The Ultimate Activities Guide for December 26, 2015 – January 1, 2016
1. Nantucket Walkabout: Stump Swamp & Norwood Farm
Wednesday, December 30, 8 – 10 A.M., Meet at the Handlebar Café
Get out and explore Nantucket’s natural beauty on this walking tour of Stump Swamp and Norwood Farm. Two island ecosystems, a shrub swamp wetland and island moors dotted with kettle holes makes for a fascinating hike through a section of the island molded by 500 feet of ice bearing down on it 21,000 years ago. You’ll be sure to walk off your Christmas dinner on this one! Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children. To sign up, click here.
2. NHA Festival of Trees
Thursday, December 31, 10 A.M. – 5 P.M., Whaling Museum
Ring in 2016 with a peaceful tour around the trees! Today is your last chance to catch the Nantucket Historical Association’s spectacular Festival of Trees, on display in the Nantucket Whaling Museum.
3. ACKventure Putt
Thursday, December 31, 10 A.M. – 2 P.M., Nantucket Elementary School Gym
No more lamenting about a lack of miniature golf on Nantucket! Head over to the gymnasium at the Nantucket Elementary School for 12 holes of indoor putt-putt golf, and your $5 admission will go to benefit the Nantucket Education Trust.
4. Nantucket Walkabout: Smith’s Point
Thursday, December 31, 12 – 3 P.M., Meet at the Handlebar Café
Nantucket’s westernmost sand extremity is a great hike to see gray seals during the winter, so don’t miss your chance to join Peter Brace on a New Year’s Eve exploration. Tickets for the 2.5 hour hike are $40 for adults, $20 for kids, and can be purchased here.
5. New Year’s Eve Skating Party
Thursday, December 31, 12 – 2 P.M., Nantucket Ice Rink
Break out your blades and ring in the New Year with skating, prizes, food and drink, and more at Nantucket Ice. Young or old, all are invited. And at just $8/adult and $5/kid, how can you not join in the fun?
6. “Miracle Man”
Thursday, December 31, 4 P.M. & 7:30 P.M., The Dreamland
Comic genius Tomas Kubinek will take the Dreamland stage for one day of family-friendly fun and hysterical laughter. With appearances in over 30 countries Mr. Kubinek has performed on Broadway, TV, and international festivals far and wide. For more information and to buy your tickets, click here.
7. Bon Voyage Dinner
Thursday, December 31, 8:30 P.M., The Nantucket Hotel Breeze Café
Wave goodbye to 2015 and say hello to 2016 with a savory and special three-course prix fixe dinner in The Nantucket Hotel’s cozy Breeze restaurant library. Dinner tickets are $75 and can be purchases by calling 508-228-4730 or emailing fb@thenantuckethotel.com.
8. A Night to Remember Gala
Thursday, December 31, 9 P.M. – 1 A.M., The Nantucket Hotel
The 4th annual New Year’s Eve Ball at The Nantucket Hotel is sure to be one for the books! Head over to the Hotel’s Grand Ballroom and you will feel as though you are stepping aboard the transatlantic “SS Nantucket” ship for “A Night to Remember.” Dancing and live music, hors d’oeuvres, dessert buffet, champagne toast, and early 20th Century attire. To purchase your ticket, click here.
9. Nantucket Walkabout: Gardner Farm
Friday, January 1, 8 A.M., Meet at the Handlebar Café
Enjoy a 1.5 hour walk within Nantucket’s oldest outwash plain and enjoy passing through pitch pine forests and a cattail choked inlet (over which a small wooden walkway passes when not submerged by pond water!) For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
10. New Year’s Day Brunch
Friday, January 1, 11 A.M. – 2 P.M., The Nantucket Hotel Breeze Café
After a long night of celebrating, there is no better treat than a leisurely brunch at the Breeze Café (and perhaps a little hair of the dog). So settle in among the fire pits and say hello to 2016!
