Your Guide to a Nantucket Winter
01/27/2026
Winter on Nantucket: How to Stay Cozy, Active, and Inspired
As the days grow shorter, the streets quieter, and the temperatures colder, winter on Nantucket can feel slow—but that’s part of its charm. While the island may be small, there’s no shortage of ways to stay busy, healthy, and cozy during the off-season. From classic winter fun to fitness, arts, and comfort food, here’s your guide to making the most of a Nantucket winter.
Winter Activities
Nantucket Community Ice Rink
Ice skating is a classic, family-friendly winter activity, and the Nantucket Community Ice Rink has something for everyone. Public skating sessions are open to all ages, with rental skates and helmets available. Teens can also take advantage of Teens on Ice, which offers free skate time just for them. Even if you’re not skating, it’s always fun to stop by and watch the Nantucket Whalers hockey team in action. Be sure to check the rink’s weekly schedule for updated times and events.
Pond Skating
When winter delivers a deep freeze, pond skating becomes a beloved island tradition. Popular spots include Miacomet Pond and Hummock Pond, with quieter, hidden gems like Tom Nevers Pond and Washing Pond scattered around the island. Always be sure to check ice conditions and skate safely before heading out.
Sledding Spots
A snowy Nantucket day calls for sledding. The most well-known hill is Dead Horse Valley in Mill Hill Park, featuring one large hill and a smaller option with a drop-off. Other local favorites include Tom Nevers Park and 1 Quaker Road, but Dead Horse Valley is the only officially classified sledding hill. When snow finally falls, grab your sled and enjoy the moment - it doesn’t last long.
Movies
There’s nothing better than popcorn, candy, and a good movie on a cold winter day. Dreamland Nantucket is the island’s only movie theater and regularly shows a mix of films and special screenings. Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming movies, dates, and times.
For the Kids
The Maria Mitchell Association offers engaging programs like Nature Storytime, Ravenous Reptiles, and after-school activities, perfect for curious young minds and a little free time for parents. The Nantucket Community Schools Music Center also provides music programs for kids, along with private lessons for all ages. Visit their websites for full schedules and details.
Art & History
Winter is the perfect time to explore Nantucket’s cultural side. The Nantucket Whaling Museum offers an informative and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The Nantucket Historical Association hosts tours, basket-weaving classes, and other hands-on activities. The Artists Association of Nantucket offers classes in painting, ceramics, and printmaking for all ages, great ways to stay creative and warm all winter long.
Fitness & Wellness
Being indoors during winter can feel confining, but Nantucket has plenty of ways to stay active and energized.
Workout Classes
Nantucket Cycling & Fitness Known for its amazing instructors, this studio offers everything from Sculpt and BURN to indoor cycling and yoga. It’s highly inclusive and strength-focused. Book online and leave feeling strong and refreshed.
Core Part fitness studio, part boutique, Core offers private, semi-private, and group Pilates classes led by highly skilled instructors. Located next to the Great Point Properties main office, it’s an easy stop-in.
Studio Nantucket Offering reformer, barre, and HIIB classes, this downtown studio is a favorite. You might even catch a class with Great Point Properties’ own Ally Ulmer. Bonus: Born & Bread is just around the corner for a post-workout coffee and breakfast sandwich.
CRF Recovery, Strength & Performance Membership is required, but CRF offers top-notch equipment, private training, and group classes with a strong sense of community. Schedule a consultation to see if it’s the right fit.
Forme Barre Specializing in Pilates and barre, Forme Barre offers early morning and late afternoon classes for busy schedules. Located near Pip & Anchor and Nantucket Meat & Fish, perfect for a post-class treat.
Yoga Studios
1111 Nantucket Yoga A longtime island favorite, offering hot yoga, sculpt, core flow, and restorative classes. With reasonable pricing, packages, and teacher training programs, it’s a great all-around option. Roastd Nantucket is conveniently next door. (tip: you can redeem one week of unlimited yoga for just $35 once per winter!)
Supta Yoga Known for its calming atmosphere, Supta offers warmed, restorative, strength, flow, mellow yoga, and somatics. Private sessions are also available for a more personalized experience. Great Point Properties Broker Liz Finlay teaches weekday Somatics!
Dharma Yoga Offering both in-person and virtual classes, Dharma Yoga focuses on compassionate instruction and steady progress. Their online options make it easy to stay active from home.
Gyms
If you prefer independent workouts, these local gyms are great options:
EZIA Athletic Club
Nantucket Health Club
The Nantucket Club at the Nantucket Hotel
CRF Recovery, Strength & Fitness
Beach Walks
Winter often surprises Nantucket with crisp, sunny days, perfect for a peaceful beach walk. With fewer people and quieter surroundings, winter is the best season to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. For a longer walk, the sidewalk leading to Cisco Beach makes for a scenic and rewarding route.
Winter Dining Favorites
While many restaurants close for the season, a few local favorites remain open and cozy:
Brotherhood
Backyard Barbecue (our pick for watching weekend football!)
Kitty Murtaugh’s (catch them for Tuesday burger night or weekday bingo!)
Queequeg’s (our pick for a wine & sushi date night!)
Tap Room (visit for Taco Tuesday!)
Relaxation
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, reset, and recharge before the busy summer season returns. Whether it’s a massage or facial treatment, almost all of Nantucket's salons stay open year-round. A couple favorties include:
On Glaze for nails and massages
Darya Salon & Spa for nails, hair, and waxing
RJ Miller Salon for hair and nails
Emma Ross Salon for facials and hair
Winter on Nantucket may be quieter, but it’s rich with opportunity. From outdoor adventures to fitness, food, and moments of true relaxation, the off-season offers a chance to experience the island at a slower, more meaningful pace. Embrace the calm, enjoy the season, and discover why Nantucket in winter is just as special as any other time of year.