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Posted: November 24th, 2019
The holiday season is upon us and its a great time of year to visit Chincoteague Island. Just a few reasons to make Chincoteague your destination during the holidays include cooler weather, no mosquitoes, no crowds, and a full line up of Christmas themed events!
While your here be sure to go see the Snow Geese in Tom’s Cove on Assateague, take a crisp, cool walk on the beach, and eat some local seafood. Come spend your Christmas By The Sea!
Chincoteague Island kicks off Christmas By The Sea with the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and culminates with a Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day.
November 28 – December 1, 2019
Waterfowl Weekend
Fall heralds the return of thousands of waterfowl from their northern breeding grounds to the milder climate of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a variety of overwintering ducks, geese and swans by joining the flocks of visitors who celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend in this special place. Visitors will enjoy extended hours on the Wildlife Loop Trail, open to vehicles from 9am to dusk on November 28 – December 1, 2019. Please drive cautiously, as this trail is also a hiking and biking route. extended access is also available for visitors to drive on the Service Road (admittance from 12pm – 2pm only). For the special drive, visitors must enter the Wildlife Loop Trail and follow the one-way traffic pattern to the road’s entrance. This may take 10 or 15 minutes, due to high volume. All vehicles are expected to completely exit the Service Road by 4 PM. For more details: Call 757-336-6122. Email fw5rw_cnwr@fws.gov. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague/.
Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsor: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
November 30, 2019
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Chincoteague’s holiday season officially begins! There will be a special visit from Santa, holiday songs and caroling. Hot Cocoa will be served. Town officials, dignitaries and local celebrities will be among those attending. All are invited to join in the celebration. Many shops will be open after the tree lighting to offer early holiday shopping. If you are able, please bring a donation for operation we care and canned goods for the Manna Cafe.
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Robert Reed Downtown Park
Sponsor: Historic Main Street Merchants of Chincoteague
November 30, 2019
It’s a Wonderful Life
After the Town Christmas Tree lighting, across the street from Robert Reed Park the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be playing at the Island Threater. For more details: Visit www.islandtheatres.com/.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Island Threater (4074 Main Street)
Sponsor: Island Threater
Free Christmas Movies – Various dates and times
November 30, 2019
6th Annual CCA Holly Day Market and Wildlife Art Gallery
2 Buildings, Over 80 Vendors! Free Admission. Free Parking. RAIN or SHINE. The former Deborah Waterfowl Show carvers and artists are now part of Holly Day Market. Exhibiting in the Island Activities Center 9 am-3pm. PLUS arts, crafts, jewelry, antiques, holiday decor and more, including fresh cut greens and wreaths inside and outside the CCA building. AND the final Farmers Market of the Season The best from farm, field and bay, 9 am-1pm.
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Headquarters – 6309 Church Street
Sponsor: CHINCOTEAGUE CULTURAL ALLIANCE
December 4, 2019
Kiwanis Pancake Supper
In the true spirit of giving the Chincoteague Kiwanis Club holds its annual pancake supper on the first Wednesday in December. It is hosted by Bill’s Seafood Restaurant (4040 Main Street) Kiwanis members and Bill’s staff donate their time and tips to help families in need at the holidays. Tickets available from any Kiwanis Member, H & H Pharmacy or Mason Oil Co. Money raised will help make Christmas merrier for many this year. Kiwanis is an organization of volunteers…..”Dedicated to Changing the World, One Child and One Community At a Time”.
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks – 4040 Main Street
Sponsor: Chincoteague Kiwanis Club
December 6, 2019
“Savor the Season” Progressive Home Tour
Relax and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season, on Chincoteague Islands only progressive dinner tour that features 5 courses of delicious holiday delights with wine pairings. You’ll be entertained, informed, and well-fed! Kick off your evening with a selection of hors d’ oeuvres’ at the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Enjoy their Winter Festival of Lights throughout the grounds of Marina Bay & The Anchor Inn. For the second course, it’s off to “Miss Ida” the dressed up younger sister cottage of “Myrtle on Mumford.” Here you will enjoy the taste of traditional Chincoteague fare. For the third course you will be off to celebreate the holidays at “Holiday Cottages”. Where you will enjoy a lite fare before moving onto your next stop for a “Taste of The Tump” at the home of the Taylor Street Cowboys. For the final course guests will be transported to a Christmas wonderland as they arrive at Christmas Manor, where you will be greeted by none other than Mr. & Mrs. Claus who will be hosting a tour of their vacation home. Here you will earn bragging rights as you are awarded a photo opportunity with North Pole Royalty. Santa’s brilliant yard display and of course an amazing display of Desserts and Holiday Sweets baked by Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $50/ guest Advance reservations are required. You must be 21 years of age or older to participate. For reservation times call: 757-894-0924. All proceeds benefit Christmas by the Sea events.
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Tours start at The Marina Bay Hotel & Suites (3801 South Main Street)
Sponsor: CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
December 6 – December 8, 2019
Holiday Open House: Museum of Chincoteague Island
Free admission. Held Dec 6, 7, and 8th. Join us for hot cider and delicious cookies while you explore our exhibits, browse our gift shop, and try out some festive kids’ activities. Featured artist demos from noon – 3:00 p.m. each day. Artists will have items for sale. Dec 6: Cheryl Taylor (painter). Dec 7: Carroll Lee Marshall (decoy carver). Dec 8: TBA.
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Museum of Chincoteague Island (7125 Maddox Blvd)
Sponsor: Museum of Chincoteague Island
December 7, 2019
CCA Class: Cookie Decorating
Learn different techniques for decorating holiday cookies, making icings and glazes that anyone can do using items found in your pantry. Cookies will be baked beforehand and will be ready to decorate. $10. Class size limit 10. Students ages 12 and up. For more details: Visit www.chincoteagueca.org/store/p194/cookie-decorating-12/7/2019.html.
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: CCA Headquarters (6309 Church St)
Sponsor: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
December 7, 2019
Children’s Christmas Party
American Legion Post 159: Children’s Christmas Party. Story telling, face painting, games, and goody bags. Lunch will be served. For more details: Call 757-336-9749.
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: American Legion Post 159 (4023 Main St)
Sponsor: American Legion Post 159
December 7, 2019
Homes for the Holidays
The holiday house tour has become a much beloved tradition in our local celebrations on Chincoteague Island. The tour features a wide variety of homes, some with over the top holiday decorations, others special collections and memorabilia, and some just have a wonderful story to tell. Come visit and see all the charming cottages, historic buildings and houses on this year’s tour. All proceeds will benefit the Mana Cafe, a local organization that provides free hot lunches every Monday from 11-1 at the Christ Methodist Church on Chincoteague. For more details: Call 703-599-4430. Email kimberly.dennis@msn.com. Visit www.chincoteaguemerchants.com/.
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sponsor: Main Street Merchants of Chincoteague
December 7, 2019
Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
A truly Old fashioned Christmas Parade, featuring floats, marching bands, color guards, Saltwater Cowboys, Fire Companies from around the shore, and much more. And YES! of course!… Santa himself will be making a special visit. There are prizes and awards in a variety of categories. The awards ceremony and up close visit with Saint Nick takes place at the Firehouse after the parade. Look for the return of King Neptune, and his Mermaid Queen, celebrating “Christmas by the Sea”
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Main Street – Chincoteague Island, VA
Sponsor: CHINCOTEAGUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
December 8, 2019
Christmas Pudding
“Christmas Pudding”, a live dramatic and musical ensemble performance (with dessert) by the Lower Eastern Shore Performing Arts Company that will get you into the holiday spirit. Performance starts at 2:00 pm. Admission is $15. Tickets available at Sundial Books after November 1. For more details: Visit www.lowershorepac.org.
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Island Theatre (4074 Main Street)
Sponsor: Lower Eastern Shore Performing Arts Company
December 8, 2019
CCA Class: Holiday Ornaments Using Shells
Make your own holiday ornaments and decorations with local shells and sand dollars. We will be painting, embellishing and adding sparkle to create holiday themed shells and ornaments. Price: $25 includes all materials. Class Size Limit 12. Student Ages 14 and up. For more details: Visit www.chincoteagueca.org/store/p187/shell-art-12-09-2019.html.
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: CCA Headquarters (6309 Church St)
Sponsor: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
December 12 – December 14, 2019
Christmas Tree Village
Wonder through a wonderland of decorated Christmas trees and vote for your favorite one. Trees are sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, and families. Admission is FREE and open to all ages. Delicious refreshments will be available for purchase. Santa will be on hand to pose with your family. Take your own photos or have our photographer take the shot for you and receive edited digital copies – 3 for $5.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Chincoteague Museum (7125 Maddox Blvd)
Sponsor: Museum of Chincoteague Island
December 31, 2019
New Years Eve – Pony Island Horseshoe Drop & Costume Promenade
Join us for New Years Eve! This year’s theme is: It’s All About the 50’s. What’s Your 50? The Pony Island Horseshoe Drop is an end of year celebration that culminates in a promenade of crazy costumes just before the countdown to the stroke of midnight. That’s when the lighted horseshoe drops just in time to ring in the New Year!. It’s not Swarovski Crystal…but it does sparkle! Wear your favorite costume or just be a spectator. It’s all perfectly natural here! To become totally immersed in the oddest of silly visual spectacles, you should head for the Downtown Waterfront Park around 10:45 PM. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. Bring your camera to capture the spectacle, dress warm, wear a hat and gloves for sure, and comfortable shoes so you can shimmy and dance to the beat, but most importantly; bring family and friends with you to enjoy the grand fun that is all Chincoteague!
Time: 10:30 PM
Location: Robert Reed Downtown Park
Sponsor: CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
January 1, 2020
New Years Day – Polar Pony Plunge
Nothing can compare to the invigorating feeling you get by plunging into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean! It really is an awesome experience. There will be lots of fun all around. Plungers are encouraged to dress up in the zaniest, craziest costume they can come up with! Look for the pony and the crowd! Tuesday, Jan 1st @ 1:20 PM For more details: Visit www.chincoteaguechristmas.com/events.html.
Time: 10:30 PM
Location: on the Beach – Assateague Island, VA
Sponsor: CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
