On Sunday at the West Tisbury Congregational Church, the choir and newly formed band brought forth the sounds of Christmas both old and new.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will hold its annual holiday concert. This year, the rarely heard Christmas Story by the 17th century German composer, Heinrich Schütz, will be performed. But wait, there’s more.

The church choir will be joined by the newly-formed Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Orchestra with trumpets, trombones, woodwind and strings to help make spirits soar.

Christmas services around the Island.

When the Old Whaling Church clock chimed 11 a.m. on Saturday, anticipation was high for the 34th annual Christmas parade, one of the marquee events of Christmas in Edgartown weekend.

This weekend your friends and neighbors from around the Island will gather on stage for the Island Community Chorus’s annual holiday concert.

In Edgartown the official start of Christmas is Thursday, Dec. 10 as the 34th annual Christmas in Edgartown festivities arrive once again and continue through Sunday, Dec. 13.

Children and adults alike donned reindeer antlers and gathered outside, clasping cups of hot chocolate and waiting for the tree lighting and an appearance by Santa.

Welcome once again to the Oak Bluffs Tree Lighting, the annual green light for all things Christmas to begin in earnest.

The Sixth Annual Festival of Wreaths will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Federated Church.

'Twas Christmas Eve and Santa Claus was readying for his trip to see his Vineyard friends, of course, but traveling not by ship, nor ferry boat nor freight boat nor on the Island Queen. He comes by air each Christmastide thanks to his reindeer team.