Down-Island towns continue to roll out their holiday celebrations. This weekend, Vineyard Haven begins its ‘Tis the Season events, which will be held through the end of the month.

A special December edition of First Friday starts things off on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Martha’s Vineyard Museum is the host location, a First Friday return for the first time since 2019.

Sarah York, president of the Vineyard Haven Business Association, said she is excited to shift this month’s operations to the museum lawn, which will be home to s’mores roasting, lighting the flagpole, Morrice the Florist wreathmaking workshops, Waterside Market cookies and music from The Black Eyed Susans. Approximately 20 artisans will take part in a holiday market in the museum’s barn.

Ms. York encouraged attendees to walk from the lot at Veterans Park since on-site parking is limited.

On Dec. 4, Main street will become a Winter Wonderland for the first of three consecutive Sunday afternoon celebrations. The central business corridor will be lightly dusted with snow and from 12 to 2 p.m., activities will include hay rides, elves from the Tisbury School who will hand out cookies, and a DJ.

Santa is scheduled to appear on a vintage fire pump truck on Dec. 18.

A central component of Vineyard Haven’s ‘Tis the Season celebration is participation in Shop2Share. This program supports the Vineyard Committee on Hunger, with local business owners donating 10 per cent of their sales to the nonprofit. Over the past 10 years, more than $12,000 has been donated through Shop2Share.

In addition, Main street stores will be open late on Dec. 8, 15 and 22 for holiday shopping.