:05 pm. Ferries depart on Saturday at 9:05 am, 12:05 pm, and 5:20 pm. On Sunday, boats leave at 9:05 am, 12:05 pm, and 3:20 pm. For the full schedule, visit hylinecruises.com.
On Friday, Dec. 8, the Vineyard Gazette is hosting a gift-wrapping workshop for the Red Stocking Fund. They’ll be using custom Gazette paper, fresh off the press. This event runs from 10 am to 3 pm, and includes a guided tour and festive treats.
Mytoi Illumination Night will light up Chappaquiddick for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 6 pm. Experience the Japanese-inspired garden in a way you’ve never seen it before. Warm beverages and festive treats will be provided, and a complimentary shuttle will run every 20 minutes until 5:20 pm.
Also new to Christmas in Edgartown are all the happenings at Katama General Store. Bubbles, Bites, and Buys is a special artisan pop-up from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, Dec. 8. On Saturday, Dec. 9, the store is hosting a shop til’ you drop event from 9 am to 5 pm. Browse gifts by local artists; baked goods, hot beverages, and lunch will be available. There will be a Featherstone ukulele singalong at 1 pm, and the first annual yule log-eating competition at 1:30 pm.
Executive director Erin Ready of the Edgartown Board of Trade planning committee said the annual four-day event is a team effort, and they rely on business collaborations. Businesses host their own events, and the committee helps oversee permitting and organizational details, so that each Christmas in Edgartown event runs smoothly.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” Ms. Ready told The Times. “We work to make sure there’s a lot going on, and as a result, we get to see everyone in the community come together and celebrate the holidays.”
For the full Christmas in Edgartown events schedule, please visit edgartownboardoftrade.com.