Christmas towns

Nantucket's annual Nantucket Noel celebration, Nov. 27-Dec. 31, drips with ribbon, garland, and good will. It lasts a month, but the biggest events occur over Christmas Stroll Weekend, Dec. 4-6, when the Clauses arrive on a Coast Guard vessel and both the Festival of Wreaths and the Festival of Trees brighten doorways and sidewalks. Throngs take to the streets, shopping craft fairs, sampling fare at the food tent, admiring the decorations, and enjoying the outdoor entertainment. There are holiday house tours, theatrical productions, guided walks, and concerts.

508-228-1700, www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/events.html.