Although Martha’s Vineyard is an island typically known for being a vacationer’s paradise – with its picturesque beaches, towering lighthouse and historic New England cottages, the winters are just as beautiful. With the variety of Martha’s Vineyard holiday events, there just may be something to take your mind off the cold, blustery weather. Look no further. There is no shortage of Christmas cheer in this charming island town.
Martha’s Vineyard Holiday Events
1. Light Up Oak Bluffs
- Date: 11/30/24
- Time:Â 12 pm – 7 pm
- Location: Various Locations around Oak Bluffs
- Cost: Free
Oak Bluffs comes alive with Martha’s Vineyard holiday cheer with a snowflake Scavenger Hunt, Reindeer Games in Ocean Park (Santa sack, races, and participation awards), horse-drawn carriage rides and live music throughout the day. The day with a festive tree lighting and caroling in Healey Square before Santa arrives by fire truck!
2. Winter Glow ~ Seasonal Celebrations Around the World
- Date: 12/5/24
- Time:Â 5 ~ 6 pm
- Location: Martha’s Vineyard Museum
- Cost: $25/$15 Members
A special panel discussion celebrating the rich diversity of winter traditions observed by Islanders from various cultural backgrounds, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Bodhi Day and more. Celebrate the warmth of the Martha’s Vineyard holiday season with diversity, cocoa and cookies!
3. ‘Tis the Season in Tisbury
- Date: 12/6/24
- Time:Â 4 ~ 9 pm
- Location: Martha’s Vineyard Museum & Main Street
- Cost: $25/$15 Members
Featuring interactive crafts, snacks, and live music at the MV Museum from 4 until 6:30pm. Then enjoy live music and an open fire in front of 35 Main St, to keep warm while you take in the holiday decorations, shopping, and delicious eats around Vineyard Haven.
4. Holiday Concert
- Date: 12/14/24
- Time: 4:00 Sat
- Location: Old Whaling Church, 89 Main St, Edgartown
- Cost: $20 adults/ $15 senior/student
What better way to kick off the holiday season than an evening of holiday songs led by the local musicians of the Minnesingers and the MV Regional High School choral group.  This annual favorite always has a unique blend of traditional Christmas tunes and other original music from around the world.
All are welcome to come celebrate the Christmas season, so bring your friends and family and enjoy a festive evening of song and a visit from Santa.
5. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
- Date: 12/12 ~ 12/15/2024
- Time: Varies
- Location: Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown
- Cost: $150(up to six people)
Harbor View Hotel and the Edgartown Board of Trade are offering horse drawn carriage rides through downtown Edgartown. This 30-minute private ride starts at Harbor View Hotel and tours around Edgartown in a festive horse drawn carriage.
The carriage ride passes by beautiful decorated homes, scenic views overlooking the ocean, Eel Pond, historic Edgartown village decorated for the holidays and Edgartown Harbor. Complimentary hot cider and a warm throw for your festive ride.
6. Christmas in Edgartown
- Date: 12/12-12/15/2024
- Time: Varies
- Location: Downtown Edgartown, MA.
- Cost: Varies
Christmas in Edgartown is the annual Martha’s Vineyard holiday festival you don’t want to miss! Every year the island community comes together for 3 days of magical Christmas events on Martha’s Vineyard.
Not only will you make unforgettable holiday memories, Christmas in Edgartown raises over $50,000 every year for Island wide charities. Visit Christmas in Edgartown for complete list of events.
7. Teddy Bear Suite
- Date: 12/13 – 12/15/2023
- Time:F~ 4-8 pm; Sat~12-6pm; Sun ~ 10-2pm
- Location: Martha’s Vineyard Kelley House Edgartown, MA
- Cost: Donation
Come join the fun for a great cause! Moved inside to new event location at the Martha’s Vineyard Kelley House. The MV Teddy Bear Suite is celebrating its 13th year of magical holiday memories and all of the money raised goes to support the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club. Stop by and enjoy festivities and be sure to bring your camera for some great photo opportunities with the teddies!
8. Lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse
- Date: 12/13/2024
- Time: 5:30 ~ 6:15 pm
- Location: Memorial Wharf, Edgartown, MA
- Cost: Free
Another time honored Martha’s Vineyard holiday tradition is Edgartown’s version of a tree lighting is full of seaside village charm. The annual holiday lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse, which takes place at 6pm sharp, with help from Big Brother Big Sisters.
You can celebrate at Memorial Wharf for a great viewing spot and countdown! Beginning at 5:30 PM Edgartown’s favorite mascots, non-profit concessions, caroling, give-aways and maybe the Man In Red himself for one of the magical Christmas events on Martha’s Vineyard
9. Holly & Ivy Ball
- Date: 12/13/2024
- Time: 7~10 pm
- Location: Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown, MA
- Cost: $250
Edgartown’s annual black-tie affair is one way to enjoy the holidays to the fullest! Pull out your fanciest attire – ball gowns, tuxedos, and really stylish suits or dresses for this festive night of music, dancing, food and drinks.
10. Christmas in Edgartown Parade
- Date: 12/14/2023
- Time: 11:00 am
- Location: Downtown Edgartown, MA
- Cost: Free
This holiday parade is full of Christmas energy. It features dazzling floats, various animals, live music, fire trucks, and Santa himself. The parade will take place on Main Street between Pease’s Point Way and Water Street. (Rain or shine)
Check Out More Christmas Events on Martha’s Vineyard
After you explore the Martha’s Vineyard Holiday Events, check out Christmas Theater, our Events Calendar or holiday events on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Plymouth.