❇️ This Weekend on Martha's Vineyard: 11/28-11/30
light up oak bluffs, fall fest, 7 holiday markets (and non-gifts), 20 deals, 3 closings this weekend
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you to every reader who helps keep my MVacay dream alive! Because of you we are able to create a community resource that makes MV more equitable and accessible for all ❤️
⏱️ This Week on MVacay
💌 MVacay’s Non-Gift Guide: Experiences, Memberships + Meaningful Options
If you’re gifting for a minimalist, a practical person, or someone who already has everything, this guide has you covered with thoughtful, non-stuff ideas. I'm so glad you all liked it so much. We get the message - less consumerism but still supporting local and small is a WIN for 2025!
🗺️ What To Do This Weekend
All Weekend (closed Thanksgiving)
🎁 Oak Bluffs Holiday Open Market at Strand Theatre, 10a–3p (Fri & Sat)
Features food by Black Joy Kitchen and Santa visits, all in a festive vendor market setting.🧶 Vineyard Artisan Thanksgiving Festival at Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury, 10a–4p (Fri & Sat) / More Info
30th annual show of handmade gifts, art, food and crafts by island artists.🧝♀️ Dickens Village Vignettes at The Carnegie, Edgartown, 10a–3p / More Info
Peek into mini Victorian scenes on display throughout the historic building.🛍 World Market Holiday Shop at Capawock Theatre, 11a–5p
🎁 Holiday Gift Show at Featherstone Center for the Arts, 12–4p / More Info
📚 Holiday Book Sale at West Tisbury Library, during library hours / More Info
🧶 Island Made Holidays at Gayle Gardens, 10a–4:30p
Friday, November 28, 2025
🍂 Fall Festival at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown, 10a–2p / More Info
Includes hayrides, live animals, wreath making, food and kids’ activities at this long-running family tradition.🐎 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown, 10:30a–4:15p / More Info / $195
💃 We Dance at Pathways with DJ Benham Robinson at PathwaysARTS, Chilmark, 8–11p / More Info
Vinyl-only dance party with local DJ and funky global beats; doors open at 7:30p.💘 Swipe Right: Singles Speed Dating at Red Cat Kitchen, Oak Bluffs, 9p / More Info
A late-night mixer at the bar to meet potential matches in a relaxed setting; tickets required.
Saturday, November 29, 2025
🏃♂️ 5K Run and 3K Walk for KJ at MVRHS, Oak Bluffs, 10a / More Info / $30 per person or $90 per family
Cross country route through the State Forest honors a local student athlete.🌿 Wreath Making Workshop at Morrice Florist, Vineyard Haven, 10a–4p / More Info / $125
🌟 Light Up Oak Bluffs at Oak Bluffs, 10a–6:30p / More Info
All-day celebration includes carriage rides, scavenger hunt, Santa visit, food vendors, and tree lighting with cocoa and carols.
10a – Shops open across downtown Oak Bluffs
12p – Santa arrives at The Strand Theatre for visits and photos
1–3p – Horse-drawn carriage rides available (pickup on Circuit Ave)
1p – Snowflake Scavenger Hunt begins at Stefanie Wolf Designs
All Afternoon – Christmas Open Market at The Strand with Black Joy Kitchen, Custom stocking pop-up at Toteally Yours, Gift with purchase at Curio, Sales and specials at Slip 77, Island Outfitters & others, Festive bites at Offshore, Pawnee, Sweet Life, Black Joy, Lookout & Ritz
6:30p – Christmas Tree Lighting with carols and hot cocoa from Rockland Trust & Basics
🥣 41st Annual Chowder Cup at Dr. Daniel Fisher House, Edgartown, 12p & 1p / More Info
Taste chowders, vote for favorites, and enjoy music, beer and raw bar; advance tickets encouraged.🎨 Grange Fest + Contra Dance at Grange Hall, West Tisbury, 12–5p / More Info / Free
Art market, live music and contra dancing indoors at this family-friendly fall fest.🧠 Martha’s Vineyard Bingo at Oak Bluffs Library, 1–2p
A trivia twist on classic bingo featuring MV-themed clues and prizes🎻 Chilmark Potluck Jam at Chilmark Community Center, 6p / Free
Bring a dish and enjoy live music from a variety of local performers.
Sunday, November 30, 2025
🎬 Zootopia 2 Screening at Strand Theatre, Oak Bluffs, 3p
Final weekend matinee for this family-friendly animated movie.
💡 Gatchell Family Light Display at 148 County Road, Oak Bluffs, 8p / Free
A local tradition with synchronized lights and music each night, kicks off Friday and runs through the season.
Behind the Paywall: 20+ local holiday sales sorted by Online vs In-Person, a deep dive on OB in the off-season, a new arts nonprofit, 3 restaurants closing this weekend, and more.