Island Events Calendar

Monday, December 22nd:

- Festival Of Trees: From 10-4 p.m. at the Whaling Museum, each year, community members, local merchants, nonprofit organizations, artists, artisans, and schoolchildren design magnificent trees displayed in the Whaling Museum for visitors to enjoy throughout the season.

- Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., protect yourself and your community this season. Join the Nantucket Cottage Hospital at the library's learning lab for a Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic — quick, convenient, and open to the public. Please bring your insurance card. Walk-ins welcome. Stay healthy this season. No insurance? There is a limited supply of free flu vaccines. Hosted by the Nantucket Health & Human Services Department.

- North Pole Matinee: The Polar Express: From 2-4 p.m. at the Dreamland, step into the season with a festive North Pole Matinee featuring The Polar Express on the big screen. Families are invited to arrive early for a visit with Santa from 2:00 to 2:30 PM before settling in for a cozy holiday screening. Each ticket includes access to a complimentary hot cocoa bar and a cookie to enjoy during the film. Guests may also support the Nantucket Food Pantry by bringing a canned or non-perishable food item. In thanks, you will receive a free small popcorn as part of our holiday donation drive.

Chamber Holiday Party: From 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Zero Main Street, join the Chamber for a joyful and jolly evening as they celebrate the holiday season with Chamber members and friends. This festive gathering is all about community, connection, and spreading good cheer as the island wraps up the year. Enjoy lite bites, seasonal music, and plenty of holiday fun in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The event is free to attend, and in the spirit of giving, the Chamber kindly ask guests to bring a donation for The Warming Place Nantucket to help support neighbors in need this winter. Don your most outrageous, over-the-top, or delightfully tacky holiday attire for a chance to win their ugliest holiday sweater award.

- LGBTQ+ Group: An unstructured, supportive environment for anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ to come together for mutual support and to build community. At the Atheneum from 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, December 23rd:

- Cinema For The Very Young: Every Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Dreamland, join the theater with your little ones for a sensory-friendly Rated G or All Ages screening of a film/series (titles will not be announced in advance). Tickets are free and available online or at the box office. All children in attendance must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver throughout the 90 minute program. Lights will be left on at medium strength and the volume of the screening turned down to a moderate level to accommodate and encourage socialization.

- Golden Age Films: It's A Wonderful Life: From 1:30-4:30 p.m., join the Dreamland for a Golden Age Film screening of It’s a Wonderful Life, a cherished holiday classic that has inspired audiences for generations. George Bailey has spent his life helping the people of Bedford Falls, and his modest building and loan company is the only thing keeping greedy Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. When the business loses $8,000 on Christmas Eve, George falls into despair, setting the stage for a moving story about community, hope and the true meaning of a wonderful life. Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Henry Travers. The Golden Age Film Series is free for members, free for seniors and only $13 for the general public. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

- 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.

- Meditation At The Atheneum: Each weekly class includes a short talk, a guided meditation, and time for reflection or questions—designed to support a clearer understanding of the methods and help build a consistent meditation practice. Registration is required. No experience needed. Open to all. From 5:30-6:30 p.m.

- Open Arts Night: Open Mic Night has expanded into Open Arts Night at the Atheneum. Their stage and mic are still open for any and all, but now they've added an arts & craft component so people may feel free to come and work on any kind of art project while watching the stage show. Bring your knitting, embroidery, coloring pages, wrap gifts, or just come and enjoy the space and listen to the music. Cut loose and express yourself up in the acoustically stellar Great Hall from 6:30-8:30 p.m

Wednesday, December 24th:

- Annual Red Ticket Drawing: Join the Nantucket Chamber at 1 p.m. at the top of Main Street for their Annual Red Ticket Drawing. This community adored event takes place every Christmas Eve, and you could be one of their lucky cash prize winners: five $1000 prizes or one grand prize of $5000. It's a Christmas gift you'll remember for years to come.

- Traditional Candlelight Service: Join Reverend Erin Splaine, Music Director Nigel Goss and the Meeting House Choir for this special night of song and celebration. Special musical guests. All are welcome. This will take place at 7 p.m. under the Golden Dome at 11 Orange Street. Enter the door on the right side of the building and enter Hendrix Hall.

Thursday, December 25th:

*No events scheduled with many places closed for Christmas Day.*

If any events are not included in this guide that you would like added, please email David Creed at davidcreed@n-magazine.com and we will add them.