Tisbury, were 80% of the businesses on Main Street stay open year round, is really in the holiday spirit this year. Many of the businesses have joined the Tisbury Merchant’s Group, an energized new group that is making town fun to shop and visit, especially this month.
Tiz the Season, will happen in Tisbury, the weekend of December 12th and 13th. Yes, that is the same weekend as Christmas in Edgartown, but this will offer Islanders and visitors even more to do. Also, the bulk of fun happens on Sunday so you won’t have to miss the Christmas Parade. This is pretty much the biggest holiday weekend of the season, and the more the merrier.
Holiday Shopping & More
Tiz the Season is an event for the whole family, with so much more that just shopping, though that is one of the funnest things. I love shopping for Christmas gifts.
Perhaps you want to rest your feet or enjoy a Chirstmas classic with the family or friends. On Saturday, you can watch the Polar Express at the Cappawock Theater at 2 p.m. for free. This is a great opportunity to see this beloved holiday film with Tom Hanks on the big screen, especially if you plan to do the “real polar express” train ride, like I am with my kiddos later in the month.
On Sunday, December 13th, there will be horse-drawn hay rides by Fred Fischer, through town from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rides will begin across the street from Bunch of Grapes and you can also be picked up at Fella’s on Union Street. If you’re not around for a beloved hay ride, not to worry. You can join in the fun, same time same place on Sunday, December 20th. Check out this vintage pic from the Mansion House.
I used to love these rides when they were offered a few years back. There’s something about riding through town with your packages from your favorite stores, the kiddos, and a hot cocoa. These are memories that last a lifetime.
Adding to the fun on Sunday, the 13th, you’ll find live music from by the linden tree, alpacas from Island Alpaca, and don’t forget about the businesses on State Road is Tisbury.
Morrice the Florist will be offering ornament making with flowers all day and at 1:00 p.m. there will be a puppet show put on by the Plum Hill School at Morrice the Florist.
To sweeten the experience, refreshments and more can be found at the 37 businesses participating in Tiz the Season all weekend long. Stores will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find the really cute logo on participating store’s window or door.
Also, be on the lookout for wonderful artwork from the Tisbury School. The kids are making holiday inspired art for the windows of shops that have closed for the season. This is a creative and fun way to make Main Street even more festive.
Speaking of windows, the MVRHS Art Department and the high school students are going to judge which business window has the best, most festive, most eye catching decorations and displays. With so many great stores, this is going to be a tough one a bet.
What does the winning business get? Street cred and bragging rights. A little added fun for the business owners. The winner will be picked on Friday, December 11th.
With all the festive happenings, this is going to be a great weekend to go shopping with the family and really enjoy Tisbury.
Shop 2 Share
In addition to the fun activities, Tiz the Season is hoping to help people get in the spirit of the holiday and experience the joy of giving back, sharing with Islanders in need. Not only is Tiz the Season full of fun, it has a purpose, 10% of participating business’s sales on Sunday, December 13th, will go to the Vineyard Hunger Committee on Hunger. Thirty seven business making a difference with your help.
The Vineyard Committee on Hunger supports other non-profits who help serve those in our community who do not have enough food, and it is an Island-wide organization. From the groups website, I found out that 1 in 10 Vineyard families need help to survive the Winter. That adds up to a lot of families who need help from the generosity of people who care, and shopping local is an easy and fun way to give back.
Also, each business from Brickyard to Rainy Day, to The Beach House to Morrice the Florist, to Bananas to Little House Cafe and everyone else, will be putting together a fabulous gift basket to raffle off. The store chooses the goodies, the themes, and every raffle ticket sold equals more money for the Vineyard Committee on Hunger because that money is going to Islanders in need too.
Adults Need a Night of Holiday Fun Too
Now comes a fun night of shopping for adults only. The Tisbury Merchant’s Group is hosting Santa, Sake, & Savings on Thursday, December 17th.
Enjoy an evening of shopping and imbibing (if you so choose). This a night full of fun for us big kids. There will be a sexy Santa and maybe some elves at Copper Wok where you can enjoy lite bites and a little sake. This in itself is hysterical and sounds like so much fun.
While visiting Santa, be sure to tell him what you want. Hopefully you’ve been more nice than naughty. Also, don’t forget to grab a Tisbury Merchants Group envelope. Each one is filled with surprises. It might be a gift certificate, a coupon for a percent-off, a free gift. It’s an added bonus for an already fun night.
Be sure to head to LeRoux where you can shop for the foodie and chef on your list and sip on wine. The store is sponsoring a wine tasting event with Our Market. I always find that I shop better with a little vino.
Then make your way over to CB Stark Jewelers which is hosting a trunk show with Phoenix Russell of Island Wampum. Her wampum jewelry is handmade and she has some of the most creative and fun pieces on Island which would make amazing Christmas gifts for loved ones.
Stores will be open late, until 8:00 p.m. and many will be offering specials and surprises for shoppers that night.
These are just some of the happenings in Tisbury for the holidays. For more details and up-to-the-minute event info, you can visit the Tisbury Merchants Group Facebook page.
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While enjoying the holiday season, don’t forget to visit the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite this week! This month-long holiday fundraiser supports the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club After School Program — a vital service for 400 Island elementary school aged kids each week. You can visit in-person, at the Harbor View Hotel or donate online. Our goal is $15,000 this year, and we’re already at 10% of the total. We’d love your support. Donate Now
Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite Hours:
Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Christmas in Edgartown (Extended Hours)
Friday, December 11th – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Deceber 12th – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13th – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m