With community safety as its top priority, the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce has reimagined its celebration of the holidays this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 47th Annual Christmas Stroll has been canceled for 2020. In its place, Nantucket Noel, a shop local initiative, will run from November 27 through December 31, 2020, allowing Nantucket residents to safely enjoy the magic of the season virtually, while still supporting local businesses for their holiday shopping.
As of September 23, The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce is planning a Nantucket Noel 2020 holiday experience that will include:
November 27 – Tree Lighting:
The annual Tree Lighting will be shown on Nantucket Community Television at 4:30pm on Friday, November 27. Main Street will not be shut down, and there will be no public gathering for caroling. The Chamber encourages residents and visitors to light their own tree at home at the same time that the Tree Lighting on NCTV18.
November 28 to December 4: Tree Decorating
Trees will be safely decorated by business and community members, including involvement by island students. Volunteer tree decorators will be available to apply student decorations to trees to keep students, teachers, and families safe. Decorated trees will be photographed, and photos will be shared with participants.
December 4: Tree Judging
Decorated trees and storefronts will be judged by a coterie of judges who will remain mindful of all safety protocols. Winners will be announced via social media.
December 5: Voting Begins
Voting will open for the People’s Choice Tree and Storefront Decorating Contest. All storefront participants, along with the top ten decorated trees, will be selected for virtual voting for People’s Choice awards. Follow the Chamber on social media or vote at nantucketchamber.org/vote. Winners will be announced on social media on December 14.
November 28 to December 13: In collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ My Local campaign, Nantucket Chamber will present Shop Santa’s Village Nantucket, a business-to-business initiative partnering nonprofits and businesses with shops that have physical locations to help all businesses have a successful year-end.
December 5 and 12: Virtual Visits with Santa Claus
There will be opportunities to secure time slots for families to schedule a virtual visit with Santa. Details will be announced on the Nantucket Chamber website.
November 28 to December 13: Write to Santa
Children will be encouraged to send letters to Santa Claus, which he will read virtually on the Nantucket Chamber’s social media outlets.
Double Red Ticket Saturdays (November 28 and December 5, 12, & 19): Double Red Tickets will be given out to shoppers by participating businesses on Saturdays throughout Nantucket Noel.
December 24: Christmas Eve Red Ticket Drawing
Red ticket winners will be drawn virtually at 3pm on NCTV18, Nantucket Community Television. Details on the drawing will be announced at a later date.
While the Chamber is confident their plans for Nantucket Noel meet the current local and state safety guidelines, all initiatives are subject to change.
Nantucket has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the island economy, and many are working together to keep transmission levels as low as possible. Per Governor Baker and state guidance, all entering Massachusetts (including returning residents) who do not meet an exemption are required to complete the Massachusetts Travel Form. If you will be visiting Nantucket Island this holiday season, plan your trip at the Insider’s Guide to Nantucket.