Wednesday, November 13, 2019

5 Ways to Experience "Christmas on Nantucket"

Disclosure: I received Christmas on Nantucket to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 


Yesterday we had our first snow of the season, and I'll admit it: I picked up a couple mini-Christmas trees for our mantle decor. The Christmas season is upon us! We're looking forward to sticking close to home and spending some time on Cape Cod which will be a fun opportunity for my family's first visit to Nantucket, an island 30 miles off the Cape. The new book Christmas on Nantucket is a beautiful guide of what to expect during our visit, and I just have to cross my fingers that it snows so it looks as dreamy as the photos!

Author Leslie Linsley's way of describing Nantucket interspersed with over 200 gorgeous images of the island makes planning my family's visit truly enjoyable. I'm excited to share 5 ways that I'm looking forward to experiencing Christmas on Nantucket:







Car-free Tranquility - Cars are discouraged on the island, so being able to hop on the Steamship Authority ferry for a visit will be an exciting part of my family's adventure. Nantucket was settled in 1659, but was originally inhabited by Native Americans, the Wampanoag people. The simplicity and natural aspects of the island are respected in many ways and are incorporated into the holiday decor. 

The Christmas Stroll - Taking place the first weekend of December, Santa and Mrs. Claus make quite an entrance, arriving by Coast Guard Cutter into the harbor. Festivities continue throughout the weekend to include activities such as art exhibits, raffles, carolers, theatrical performances, a puppet show and my personal favorite, a ghost walk. 

Black History on Nantucket- The architecture on Nantucket is unparalleled with structures still standing that date back to the 17th century. I was thrilled to learn that the Nantucket Athenaeum Library, decorated of course for Christmas with a stunning wreath on the front door, was graced by the presence of outstanding speakers including Frederick Douglass. The island also has its own Black Heritage Trail that I look forward to exploring too! 



The Annual Holiday House Tour - The antique Christmas charm of decorating for the holidays is on full display during the house tour and ranges from simplistic to lavish decor. There are beautiful natural touches incorporated from greenery to the infamous paper-white narcissus as well as antique items that have been curated for generations such as collectible glass ornaments. The cozy rooms are inspiration for bringing the Nantucket charm into your own home. 

The Festival of Trees - With 50 stunning Christmas trees decorated for the occasion, this annual event kicks off with an opening party the night before the Christmas Stroll begins and sells out well in advance. Not to worry! The display is open every weekend of December and offers beautiful examples for your own Nantucket-inspired tree. 



If you want to get a glimpse of the beauty and magic of Christmas on Nantucket definitely check out the book. I can't wait to return from our visit to share my family's experience!