Experience the magic of the Island at Christmastime and fall in love with Martha’s Vineyard during the holiday season. After last year’s “pandemically modified” celebration, the festivities are back in full swing. Read below for our insider’s guide on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay for a truly unforgettable Martha’s Vineyard Christmas.
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What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard at Christmas
Holiday Shopping – 3rd Annual Window Decorating Contest
Mon, Dec 6, 2021 – 8:00 AM & Sun, Dec 12, 2021 – 10:00 AM
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Start your holiday shopping early and give local retailers and downtown businesses an end-of-year boost! Visit the shops on Main Street in Edgartown and vote for your favorite storefront window in the 3rd Annual Window Decorating Contest. The competition ends Sunday, Dec. 12th, so make sure you place your vote (and buy your gifts) before then!
Lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse
Friday, December 10, 2021
6:00 PM – 6:05 PM
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A time honored tradition brought to you by the MV Museum. For the best view, Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites recommends you head there around 3:00pm to get a leg-up on the crowds. Martha’s Vineyard Museum is open most days from 10am-4pm, so pop in for a tour of all its treasures before the official lighting or get tickets for a full day of exploring the modernization of the vineyard, the history of its lighthouses, and a Hands-On History area for kids of all ages, plus much more.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
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Without a doubt, the main event this holiday season on Martha’s Vineyard is the Edgartown Christmas Parade. This event has something for everyone in the family: parade floats, music and dancers, fire engines, animals, and more. Plus, a special appearance by the big guy himself – Santa. The parade takes place rain or shine on Main Street between Pease’s Point Way and Water Street. Pro tip: Grab a cup of coffee from Toccopuro or a hot cocoa from Espresso Love to keep your hands toasty while you revel.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at the Harbor View Hotel
Friday, December 10, & Saturday, December 11, 2021
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The Harbor View Hotel is back with its 30-minute ride through Edgartown in a picturesque horse drawn carriage large enough to accommodate a party of six. Take in the breathtaking lights, holiday decorations, meadows, oceanviews, Eel Pond, historic Edgartown village, and Edgartown Harbor dressed in all its holiday glory with a mug of warm apple cider. A picture-perfect Martha’s Vineyard Christmas. (This is a sold out event, so don’t forget to make your reservations early for 2022!)
Sunday, December 12, 2021
12:00 – 1:30 PM & 2:00 – 3:30 PM
If you’re looking for a little fresh air, fill up your lungs at the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge’s Christmas at the Lighthouse. This “over-sand, open-air vehicle experience” starts from the Mytoi Garden parking lot and is recommended for all ages, so make sure to dress warm and bringa mask. At the end, climb the spiral staircase of the Cape Poge Light (which can be seen in the film “Jaws”) for a beautiful seasonal view of Chappaquiddick Island. (Note that pickups are not offered from the Chappy Ferry, and purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended).
Sun, Dec 12, 2021 – 12:00 PM & Mon, Dec 13, 2021 – 1:00 PM
Sponsored by Al Fresco Tails Pet Sitting and benefitting the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, the Holiday Dog Show takes place in the Mini Park from 12 – 1 pm on Saturday. Enter your four legged friend in the parade, take a photo, and parade your pooch around town dressed in their holiday best. The winner will be announced later in the day on Visit Edgartown’s social media. A family-friendly event you (and your furry pal) won’t want to miss!
Places To Eat on Martha’s Vineyard at Christmas
In Edgartown, The Wharf Restaurant and Pub is open for lunch and dinner year round and is located at the bottom of Main Street in downtown Edgartown. Post up at the bar with the regulars or head straight to the back for a family-friendly, cozy vibe and a menu full of fresh seafood, entrees, salads, sandwiches, burgers and kid-friendly staples. If you’re craving a holiday wood-fired pie, you can check out their sister restaurant, Rockfish, for pizza and classic American bites.
For the best sushi in Vineyard Haven, Mikado and Copper Wok are the places to go. Both offer traditional Chinese and Japanese American and asian fusion dishes in their elevated dining rooms, or order delivery from Mikado and cuddle up in front of a nice roaring fire. Mikado is open daily for lunch and dinner, Copper Wok serves dinner only and is closed on Sundays.
If Italian is more your thing, don’t forget to snag a dinner reservation at Salvatore’s. Naples-born chef Salvatore della Torre grew up helping his grandmother in the kitchen, but this Vineyard Haven ristorante goes way beyond your nonna’s spaghetti and meatballs. From squash blossom stuffed with ricotta and parmigiana to steak, lobster, and duck pappardelle, a visit to Salvatore’s will never leave you disappointed. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Where to Stay on Martha’s Vineyard at Christmas
If you haven’t yet purchased your own beautiful Martha’s Vineyard property through Match Point Properties, there are still plenty of glamorous places to stay while on Martha’s Vineyard at Christmas.
Centrally located with breathtaking views, the Kelley House Hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard at Christmas, upgraded for the 21st century and decked out for the season.
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The Charlotte Inn on Martha’s Vineyard, a meticulously restored 1886 three-story English manor house now entering its fifth decade as an internationally renowned destination, will provide a quiet Christmas retreat away from the bustle of the holidays.
Or, spring for a deluxe suite at the Mansion House where you can relax in a soaking tub, cozy up in a soft robe in front of the fireplace, and enjoy the view of Vineyard Sound from your balcony.
It’s still early in the holiday season, so more information on local happenings can be expected throughout the coming months. With plenty of events, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, you’re sure to have a memorable Martha’s Vineyard Christmas.
