Christmas in Edgartown, a Martha's Vineyard Tradition

Photo: Max Bossman

This year marks the 40th Annual Christmas in Edgartown, December 9-12. Christmas in Edgartown takes over the picturesque downtown with an array of shopping special from local retailers and holiday sales. Every year through the various events, Christmas In Edgartown helps raise thousands of dollars for island-wide charities and non-profits. Come be apart of the holiday magic! 

Over 100 Edgartown and Island Businesses participate in the weekend festivities, where locals and visitors alike rejoice in the holiday spirit. Below is just a sampling of the Christmas in Edgartown events, you can see the full listing online here.

Below is a sampling of the weekend's events:

The Teddy Bear Suite and Teddies Around Town Scavenger Hunt , December 9 - 12
Celebrating its 11th enchanting year, Point B Realty’s Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite fundraiser is a magical holiday tradition where family memories are made. In the last couple of years the annual event has been imagined as Teddies Around Town = a fun new outdoor holiday scavenger hunt with a cause. The money raised goes to help the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club’s and its vital After School Programs. This beloved event is always sure to spread joy!

This year Elf on the Shelf is again joining forces with Teddies Around Town to make a fun and meaningful self guided scavenger hunt with a cause throughout town. Elves will be Bears, and they will go from hiding on the shelves to hiding in storefront windows. Follow the riddles to seek the bears hidden in businesses around Edgartown and end with a prize for your adventure! Suggested donation $5.00/participant, visit mvteddybearsuite.com to make a donation.

Photo: mvteddybearsuite.com

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides with the Harbor View Hotel – December 10 & 11
Harbor View Hotel and the Edgartown Board of Trade are offering a $100 promotional rate for horse drawn carriage rides during Christmas in Edgartown. This will include a 30-minute private ride starting at Harbor View Hotel and around Edgartown in a festive horse drawn carriage.  The carriage ride will take you by beautiful decorated homes, picturesque meadows overlooking the ocean, Eel Pond, historic Edgartown village dressed in garland and bows and Edgartown Harbor. Cozy up with hot cider and a warm throw during this festive time of year.  Price per carriage ride is $100 for up to six people.​

Photo courtesy the Harbor View Hotel

Lighting of the Lighthouse – Friday, December 10 at 6pm
A time honored tradition, Edgartown’s version of a tree lighting is full of seaside village charm. The magical event is brought to you by MV Museum and they’ll once again be Lighting The Lighthouse this Christmas In Edgartown. 

Christmas in Edgartown Parade – Saturday, December 11, 11am
Join the fun to see floats, animals, music, dancers, kids, fire engines, and of course Santa. The parade will take place on Main Street between Pease Point Way and Water Street. Rain or shine.

Holiday Dog Show – Sunday, December 12 at 11am
Dress your for four-legged friend for the Holiday Dog Show and stop by Edgartown's Mini Park on Sunday at 11am and show them off. Enter your pal, take a photo, and continue on your merry way. Winner will be selected and announced later in the day on Visit Edgartown’s social media. Sparkle, shine, costumes and cheer are strongly recommended. The Dog Show is sponsored by Al Fresco Tails Pet Sitting and will benefit the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard. 

Photo courtesy Edgartown Board of Trade

Overall, the weekend will be jam-packed with fantastic events for everyone  - from the youngest in your family to the oldest but young at heart, Christmas in Edgartown is a must not miss weekend on island. For more information, check out their Christmas in Edgartown full list of events, follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and if you do share on social media, use the hashtag #ChristmasInEdgartown! ​