Thank the Earth

November 26, 2023

Anyone with a connection to the Island has reason to be grateful this weekend. Maybe you’re thankful for the sight of a Squibnocket sunset, the electric thrill of a Dock Dance concert, the taste of Island-grown foods or the feel of handmade crafts. Whatever makes you glad to be on the land the Wampanoag people call Noepe, you’ll have a chance to celebrate that in the days ahead. Work off your Thanksgiving feast with a hike at the Brickyard or by dancing to Serendipity at the P.A. Club; get a jump on holiday shopping at the Island’s many artisan markets (below); or hang out with the herd at Island Alpaca’s weekend-long open house. You might find new reasons to love the Island even more.

Check out The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar for a full list of events and activities happening around the Island; it’s your go-to guide for planning your schedule throughout the holiday season.

Past Perfect

Back for its second year at The Carnegie Heritage Center in Edgartown, the Dickens Christmas Village features hundreds of pieces, from Tiny Tim and Scrooge to children ice skating, from a working train to horses carrying Christmas trees. View the exhibit any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through December 22.

Grab Your Flock

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary’s autumn-themed festival is a fall favorite and this year the event happens on Friday, Nov. 24 as a post-Thanksgiving treat. The handicapped-accessible sanctuary makes it easy for people of all ages and abilities to try squash bowling, walk on nature trails or give it their all in the bird call competition. Vegan food, live music, a scavenger hunt and nature crafts are also in store. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; check the Calendar for times of specific events.

Holiday Cheer

Oak Bluffs will be bursting with holiday cheer on Saturday, Nov. 25. Light Up Oak Bluffs happens from 12 to 8 p.m. and includes photos with Santa, Reindeer Games in Ocean Park, the Holiday Open Marketat the Strand, Holiday Cookie Decorating at Offshore Ale and more. As nighttime descends, head to Healey Square for caroling at 6 p.m., followed at 6:30 p.m. by the annual lighting of the town Christmas tree. The schedule for the daylong festival is full; check Saturday’s Calendar for the start time on your favorites.

Artful Giving

Give the gift of the Island this season by selecting unique handmade crafts at the Vineyard Artisans 27th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Festival. Head to the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Friday, Nov. 24 or Saturday, Nov. 25 to check out the Island’s largest holiday art show. From handknit sweaters and handmade soaps to items made with Island lavender, wooden butcher block and more, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.

We’re Jammin’

Celebrate Chilmark Potluck Jam #60 this Saturday, Nov. 25. The Island’s essential off-season community concert event kicks off its winter residency at the Chilmark Community Center at 6 p.m. The all-ages evening will feature Island musicians including Josey Kirkland, Chrysal Parrott, Tristan Israel, Phil DaRosa, Willy Mason and many more. The event is free but bring a dish to share with friends new and old.

What’s Open on Martha’s Vineyard

Movie Listings

The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar

Holiday Fairs, Markets & Pop-Ups

Ongoing

Island Made Holidays at Gayle Gardens

Gayle Gardens (formerly Heather Gardens)

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

World Market Holiday

Pop-Up Shop

Capawock Theatre

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.