Downtown Edgartown was packed Saturday with Islanders, visitors and their pet companions dolled up in holiday garb for the 42nd annual Christmas in Edgartown festival. 

Mytoi — the Japanese-style garden on Chappaquiddick — will offer a peaceful, meditative space on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Evergreens adorned with twinkling lights, fragrant pine wreaths and festive shop window displays on Edgartown’s Main street are a sure sign of only one thing: Christmas in Edgartown has arrived. 

On Edgartown's North Water street, the Mad Martha's ice cream parlor is usually dormant in December when brisk winter weather dissuades Islanders from a frozen treat.

The Island — and region — tilted toward Edgartown over the weekend as thousands flocked to revel in the town's Yuletide festivities.

A walk down Main street in Edgartown this week revealed a holiday transformation in full swing. Next to town hall, the traditional lobster pot Christmas tree reveals a yellow and blue hue.

An Edgartown police car led the way. A young boy in a Santa hat rode in the passenger seat, yelling out a hearty “Merry Christmas!” to the crowd over the cruiser’s PA system. Children and parents alike echoed the refrain.

The event began 40 years ago as an antidote for a town with a dearth of holiday cheer. Since then the town has shaken its holiday enthusiasm deficiency. For four days this weekend the town will be a magnet once again for all things Christmas.

People visiting the village of Edgartown this weekend may feel as if they’ve stepped through a magic portal into a world of Christmas past that is one part Charles Dickens novel and one part Frank Capra movie.

With the return of Christmas in Edgartown, a longtime tradition that had largely faded until recently, there will be children jingle-belling, marshmallows for toasting and much mistletoe-ing.

So be of good cheer — because as organizers of the holiday extravaganza will tell you, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.