Nantucket Harbor at Christmas Time

Imagine the most quaint, historic little town imaginable, a place that is equally charming and upscale.  Then, imagine that place decorated for Christmas.  That is exactly the scene at Nantucket Noel, a month-long holiday celebrate which is in full force over the Nantucket Stroll weekend (which is when we visited).

Visit the quaint Main Street in Nantucket, where each business, in conjunction with local nonprofit organizations, has decorated a tree in front of the store.  Check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where eighty trees, all uniquely decorated, are on display.  My kids loved walking up and down Main Street and through the museum, pointing out their favorite trees.

During the stroll weekend, there is something for everyone, including art gallery parties, craft shows, shopping discounts, tasting menus at local restaurants, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via Coast Guard ship.  My kids happily waited in line to greet Santa at the Jared Coffin House – despite the line.  Nantucket Noel is really the epitome of the spirit of Christmas, and our whole family loved it.

Not every restaurant and hotel is open in December, so it’s best to check well in advance before making plans.  Ferries do run, but on an abbreviated schedule, so make sure you make reservations for both legs of your journey.  During Nantucket Noel, we stayed at Harborview Place – a community of absolutely gorgeous vacation homes located right in town.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and Harborview Place provided transportation and accommodations for our stay.

Holiday lights are a big deal all over the world. Hence, Santa’s long night.

Don’t worry, this display isn’t on your neighbor’s house. Yet. The picture was taken in Hiroshima, Japan, on what appears to be a castle made of scaffolding, but I could be wrong on that part.

How are your holiday lights coming along?

This post is part of UpTake’s Family Friday Series. This month the emphasis is on holiday lighting. If you see a display worth mentioning send us a photo via the contact link in the sidebar.

Photo: Spiegel via Flickr

Guess what officially starts today?

I’m just sayin’.

You’ve probably got a lot of holiday travel in front of you, and as such, I thought you might enjoy some festive road music. Add these to your holiday road trip mix:

Holiday Mood by Apples in Stereo

Time of the Season by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

Electronic Santa by Blazer Force (aka Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords and The Muppets soundtrack)

That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! by Sufjan Stevens

You’re welcome.

Photo: ShedBOy^ via Flickr

This never gets old. The greatest Thanksgiving moment ever aired on television was on WKRP in Cincinnati, and it’s still funny.

Please note, no turkeys were hurt in the filming of this episode or the writing of this post.

If you’re traveling, be safe! If you’re waiting on some grub, then turn off the computer and go enjoy your friends and family. Also, football. And the dog show.

From all of us at the UpTake Vacations Blog to all of you in the internet, Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo from igourmet.com