A walk down Main street in Edgartown this week revealed a holiday transformation in full swing. Evergreen garlands spiral up the light poles, twinkling Christmas lights bedeck the storefronts and a dancing, mechanical Santa serenades all those who enter Espresso Love cafe. Next to town hall, the traditional lobster pot Christmas tree reveals a yellow and blue hue. And shopkeepers have embraced the spirit, decorating festive window displays.
It’s Christmas in Edgartown time and the town was getting ready.
“For us, it looks like Christmas chaos right now,” admitted Grace Romanowsky on Tuesday. Ms. Romanowsky is the owner of Sea Legs and planned to decorate her store in an Elf theme in honor of one of her favorite Christmas movies. Though she has participated in festivities for the last few years, this is Ms. Romanowsky’s first year on the organizing committee.
“It’s been a fun opportunity to make everything grand and festive,” she said of the experience. “We’ve really kicked it up a notch this week.”
“Magical” was the word of the week when describing the Christmas in Edgartown feeling. Julia Tarka, president of the Edgartown Board of Trade, used the term no less than five times in an interview with the Gazette this week. Others who were consulted didn’t lag far behind.
And the description is apt, as for four days Edgartown becomes a real-life Christmas wonderland and epicenter of holiday cheer.
Events kicked off Thursday and run through the weekend. The annual lighting of the Edgartown lighthouse, which many consider the unofficial kickoff of the holiday season on the Vineyard, takes place at 6 p.m. on Dec 9, with a watch party of the lights (and Santa’s arrival on the Chappy ferry) taking place at Memorial Wharf.
Among the most anticipated events of the weekend is the Saturday Christmas parade which begins at 11 a.m. Floats gather at the Edgartown School before the parade, where all manner of holiday icons rub elbows together.
Erin Ready, executive director of the board of trade, still remembers her first parade, part of her first winter on-Island more than a decade ago.
“It is a special part of living on the Island,” she said. “And now I get to enjoy it with my kids!”
Ms. Ready said she and her kids are looking forward to the Holiday Hustle 5K and enjoying a pancake breakfast afterwards with Santa. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club.
Nonprofit giving is always a major part of the festival, Ms. Tarka said, noting that last year more than 30 Island nonprofits participated. On Saturday, the Edgartown Police Department will hold their annual Stuff-a-Bus toy drive for the Red Stocking Fund. Events benefiting the Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter, the Island Food Pantry and Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary are also on the roster. And the Teddy Bear Suite returns to 29 Winter Street, sponsored by Point B Realty and benefiting the Boys and Girls Club.
Following the parade is a new Christmas in Edgartown tradition: the Holiday Faire.
“We are hoping that will be a spot to gather after the parade,” said Mrs. Ready.
The faire will be held at the Village Green tucked behind Main street, and feature a variety of Vineyard craftsmen and artisans, as well as a beer and champagne garden.
Other events over the weekend include the annual concerts by the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Minnesingers, a fly-casting lesson from Kris Kringle himself at Kismet Outfitters, an ugly sweater competition at Town MV, the Plum Hill School elves faire, a free screening of a Christmas Story at Edgartown Cinemas — the list contains a full stocking of gifts to experience.
“The whole thing is quintessential Edgartown,” Ms. Tarka said. “It’s one of the most magical events of the year.”
Visit christmasinedgartown.com for a complete list of events.
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