Nantucket has its stroll, and the Edaville Railroad in Carver has its Polar Express. And for more than thirty years on the second weekend in December, Christmas in Edgartown has been celebrated in the classic style of a small New England town.

Steaming cups of chowder served outdoors in the mini-park, part of a contest to benefit the Red Stocking Fund. Workshops for cookie decorating and making ornaments and wreaths. A concert by the Minnesingers, the elite regional high school singing group, echoing from the rafters of the Old Whaling Church. In this seaside town’s version of a tree lighting, the lighthouse that overlooks the outer harbor is hung with a huge wreath and set aglow for the holiday season.

And of course there is a parade, with fire trucks and homemade floats, dogs dressed in costumes and candy thrown to children as it winds down Main street.

Christmas in Edgartown was dreamed up by local merchants more than three decades ago as a way to compete against the increasing attraction of off-Island malls. In the early days, it was limited to a holiday parade down Main street, a house tour to benefit the Island Children’s School and a black tie formal party.

No doubt the idea was borrowed from our sister island of Nantucket, which held its first Christmas Stroll in 1973, an event that today attracts swarms of visitors on the first weekend of December.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the event expanded to include visits from Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and various musical performances. Holiday decorations became more elaborate. And merchants often dressed in Victorian garb to evoke a simpler era.

And that’s the point; it still is a simpler era on the Island where the holiday season is absent the ubiquitous muzak and mall mania of the mainland. Purchases made at Island stores benefit friends and neighbors instead of faceless corporations.

It’s a festive time that begins on Friday evening and runs through Sunday. Everywhere a person turns there will be open houses, craft fairs, hot chocolate and cider, gingerbread men and candy canes. Retailers will throw open their doors and offer specials for shoppers. Santa will be in evidence. And he’s checking his list.

So better be nice and head to Edgartown this weekend, where after thirty-five years, by the Gazette’s count, the Christmas weekend celebration is as vibrant as ever.