Christmas in Edgartown wouldn’t be complete without the annual Great Chowder Contest.  This year marks the 31st iteration of this delicious tradition.  Last December, more than a dozen teams from a variety of organizations competed to earn the title of Chowder Champion, and this year promises even more savory creations.  The contestants need you, the audience, to sample their offerings and determine the Best Seafood Chowder and Best Quahog Chowder.  They have not announced the exact details for this year, but past years contests have occurred on Saturdays, with $8 tickets benefiting the Red Stocking Fund: an organization dedicated to providing presents to children in economically-disadvantaged families.  Visit the Edgartown Board of Trade website for more details.

The annual Christmas Parade returns to Christmas in Edgartown.  Bring the kids and spend a few hours basking in the Christmas spirit, complete with Santa Claus, fire trucks, and floats!  Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing spectacle.  The event is confirmed, but the date and time have not yet been announced.  Stay tuned to the Edgartown Board of Trade website for more details.

Christmas in Edgartown attendees will also have a chance to buy handmade items at the Annual Holiday Gift Show.  This year’s event, which takes place Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., features gifts handcrafted one-at-a-time from numerous local artisans (view a complete list here).

The Lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse occurs every Christmas in Edgartown.  This year’s event, free of charge and open to the public, takes place on Friday, December 11 at 5 p.m.  Come spend your early evening enjoying hot chocolate, live music, and holiday goodies in a gorgeous setting.  At 5:59, join the others in counting down the final seconds until the 6 p.m. lighting ceremony.  Before you attend the ceremony, be sure to read up on the Edgartown Lighthouse’s solemn history.  Afterward, head over to Alchemy and enjoy a fine-dining experience in a cozy atmosphere.

When you’re making your holiday plans, be sure to reserve your accommodations with Sandpiper Rentals. Our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals are ideal for relaxing and unwinding in between all of the great activities you can participate in during your time on the island. Our rental properties are located all over Martha’s Vineyard, so you can choose to stay on your favorite part of the island. Whether you want to be right in town or more isolated, we have the perfect rental for you. Our homes are all unique, yet they all offer comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities. Visit our website to check availability and learn about all of our services.