Bettini Restaurant, Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown

As the air turns crisp and the summer crowds fade, Thanksgiving on Martha’s Vineyard offers a quieter, more intimate way to celebrate the season. The Island takes on a cozy charm this time of year, where fireplaces crackle in historic inns, local farms share their harvest, and restaurants prepare creative takes on the traditional feast. Whether you’re gathering with family, reconnecting with friends, or planning a late-fall getaway, this year’s offerings across the Island highlight the best of local flavor, community, and coastal New England hospitality.

Why Visit Martha’s Vineyard for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most underrated times to visit the Island. With the pace slowed and the leaves still showing touches of color, the Vineyard feels calm and welcoming. Ferry schedules are still active, many hotels and inns remain open, and several Island restaurants offer special holiday menus. Visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration without the summer rush.

This is also the season when the Island’s food scene truly shines. Local chefs lean into the bounty of Vineyard farms, offering creative, seasonal menus featuring Island-raised turkey, fresh root vegetables, and house-made pies. The focus is on flavor, community, and warmth, rather than fuss or formality.

Thanksgiving Dining Across the Island

This year, several Island restaurants and markets are offering delicious ways to enjoy the holiday, whether you prefer a sit-down meal, takeout dinner, or something in between.

Bettini Restaurant at the Harbor View Hotel (Edgartown)
For an elegant dining experience, Bettini Restaurant at the Harbor View Hotel is offering a four-course Thanksgiving dinner served from 12 to 7 p.m. The menu features seasonal soups and salads, roasted turkey with traditional sides, and an assortment of desserts—all with sweeping views of Edgartown Harbor and the iconic lighthouse. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as Bettini’s Thanksgiving service is one of the most popular on the Island each year.

The Black Dog Tavern (Vineyard Haven)
A longtime Vineyard favorite, The Black Dog Tavern will once again serve a hearty Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings. This year, the Tavern is offering four seatings throughout the afternoon, at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. The waterfront setting makes it an ideal spot for a classic holiday meal paired with cozy Island ambiance.

The Maker (Vineyard Haven)
If you’d rather enjoy Thanksgiving from the comfort of your rental home or cottage, The Maker is offering a beautifully prepared take-home menu this year. Expect roasted and deboned turkeys, traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and a tempting selection of pies and desserts—all made with care and ready to heat and serve.

Morning Glory Farm (Edgartown)
Morning Glory Farm, one of the Island’s most beloved farm stands, is a go-to for locally grown produce and freshly baked goods. Each year, they offer pre-orders for farm-raised turkeys, house-made sides, and pies featuring seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, apple, and pecan. If you prefer to cook at home, this is the perfect place to source everything you need for a true Vineyard-style Thanksgiving meal.

9 Craft Kitchen (Vineyard Haven)

9 Craft Kitchen is offering a thoughtfully curated Thanksgiving menu this year, perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality take-home holiday meal. Their menu includes classics like turkey with gravy, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, along with seasonal sides and desserts prepared with their signature creative touch. Orders can be placed directly through their website, and quantities are limited, making this a great choice for anyone seeking a fresh and flavorful Thanksgiving feast without the cooking.

Other Local Options
Many Island delis and bakeries also offer pre-ordered sides and desserts, including places like Black Sheep in Edgartown and Mo’s Lunch in Oak Bluffs. Be sure to check menus early and place orders in advance, as quantities are limited and deadlines often fall a week before the holiday.

The Maker

Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend on Martha’s Vineyard offers more than just delicious dining. From family-friendly outdoor events to small-town shopping and nature exploration, there are plenty of ways to spend the long weekend.

Felix Neck Fall Festival
A beloved Vineyard tradition, the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown will host its 45th Annual Fall Festival the day after Thanksgiving. This event is a favorite for families, featuring hayrides, live animal presentations, music, crafts, and seasonal treats like hot cider and baked goods. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy Island nature, and celebrate community.

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday
Thanksgiving weekend also marks the start of the holiday shopping season, and there’s no better place to shop small than on the Island. Stroll through Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs to browse locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops. Many businesses participate in Small Business Saturday sales and offer festive treats and warm drinks while you shop.

Explore Island Trails and Beaches
If you’re looking to walk off your Thanksgiving feast, the Island’s trails and beaches are open and beautiful this time of year. Try Menemsha Hills for panoramic views, or walk along South Beach for brisk ocean air and crashing waves. The crisp, quiet landscape makes late November one of the most peaceful times to explore.

Where to Stay

Many of the Island’s inns and hotels remain open through Thanksgiving, often offering off-season rates and a more personal experience. The Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown and The Mansion House in Vineyard Haven are both popular choices for their central locations and cozy atmospheres.

If you’re traveling with family or prefer more space, consider booking a vacation rental. With full kitchens and homey comforts, rentals make it easy to prepare your own holiday meal or enjoy a catered dinner from one of the Island’s restaurants. Just be sure to check ferry availability early if you plan to bring your car to the Island for the weekend.

Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving Trip

• Book early. Many restaurants require reservations or pre-orders for Thanksgiving meals. 
• Check ferry schedules. The Steamship Authority runs year-round service to Vineyard Haven, and during the peak fall season, limited ferries also operate into Oak Bluffs. 
• Dress for the weather. Temperatures in late November are typically in the 40s and 50s, so layers and a warm jacket are essential for exploring outdoors. 
• Support local businesses. The off-season is a great time to connect with the Island community by dining, shopping, and staying local. 

A Thanksgiving to Remember

Thanksgiving on Martha’s Vineyard offers visitors and locals alike a chance to slow down and savor the simple joys of the season. Between locally prepared meals, festive Island events, and the stunning coastal scenery that defines late autumn, it’s a holiday weekend filled with comfort, connection, and community.

Whether you’re sitting down for a four-course dinner overlooking Edgartown Harbor, picking up a farm-fresh feast to enjoy at home, or spending the day outdoors at Felix Neck’s Fall Festival, you’ll find that the Island provides the perfect backdrop for gratitude.

From its welcoming locals to its natural beauty and deep sense of tradition, Martha’s Vineyard at Thanksgiving is a celebration worth experiencing year after year.