Right Around the Corner: Christmas in Edgartown

Though it is still two days away, now is the time to ready yourself for Christmas in Edgartown. It is the 31st year of the celebration and the number of events continues to grow.

There are so many events this year the organizing body, the Edgartown Board of Trade, suggests taking a look at the schedule so you can strategically plan your weekend.

“It is amazing to see how many businesses are participating this year,” said Annie Cooke-Ennis, vice president of the Edgartown board. “Families will not run out of places to go and spectacles to see.”

Many of the events require pre-registration or have early tickets sales. Tickets to Friday’s Holiday Soiree are already on sale. Harbor View’s brunch encourages folks to make reservations. Though in past years the three-day event did not require much preparation, families should have a plan in place.

Cooke-Ennis says: “It might seem silly, but we suggest people print a schedule, grab a newspaper’s schedule, or somehow list out the shops, inns or restaurants they do not want to miss.”

Proper timing will also help you score some deals this weekend. Stores, such as J. McLaughlin, will be offering gift certificates for the first fifteen customers on Saturday. Boneyard Surf Shop is doing hourly drawings. Chances are you won’t happen upon freebies; it will take strategic maneuvering around Main, Winter, Summer, and Water Streets.

A full schedule of events can be found at edgartownboardoftrade.com. Festivities begin Friday morning at 10 a.m.

Here are five tips to make the weekend a success:

1. Leave your car at the Park N’ Ride at the triangle - Saturday’s parade will create major gridlock.
2. Free food and awesome sales at most retailers.
3. Take a walk to the Harbor View so you don’t miss all the events they are      hosting.
4. The lighthouse is lit at 6 p.m. Friday - do not be late.
5. Enjoy yourself and be present in the holiday season.