Calm and Bright
December 22, 2023
After Monday’s walloping storm, the forecast looks calm and bright leading up to Christmas. That’s just the weather for outdoor walks with family and friends or a solo amble to reflect as the year comes to a close. Meander through Island Folk Pottery’s Sculpture Trail in Chilmark where you will find whimsical creatures in unexpected places. Or plan a reunion with Tom Maley’s playful sculptures at Field Gallery; those dancing ladies await your visit!
Check The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar for all the holiday (and non-holiday) festivities and activities. Some artisan markets are open for last-minute shopping. We’ve listed them at the end of this newsletter. Information about Christmas services around the Island this weekend is listed in the Vineyard Gazette.
Wherever your thoughts or travels take you during the week ahead, we wish you peace and happiness.
Mark the shortest day of the year today, Thursday, Dec. 21, with a three-mile hike followed by a poetry circle at sunset on the Menemsha Hills beach! Staff from The Trustees of Reservations will lead a Winter Solstice Sunset Hike to mark this changing of the seasons. The event begins at 3 p.m. and lasts for approximately two hours, so bring your own headlamp to guide you as well as a poem about the new year and winter months ahead.
The Edgartown Public Library can help you get ready for Santa’s visit! This week’s Holiday Crafts Series event on Friday, Dec. 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. is a workshop in decorating sugar cookies. All materials — including cookies, icing and sprinkles — are provided for free!
For 45 years, the Gatchell family has lit up County Road with one of the Island’s most popular holiday traditions: a Christmas Lights Display of festive figures from familiar Christmas stories and more than 200,000 lights. From 5 to 8 p.m. every night through Christmas, you can marvel at the spectacular display is arranged. Share the spirit of the Gatchell’s generosity by bringing a non-perishable food item or donation to be made to Island Food Pantry.
Spend Christmas Day — or any day! — with the furry residents of Island Alpaca in Oak Bluffs. At a special Open Housefrom 12 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Christmas day, you can enjoy treats and hot cider while you meet the friendly alpaca who roam the pastures. Can’t make it on Christmas? The farm’s Walk and Talkstake place daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Singing and dancing on the deck of the Titanic? You’ll have to see this multi-Tony Award winner to believe it. On Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m., the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society will screen a film version of Titanic: The Musical, filmed recently in London during a critically-acclaimed tour. Spend an evening listening to the hopes and dreams of the ship’s passengers, from Astors to crew members.
The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar
Holiday Fairs, Markets and Pop-Ups
Island Made Holidays at Gayle Gardens
Gayle Gardens (formerly Heather Gardens)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 24
Capawock Theatre
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 24
What to cook this weekend? Sign up for COOK THE VINEYARD.
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