All over Chincoteague Island, on the Friday after Pony Penning, the islanders say “Well, the penning’s done. Before we know it, it’ll be Christmas.” And indeed, here we are—it seems like the excited crowds of July and August have just left, but the Refuge Inn Christmas Tree has been lit, and the whole town is decked out in holiday cheer. To celebrate, we’re offering a few Holiday specials—click here to see how to get a $25 rate this month at the Refuge, and enjoy a wonderful Chincoteague Christmas.
The calendar of events is full this month! Here’s an excerpt from Chincoteague.com’s list of Holiday Happenings, located on their website.
December 3, 2016
Children’s Christmas Party
Free and open to all children ages 2-10. Story-telling, face-painting, games and goody bags. A light lunch will be served! Please call 757-336-9749 with the number of adults/children who plan to attend. For more details: Call 757-336-9749.
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: American Legion (4023 Main Street)
December 3, 2016
Homes for the Holidays Tour 2016
The tour always features a wide variety of homes, some with over the top holiday decorations, others feature 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, which always benefits a worthy cause! For more details: Call 484-995-6001. Visit www.chincoteaguemerchants.com/our-events.html.
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
December 3, 2016
Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
Join beautiful Chincoteague Island on Saturday, December 3rd to celebrate a 37-year Christmas tradition – the Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade! The evening will begin at 6:00pm with ‘The Salt Marsh Ramblers” performing. At 6:30pm, there will be an invocation and Town Lighting in front of the Chincoteague Island Library. The annual Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade will begin at 7pm, when the fire whistle blows. Fill the sidewalks on Main Street from Maddox Boulevard to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Fire House to see enchanting floats, bands, marching units, decorated boats, fire companies from across the Eastern Shore, equestrian teams, classic cars, and more. Keep an eye out for Santa too!
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Main Street from Maddox Boulevard to the fire house
December 4, 2016
Island Churches’ Community Christmas Celebration
Join the island’s church choirs for a joyous community gathering to celebrate the Christmas season. Donations will be taken for the Chincoteague Food Bank.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Chincoteague Center (6155 Community Drive)
December 7, 2016
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.
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
December 10, 2016
Annual Holiday Cookie Sale
A variety of delicious homemade cookies will be sold by the pound. Proceeds go to benefit the CCA Building fund.
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Headquarters – 6309 Church Street
December 17, 2016
A Wish With Santa
Tell Santa your Christmas wish! Each child to visit with Santa will receive a sugar cookie from the Onancock Bakery (while supplies last).
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Police Department (6155 Community Drive)
December 17, 2016
Island Coffee House
Each month, the Island Coffeehouse presents a variety of arts in a listening room environment. Enjoy performances by acoustic musicians and spoken word artists, view some visual art, and savor food and drinks in a convivial atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. Doors open 6:30 pm; Performances begin 7pm. For more details: Visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org/coffeehouse.html.
Time: 7:00 PM
December 20, 2016
Santa Visiting Chincoteague Island – North Side
Catch Santa Claus going thru the north side of the Island on Tuesday, December 20th! Santa will be on the Chincoteague Island Fire Truck. Keep an eye out for his arrival! Church Street will be the dividing line… Approximately 5 PM. This route includes the Refuge Inn!
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: North Side of Chincoteague Island
December 21, 2016
Santa Visiting Chincoteague Island – South Side
Catch Santa Claus going thru the south side of the Island on Wednesday, December 21st! Santa will be on the Chincoteague Island Fire Truck. Keep an eye out for his arrival! Church Street will be the dividing line… Approximately 5 PM.
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: South Side of Chincoteague Island
Sponsor: CHINCOTEAGUE VOL FIRE COMPANY
December 31, 2016
The International Rolling Stones Show
The Chincoteague Island Arts Organization is proud to present The International Rolling Stones Show on New Year’s Eve –December 31, 2016, at the Island Theatre, Chincoteague! Tickets for the show are $30.00 and are availabe at Sundial Books, H&H Pharmacy and online. For more details: Visit www.ciarts.org.
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Chincoteague’s Island Theatre – 4074 Main Street
Sponsor: CIAO (CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND ARTS ORGANIZATION)
December 31, 2016
New Years Eve – Pony Island Horseshoe Drop & Costume Promenade
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! For more details: Visit www.CHINCOTEAGUECHRISTMAS.com.
Time: 10:30 PM
Location: Robert Reed Downtown Park
January 1, 2017
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! Plungers are encouraged to dress up in the zaniest, craziest costume they can come up with! Look for the pony… and the crowd!!! For more details: Visit www.CHINCOTEAGUECHRISTMAS.COM.
Location: On the Beach – Assateague Island, VA
Enjoy this video of the “snow” at the Christmas Tree Lighting! Let It Snow!