The holidays on Martha’s Vineyard are nothing short of magical, with the Island’s small-town New England charm amplified with bright lights, bountiful boughs, and holiday cheer. This enchanting time has us smiling from ear to ear, and we’re trying to soak up as much of the spirit as we can. We call it Have A Holly Jolly Time On Martha’s Vineyard For The Holidays
The 41st annual Christmas in Edgartown weekend delighted earlier this month, and it was an action-packed one. Residents and visitors from all over were captivated by the spirit of the holiday season, and the lively weekend reminded us of just how special Martha’s Vineyard truly is.
Have A Holly Jolly Time On Martha’s Vineyard For The Holidays – Christmas In Edgartown Delights
The event saw the return of our Teddy Bear Suite experience, reimagined outside in Nevin Square this year, complete with three separate igloos of teddy bear fun, including teddies in bed, teddies around the table, and teddies in the hot tub! Additionally, visitors had a chance to check out our indoor Teddy Bear Photo Studio to pose for family photos and capture the perfect image for their holiday cards.
As adorable and fun-filled as our Teddy Bear Suite is, it’s the mission behind it that makes it most impactful. Now in its 12th year, our Teddy Bear Suite serves as a fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club (MVBGC) After School program. We are aiming to raise $50,000 for the cause this year to fund MVBGC’s vital food program — Healthy Happy Kids — which works to solve food insecurity and childhood hunger on the Vineyard. We’re more than halfway there! We’d love it if you considered a donation which you can easily make online here.
While the Teddy Bear Suite is always our favorite part of Christmas in Edgartown (hundreds of teddy bears, festive decorations, and endearing children all coming together for a good cause, what’s better than that?), we were overjoyed with so many elements of this year’s event. From the time-honored tradition of the lighting of the Edgartown lighthouse to the annual Saturday morning parade (complete with Santa himself!) Christmas in Edgartown did not disappoint.
Last weekend we saw Santa reappear in Vineyard Haven as part of the town’s Winter Wonderland event, which also brought snow and horse-drawn hayrides. Vineyard Artisans Holiday Festival and a special Chilmark Flea Market Holiday Show provided ample opportunities for local shopping all weekend long. ‘Tis the season to support our local makers, creators, and shopkeepers after all! You won’t find any big box retailers here, just charming storefronts with friendly staff and one-of-a-kind treasures, and there’s still time to shop small!
Have A Holly Jolly Time On Martha’s Vineyard For The Holidays – Last Minute Holiday Shopping On The Vineyard
One of our go-to shopping destinations in Edgartown is Juniper, a quaint floral studio and gift shop located in the parking lot behind Alchemy, off of Main Street. Since bravely opening in 2020, Juniper is a community staple featuring gift boxes, plants, flowers, and artistic creations from local artisans. The store is looking extra festive this year and recently won Edgartown Board of Trade’s annual window decorating contest! Shop all week from 10 am to 5 pm, and 9 to noon on Christmas Eve.
In West Tisbury you can still shop Heather Gardens Island Made Holiday Show daily from 10 am to 5 pm through Christmas Eve. Shop from dozens of local artisans and browse crafts, furniture, culinary delights, jewelry, books, and more. The shop is set in one of the nursery’s greenhouses, offering a warm and cozy environment. Plus the artists staff the shop themselves, so you never know who you’ll meet!
When it comes to holiday shopping in Oak Bluffs we can’t get enough of jeweler Stefanie Wolf’s new studio and retail space. We were sad to see her leave Edgartown last year but her expanded shop in Oak Bluffs allows her to stock something for everyone, from her iconic bead jewelry to accessories, housewares, and unique finds for your pets — you won’t leave empty-handed. Shop through Christmas Eve and be sure to stick around town until the sun goes down.
Have A Holly Jolly Time On Martha’s Vineyard For The Holidays – Oak Bluffs Offers Holiday Lights Galore
In Oak Bluffs iconic Ocean Park is aglow nightly, where local landscapers Crossland Landscaping transform the beloved park into a winter wonderland year after year, complete with an adorned Christmas tree in the gazebo. After strolling through Ocean Park don’t miss a peak at the Oak Bluffs Christmas Tree which illuminates Healey Square, or Post Office Square. Hop back into the car and head to the Gatchell Holiday Lights, a mesmerizing display at a private home on County Road in Oak Bluffs that has delighted for generations and also serves as a fundraiser for the Island Food Pantry.
Support Martha’s Vineyard This Holiday From Near And Far
If you love the idea of supporting local Martha’s Vineyard organizations this holiday but can’t make it to the Island fret not, you can shop and donate from afar! Many of our local businesses and retailers sell products, gift cards, and unforgettable experiences online. Browse this helpful list of Martha’s Vineyard online retailers and support your favorite Island businesses from wherever you may be. Our local organizations are eager for your donations too, and Martha’s Vineyard Non-Profit Collaborative offers a helpful directory of Island non-profits. The holiday season may be over soon but the season to give back to the Martha’s Vineyard community is year-round.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!
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