As soon as school starts and the leaves change, we find ourselves longing for summer once again. However, there are some paradises that aren’t as seasonal as they seem. Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, hosts Christmas in Edgartown every year. Local businesses open their doors for a cameo appearance, welcoming holiday shoppers with warm cups of cider, amazing sales, and nightly events. To say this time of year on Martha’s Vineyard is magical is to do it a disservice, it is much grander than my words.
Christmas in Edgartown is the perfect weekend trip to bring the family together before the holiday or to relax with your boo. There is something for everyone and the weekend is jam packed with festive activities to get you in the spirit. My favorites are all covered below:
What to do during Christmas in Edgartown
Thursday
Begin your weekend on Thursday evening, as many of the stores on Main Street open their doors for a Sip & Shop. The sales are just as crazy good as the homemade food. My favorites are Blackwater and Nell (as Nell has a fortune cookie sale – crack one open and reveal a discount on their gorgeous, boutique clothing up to 60% off!)
Grab a souvenir and enjoy the festive display of lights at this greenhouse and nursery, Donaroma’s, then grab a locally brewed IPA at the taphouse next door, Bad Martha’s
Friday
Head to Rosewater for the most delicious coffeehouse breakfast. After you browse their shop of local and eclectic gifts with coffee in hand, head over to the Teddy Bear Suite and check out this room jam packed with your favorite stuffies.
Browse the works of local artists at the Carnegie or a jewelry making class at Stephani Wolf.
Check out the craft fair at Katama General Store and some amazing appetizers from their kitchen.
This is my favorite event. Walk up to the Harbor View hotel for a evening of fun for everyone. Enjoy gourmet cookies and a hot cocoa bar as you grab a photo with Santa Grab a drink at the Bettini bar at the Harbor View hotel and await the lighting of the lighthouse. Everyone gathers on the wraparound porch facing the sea as carolers sing your favorites into the wintery breeze.
Saturday
Start your day with the amazing Christmas in Edgartown brunch at the Harbor View – where you can grab a mimosa flight, mac and cheese, and eggs and benedict all for one amazing price.
On Saturday after you see Santa at the parade on Main street, bop into the local shops. My favorites are Katydid, Backwater, Slate, and Nell.
Don’t you dare miss the hot cocoa at Murdick’s Fudge. This delish concoction is only made once a year and when the pot is empty you’re out of luck!
Check out Chowderfest and the S’more bar by SandPiper Realty.
If you’re feeling adventurous take the ferry to Chappy and check out the lighting of the Japanese gardens or take a tour of the Cape Poge Lighthouse.
Sunday
After grabbing breakfast at the Edgartown diner, head to the Steamship authority to grab your ferry home.
To Stay
While I have stayed in airbnb’s for Christmas in Edgartown, I highly recommend staying at the Harbor View Hotel. While my stay was complimentary, the hotels amenities and location make it a no-brainer. It is in a central location to all events with a gorgeous view of the lighthouse from your bed. One of my favorite perks were the bikes AND the rental cars. With your stay, you are welcome to take one of the property’s Mercedes out for a 3 hour spin. All the events Friday night are in this location and you can watch the lighting with a drink from their bar from your room (even though I recommend joining the masses on the porch).
Tips on Taking the Ferry
The Steamship Authority runs the ferry to and from Martha’s Vineyard. If you are taking a car, making a reservation with them is simply a must. They leave right out of Woods Hole and take you to Vineyard Haven, a 20 minute drive to Edgartown. While you can walk Edgartown, I always recommend bringing a car as the island is bigger than you think. However, there are Ubers and taxis on island if driving isn’t your thing. The Steamship Authority also offers overnight parking for passengers not looking to bring the car across.
Make a reservation. There is only one way across with your car. No matter the season, making sure you have a reservation is beneficial. If you don’t have one, you might be stuck in the standby line which is first come, first serve. During the summer or other peak events, you might wait hours to get across.
Check the weather. If there is a storm, ferries will not run. This is for safety reasons. It always pays to have a back up plan if you are stuck for another night. All weather advisories can be found by checking the website here.
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