The NHA Festival of Wreaths

Kick off the holiday season with one of the island’s most beloved traditions, the Nantucket Historical Association’s (NHA) Festival of Wreaths.

Held each November inside the Nantucket Whaling Museum, this festive event invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate creativity, community, and generosity. The museum’s galleries are filled with dozens of handmade wreaths, designed and donated by local artists, businesses, non-profits, and families. From classic evergreens adorned with shells to whimsical displays crafted from unexpected materials, every wreath tells a story.

In 2025, the Festival of Wreaths will take place November 24–29 (closed Thanksgiving Day) at the Whaling Museum on Broad Street. The week kicks off with a Preview Party on November 24 from 5–7 p.m., offering guests an early look at the wreaths, light bites, and a festive atmosphere that marks the unofficial start of the holiday season.

Each wreath is part of a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA). The funds support the NHA’s year-round educational programs, exhibitions, and preservation of the island’s rich history.

For many locals, attending the Festival of Wreaths has become a Thanksgiving-week tradition. Whether you’re here for the first time or a long-time islander, it’s an event that captures the warmth, community and creativity that make Nantucket so special.