What's Going On Around Nantucket?
Wednesday, December 3rd:
- Purchase With Purpose: This holiday season, shop local and make every purchase count. Purchase with Purpose is a week-long shopping initiative designed to celebrate the spirit of giving and support Nantucket’s small businesses, all while helping local nonprofits in need. From November 26th through December 7th, every time you shop at a participating Nantucket Chamber member business, you’ll earn a vote for one of several deserving nonprofit organizations. The more purchases you make, the more votes you cast. Snap a photo of your receipts for proof of purchase, you will need them to cast your vote. At the end of the initiative, the nonprofit with the most votes will receive a generous donation, courtesy of the Nantucket Rotary Club. It’s free, fun, and full of heart. Just shop, scan, and give back. By choosing local merchants instead of big-box stores, you’re fueling our island economy, uplifting neighbors, and spreading holiday cheer where it matters most. So grab your shopping bag, explore the island’s festive storefronts, and Purchase with Purpose this holiday season, because giving back has never felt (or looked) so good. Businesses interested in participating and anyone seeking more information, follow this link.
- Toddler Time With Miss Melanie: Your toddler will get ready for preschool in this fun, play-based class with educator Melanie Hajjar. Each week includes a new theme with circle time, hands-on activities, engaging toys to explore, and a project to create together. From 10:30-11 a.m. in the gallery - space is limited.
- Drop-In Craft Gam With No Instruction: Have an unfinished chair, basket, beading, or stitching project? Bring any project you are working on to this open session and work in the company of other creative people. This is the perfect place to move your project along and share knowledge and learn from others. This weekly session is open to all levels. No instruction is provided but basic tools are available for your use. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact decarts@nha.org. This is a free community program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Calling All Writers: Join with other writers to share written work from 2-4 p.m. We meet Wednesday afternoons online through Zoom. Read work on which you wish to have reader feedback: memoirs, poetry, travel, essay, fiction. (Due to limited space and popular demand, this program is wait list only. For more information, please contact saguiar@nantucketatheneum.org).
- Library Legos: From 3-4 p.m., join the Atheneum for some creative construction. The library will supply the LEGO bricks and you can have some fun. The program is free but space is limited.
- Teen Trivia: From 4:30-6 p.m., join the Atheneum for an evening of trivia just for teens. Bring a friend or come alone and test your knowledge. Snacks will be provided. This program is intended for ages 13 and up.
- Atheneum Game Night: From 5:30-8:30 p.m., join the Atheneum for their weekly table top game night. They have a variety of fun board games and card games and host fun Mag-ACK The Gathering groups as well as the return of their Dungeon's & Dragons drop-in sessions. Space is very limited for the Dungeon's & Dragons session and is first come, first serve. Experienced players and newbies are all welcome. Game Night free and open to adults and teens (13+).
- Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club: From 6-8 p.m., join the Atheneum to explore dungeons, battle monsters, and let your inner warrior out in our beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons club. All you need to bring is your untapped imagination and a hunger for adventure. All skill levels welcome. This event is intended for ages 13-18. Space is limited so please arrive on time. You can register by emailing shurd@nantucketatheneum.org.
- Atheneum Knitting Group: From 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Atheneum is calling all knitters. Gather your projects and supplies and go knit with them. Are you curious about learning how to knit? Their group of veterans can get you started. Are you stymied by a challenge in your project? Their group can help with that. The Atheneum Knitters Group is a fun, relaxed place to share your projects with like-minded people or learn new techniques. Free admission.
- A Christmas Story, The Play: Celebrate the holidays with laughter, nostalgia, and one very iconic BB Gun. Join the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket this holiday season for A Christmas Story — the heartwarming and hilarious stage adaptation of the beloved film that has become a festive favorite for generations. Set in the snowy Midwest of the 1940s, this charming tale follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his one Christmas wish: a genuine Red Ryder BB gun. But no matter who he asks—his mom, his teacher, or even Santa himself—the answer is always the same: “You’ll shoot your eye out!" Full of unforgettable characters, side-splitting moments, and holiday magic, the show brings all your favorite scenes to life—from the tongue-on-a-lamppost dare to the infamous leg lamp, the decoder pin, the grumpy furnace, and the ultimate Christmas morning surprise. Perfect for the whole family, A Christmas Story is a joyful, laugh-out-loud celebration of childhood dreams, holiday traditions, and the wonder of the season. Make it part of your family’s tradition—because some stories are just too good to only watch once a year. The show runs for approximately two hours and 15 minutes. It will be showing from November 25th through December 14th at the Bennett Hall. From Tuesday through Saturday, showings will be at 7 p.m. On Sunday's, catch the play at 5 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. show on November 28th. More information here.
Thursday, December 4th:
- Toddler Story Time: From 9:30-10 a.m. and for children ages up to three, join the Atheneum for some short stories, fingerplays, and songs designed to foster pre-literacy skills. Space is limited and tickets will be available at the Weezie Desk when the library opens.
- Preschool Story Time: From 10:30-11 a.m. and for children ages three years and older, join the Atheneum for a special 30 minute story time featuring new and classic stories, fingerplays, and songs.
- Epernay Wine And Spirits: Stroll Tasting Italian Wines: Stroll with Epernay. On Thursday they will be having an Italian wine tasting featuring a delicious Ca' del Bosco sparkling wine, Frattori Sardi Sauvignon Blanc and an Amarone. From 2-5 p.m.
- Burger Night At The Nantucket Hotel: In addition to their regular dinner menu, join The Nantucket Hotel Breeze Bar for Burger Night. Enjoy a special burger menu with gourmet toppings, crispy fries, and all your favorites — a fun, flavorful night out in a cozy island setting. From 5-8:30 p.m. Learn more about the Breeze Restaurant and Burger Night here.
- ELL Beginner & Intermediate English Courses: ELL Beginner’s & Intermediate English class for those seeking to improve their English language skills and seeking to learn basic conversation used in daily activities. The Literacy Volunteers of the Atheneum (LVA) offer a drop-in beginner class every Thursday evening at the library at 6 p.m. The class is free, conducted in English and pre-registration is not required. For more information contact Cheryl at ccreighton@nantucketatheneum.org, or 508-228-1110 x113.
- Philosophy Club In The Great Hall: Calling all Deep Thinkers and Ponderers, join us Thursday Evenings in the Great Hall for thoughtful and engaging conversation. Led by reference librarian staff member, James Grieder. This group is free and open to all ages from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Free Sip & Stitch At Erica Wilson: Join Erica Wilson at 25 Main Street for an evening of creativity, conversation, and community. At their weekly Sip & Stitch event, you’ll enjoy a soft drink in hand while stitching something beautiful (or festive, depending on the season). Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or threading your first needle, their team will be there to guide and inspire you every step of the way. You can expect a cozy, social setting inside their Nantucket shop; all stitching supplies available for purchase — just bring yourself; seltzer water provided, if you prefer any other beverages please bring yourself; and a chance to relax, laugh, and make something lovely. First come first serve. Chairs limited.
- A Christmas Story, The Play: Celebrate the holidays with laughter, nostalgia, and one very iconic BB Gun. Join the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket this holiday season for A Christmas Story — the heartwarming and hilarious stage adaptation of the beloved film that has become a festive favorite for generations. Set in the snowy Midwest of the 1940s, this charming tale follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his one Christmas wish: a genuine Red Ryder BB gun. But no matter who he asks—his mom, his teacher, or even Santa himself—the answer is always the same: “You’ll shoot your eye out!" Full of unforgettable characters, side-splitting moments, and holiday magic, the show brings all your favorite scenes to life—from the tongue-on-a-lamppost dare to the infamous leg lamp, the decoder pin, the grumpy furnace, and the ultimate Christmas morning surprise. Perfect for the whole family, A Christmas Story is a joyful, laugh-out-loud celebration of childhood dreams, holiday traditions, and the wonder of the season. Make it part of your family’s tradition—because some stories are just too good to only watch once a year. The show runs for approximately two hours and 15 minutes. It will be showing through December 14th at the Bennett Hall. From Tuesday through Saturday, showings will be at 7 p.m. On Sunday's, catch the play at 5 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. show on November 28th. More information here.
Do you have an event coming up this week that should be included on this page? Email davidcreed@n-magazine.com