A Guide to Thanksgiving on Nantucket
11/13/2023
The holiday season on Nantucket is arguably the most wonderful time of the year. For those who are not familiar with Thanksgiving on the island, here are a few things you won’t want to miss:
Black Wednesday, November 22nd
For those looking to grab drinks the night before Thanksgiving, there are a number of spots to choose from. Brotherhood of Thieves, Slip 14, Ventuno, Via Mare, Nautilus, The Gaslight, The Rose & Crown, The Tree Bar, The Club Car, The Chicken Box, and Or, The Whale are just a few of the bars/restaurants that will be opening their doors to celebrate the start of the holiday.
Cold Turkey Plunge, November 23rd 10:00 AM EST
On Thanksgiving morning, the Nantucket community comes together to take a quick and cold dip in the harbor at Children’s Beach. For twenty-two years, this tradition has served as a fundraiser for the Weezie Library for Children, allowing the library to offer free year-round programming. In addition to the plunge, there are several raffles and prizes to be won. Click here for more information!
Black Friday Shopping - November 24th
The best part about Black Friday shopping on Nantucket is it doesn't require hopping in line at midnight! On November 24th, several Nantucket shops and businesses will be offering their largest sales of the year. Click here for a list of open shops.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 24th 4:00 PM EST
Nantucket does not waste a single second when it comes to the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Less than 24 hours after your turkey comes out of the oven, the town of Nantucket gathers at the top of Main Street to watch over 150 Christmas trees light up at the sidewalk’s edge. Each tree has been decorated by students, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The lighting is followed by Christmas carols, sung by Nantucket High School’s select chorus, The Accidentals & Naturals.
Festival of Wreaths, November 21st - November 27th
Each year, the Whaling Museum hosts The Festival of Wreaths, located in the McCausland Gallery. The event features dozens of wreaths made by local students, businesses, and community members. The opening night party is a ticketed event and standard hours of operation are free to the public. At the end of the week, the wreaths will be auctioned off to benefit the Nantucket Historical Association. You can bid on the wreaths in person or online. Click here to purchase tickets for the opening night party. Click here for more information.
Tuesday, November 21st: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Opening Night Party- 5:00 PM - 7:00PM)
Wednesday, November 22nd: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 23rd: CLOSED
Friday, November 24th: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 27th: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Order Your Turkey!
In addition to purchasing your turkey at Stop & Shop (located at 9 Salem Street and 31 Sparks Avenue), turkeys can be pre-ordered at Bartlett’s Farm and Nantucket Meat & Fish Market. Click here to place your order at Bartlett’s Farm. Meat & Fish Market orders can be placed in person at 21 Old South Road.
Thanksgiving Dinner Take-Out
Not in the mood to cook? No problem! Several Nantucket restaurants are offering Thanksgiving dinners to-go, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without a messy kitchen.
Dine-In Options
The island also offers some dine-in options on November 23rd. Click the links below to view their menus.