The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is reimagining its plans for two of its beloved holiday festivals this season, with both being slightly adjusted to adhere to safety protocols and allow for more viewing time for visitors.
The 22th annual Festival of Wreaths will kick-off the NHA’s holiday offerings, featuring an array of wreaths beautifully crafted by the community. Visitors may bid on their favorite wreaths in an auction to benefit the NHA’s year-round outreach efforts, with bidding opening a week early on Monday, November 9 and continuing to Monday, November 23. This will allow for two weeks of viewing time compared to only five days in previous years. Wreaths will be on view in the McCausland Gallery at the Whaling Museum, but all bidding will be held online for safe and touch-free bidding with easy to access QR codes next to each wreath.
The 27th annual Festival of Trees, which transforms the Whaling Museum into a festive winter wonderland, will also open earlier on Friday, November 27, and will run through the end of December to allow for more viewing time and for visitors to enjoy during Nantucket Noel. Neither festival will begin with the usual Preview Parties due to safety regulations during the pandemic.
Both of these festivals will be free to the year-round community, thanks to generous support of the Festival of Wreaths and Festival of Trees lead sponsor, Marine Home Center. The NHA is grateful for the involvement and support of the many individuals and organizations that contribute to the success of these holiday traditions, including Lauren and Neil Marttila, 2020 festival chairs.
“It is an honor to chair the 2020 Festival of Trees and Festival of Wreaths, which are extremely special island traditions,” says Neil Marttila. “It is a joy to see the creativity of our island come to life through the wreaths and trees—and we are especially thrilled the Nantucket Historical Association can continue these traditions this year. We all need a little extra joy in 2020.”
For more information about each holiday offering and other programs and events at the Nantucket Historical Association, visit or call (508) 228-1894.