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During the first weekend in December the Nantucket Christmas Stroll draws tens of thousands of people to the island. The Christmas stroll is actually part of a month long celebration called called Nantucket Noel. Festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and continue through New Year’s Eve with theatrical performances, concerts, and holiday exhibitions. Several hundred Christmas trees are placed throughout the town and decorated by residents, local businesses, and students.
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Comments: Nantucket christmas stroll
My husband first took me to the Christmas Stroll 10 years ago and it was a magical experience for both of us. Something I talked about for many years to our children. We are from CT and we loved everything about it. Alas, would that things we remember to be so wonderful stayed that way.
We went back this past year and found that it simply wasn’t what it used to be. It was a tremendous let down. We were surprised to see food tents at the docks. They were OK but definately took away from the ambience of what had made it so magical for us previously. When we had visited ten years ago all the bars were open, all the restaurants were open, and there was no problem getting in to warm up and get a bite to eat or drink. It was only until we realized the food tents at the docks were instrumental as many of the restaurants were closed and those that were open were so full we could not get in.
This was very distressing to us. We had hoped to send our children on their way to their own magical experience this year (all expenses paid) but we now have serious doubts. Unfortunately things have not remained the same. I don’t believe that what would have made this trip magical for them, as it was for me, exists any more. As a way of notification, please bring back the magic, bring back the food and drink, bring back the Dickens Carollers that meet the ferry, bring back the magic, or there will no longer be a reason to attend the Christmas Walk.
Posted by Denise Jenkins from CT on 09/12 at 05:10 PMOur family, my wife, my daughter and I have attended the Stroll several times over the past 20 years. We’ve always enjoyed ourselves, and my daughter, now 24 years old pressures us to return every year.
Last year we brought some friends of ours along, a couple from Connecticut as it turns out, and we all had a marvelous time. There was music and caroling and several establishments open to serve food and beverage to folks who preferred a restaurant/pub atmosphere to the aforementioned “tent.” We found some excellent food provided by some “service” organizations on Nantucket for fund-raising purposes available under the tent; and, we also stopped at a restaurant to satisfy our thirsts later in the afternoon.
We walked along the streets, stopped in shops that were open and inviting, often offering hot toddies and cookies and we all had a wonderful time. We flew in and flew out of Hyannis, and although it was a bumpy ride, all went well. In the past, we have traveled via ferry from Hyannis and that would still be my preferred means of transportation to Nantucket for the stroll. Travel time options, however, are more constrained.
Picture cobble stone streets, quaint street lights, many friendly faces, special little shops that are beautifully decorated, terrific food, Christmas Music and Christmas Trees on a busy “main street” and you have the stroll.
Although different from the past, it remained a very nice visit to a place unlike any other you are likely to find back here in mainland America. I believe you will enjoy yourself if you choose to visit Nantucket’s stroll.
Merry Christmas & Happy to new Year, to all!
Posted by Ron Larrivee from Sandwich, MA 02563 on 11/30 at 01:41 PM