Santa made his list, checked it twice and then prepared to fly to the Vineyard. This year the trusty Gay Head Light helps him find his way.

Forget the controversy over whether to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. I am going to be shouting Io Saturnalia to all of my friends!

For many people, Christmas on the Vineyard wouldn’t be the same without the sound of bells and hooves making their way past downtown shops. Fred Fisher’s wooden hay wagon and two Belgian draft horses are a familiar sight.

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.