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A Block Island Christmas getaway is a bit of a “best kept secret” around this time of year. While the summertime gets all of the shine, the cooler seasons often get overlooked. With the merriest of seasons getting busier every year on the mainland, it may be time to seriously consider escaping to the Island for Christmas. Much like our Thanksgiving thoughts, we figured we’d spread joy and gift you some reasons why you should consider spending this holiday across the water.

History of the Block Island Christmas

Believe it or not, Block Island has a rich Christmas history that goes back for generations! The island may be quaint and quiet around this time, but as the locals and regulars could remind you, it has never been lacking in holiday spirit and togetherness.

If you (and your family) are searching for a true and authentic Christmas experience, you will find it in all of the little shops, inns, stories and traditions around Block Island. In some ways, the Island offers a more close-knit yuletide affair because of its community bond—cultivated over years and years.

Ask a local about which traditions are new and which are throwbacks. Then, get out and take part in them—and maybe make a few new traditions of your own to add to Block Island’s Christmas legacy!

Last Minute Shopping

Though the Holiday Shopping Stroll has officially passed, some shops and stores remain open on the Island in December. With Christmas shopping becoming so commercialized, a small family-owned shop might but just what you need to cap off this year. There are still a bunch of great places to go gift hunting, including the Winter Market, which is open every Tuesday night in December, at the Island Free Library.

While others hustle and bustle through mall traffic and panic over last minute shipping times, why not take an easy-going walk and find the perfect thoughtful gift? Extra Christmas points if you take the time to hand-wrap it the traditional way (no gift bags!) and have a small gift opening party during your stay.

Classic Traditions

These days, it can be tough to find time-honored Christmas traditions. Block Island puts its own unique spin on a few that are worth a trip—like the Lobster Pot Tree in Esta’s Park, a must-visit. But there are also many ways to capture that vintage Christmas feeling on the Island.

You can hark the beautiful music traditions that will put the magic right into your Christmas. Parade on over to the St. Andrew Parish Center for a Christmas Piano Recital or stop in a catch the Christmas Jazz Concert at Club Soda. The Block Island School also has its Holiday Concert on Dec. 21 at 1PM.

And remember when you sat around in a warm place, with hot cocoa and watched classic holiday movies? Recapture that tradition for yourself and your little ones with Kids Movie Night at the Island Library on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The viewing party’s feature films are “Frosty The Snowman”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “Elf”!

Winter Wonderland Scenery

Speaking of views, if there is any Block Island season that could give autumn a run for its money—it’s the winter! If you are looking for a traditional winter scene, look no further. Block Island’s famous nature conservation culture really pays off in December!

With seasonal plants and trees galore, gorgeous birds traipsing around, and many houses and buildings lit up—the Island looks the part around Christmas time and promises holiday landscapes that nowhere else can. All it takes is a little snow to really make the dream of a white Christmas—a reality! Take a trip to see the Lighthouses decorated and bright for a lifelong memory.

The Joy of Family

Most important of all, Christmas is a time for loved ones. It is genuinely difficult not to get caught up in all of the surface details surrounding the season. No matter where you spend your holiday, it should always be about the joy that you get from being around those who make it all worth it.

A great way to put the focus back on that idea is to spend Christmas in a place, away from the fast-paced norm of mainland life. Block Island offers the perfect balance of solitude and togetherness. If you’re yearning for a return to that holiday quality time, check the ferry schedule, book a stay, and give your family the gift of a vintage and serene Christmas!

We hope to see you but if we don’t—Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at the Block Island Ferry!