Looking for a family-friendly event or a place to eat this Christmas? Try some of these noteworthy events. Or, see here for holiday religious services.
Skate with Santa
Help support the MVRHS girls hockey team this Christmas Eve at the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena, where you can skate with Santa and the girls from 11:30 am until 1 pm. The eighth annual event will include free hot chocolate and candy canes. Skate rental is not included. The cost is $10, or $25 per family. For more information, contact Micheline Sonia at 508-889-4924.
A Nativity story
The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury will present its annual Christmas Pageant on Thursday, Dec. 24, at 5 pm. The service includes a re-creation of the Nativity story by candlelight, with soft white lights decorating the hall. Music will be provided by the Joyful Noise Choir of Island children, directed by Brian Weiland. All are welcome. Guests are asked to park in the Ag Hall Field only; parking is not permitted on Panhandle Road. Parking and drop-off for the handicapped is available in the circle by the entrance. For more information, contact 508-693-2842 or wtcongregationalchurch.org.
Turkey for those in need
Islander Kristen Tidmarsh Araujo, along with her family and friends, has rented the P.A. Club on Christmas Eve from 4 to 6 pm to serve a traditional turkey dinner for the homeless and those in need. Community members and restaurant owners are pitching in to donate food, cook, and bake for the event. The group is asking for donations of gift cards to local grocery stores and Brickman’s in Vineyard Haven. Donations can be dropped off to Shear Inspiration Salon in Edgartown through Dec. 23, or at the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs at 3:30 pm on Dec. 24.
Community Christmas Dinner
Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven will hold its annual Community Christmas Dinner on Friday, Dec. 25, from 12 noon to 2 pm. The traditional dinner will include ham, turkey with all the fixings, sides, and desserts. This family-friendly event includes both good food and good fellowship. The event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, call 508-693-0332.
Harbor View Christmas Dinner
Want to save yourself the hassle of cooking and cleaning this Christmas day? The Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown is offering a buffet menu including artisanal breads, lobster bisque, winter vegetable potage, smoked bluefish and salmon, chilled crab, Vineyard oysters and shrimp cocktail, greens with local apples and cheddar, roasted turkey with apricot glaze, sirloin roast, porchetta, baked cod, winter vegetables, potato gratin, and kale (to name a few items). Dessert includes salted fudge brownies, spiced port wine pears, maple and ricotta trifle, gingerbread, and homemade pies. Seatings start at 5 pm, priced at $59 for adults and $25 for children. For more information, call 508-627-7000 or visit harbor-view.com.