ISLAND HAPPENINGS NOVEMBER / DECEMBER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 "A MOST WANTED MAN" Philip Seymour Hoffman gives his final screen performance in this taut yet labyrinthine adaptation of John Le Carre's 2008 spy novel. 7p.m. Atheneum Great Hall, 1 India St. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 "A PASSION FOR BIRDS" Comedian Henry Lappen uses realistic, handmade masks to explore how different birds have evolved different shapes and behaviors to adapt to their environment. 6:30 p.m. Atheneum Great Hall, 1 India St. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 FIREFIGHTERS CHARITABLE CONCERT The Nantucket Professional Firefighters Charitable Association will host its annual concert and fund drive to benefit island nonprofits. 8 p.m. The Chicken Box, 6 Dave St. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 VETERANS DAY "LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM" Documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy explores the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War in Saigon, when the United States has only a skeleton crew of diplomats and military operatives still in the country. 7 p.m. Atheneum Great Hall, 1 India St. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 "JERSEY BOYS" This musical biography of the Four Seasons explores the rise, tough times, persona clashes and ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. 7 p.m. Atheneum Great Hall, 1 India St. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 "CINDERELLA" Theatre Workshop of Nantucket presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's Tony Award-winning musical. Through Dec. 14. See www.theatreworkshop.com for additional dates and times. 5 p.m. Bennett Hall, 62 Centre St. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 LIGHTSHIP BASKET MUSEUM YARD SALE Furniture, accessories, clothing from Nantucket stores for men, women and children, art, antiques, housewares, holiday gift items, lamps, linens, toys, outdoor furniture and more. 10 a.m.-3p.m. Bartlett's Ocean View Farm, 33 Bartlett Farm Road. Continues Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23 "ON THIS DAY IN NANTUCKET HISTORY" The Atheneum presents a staged reading of Amy Jenness' quirky and fascinating new book, "On This Day in Nantucket History." 3 p.m. Atheneum Great Hall, 1 India St. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23 TREE OF REMEMBRANCE SERVICE Community members are invited to come together to remember loved ones who've died, and add ornaments with their names to the Tree of Remembrance. A brief interfaith service is held, followed by a warm reception indoors. Sponsored by Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket. 4 p.m. Jared Coffin House garden, corner of Broad and Centre streets WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 FESTIVAL OF WREATHS The annual Festival of Wreaths marks the start of Nantucket's winter holiday season, annually welcoming more than 1,600 visitors to enjoy more than 70 beautifully-decorated wreaths. Bid on wreaths made by island artists, designers, merchants and children during this silent auction. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday (Closed Thanksgiving). Nantucket Historical Association Peter Foulger Gallery, 15 Broad St. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 THANKSGIVING COLD TURKEY PLUNGE Hundreds of people will take a dip in Nantucket Harbor Thanksgiving morning to raise money for the Atheneum's Weezie Library's children's programs and services while hundreds more watch from the beach, www.nantucketatheneum.org 10 a.m. Children's Beach, Harborview Way. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 TREE LIGHTING AND COMMUNITY CAROLING Ring in the holiday season with the lighting of 150 beautifully-decorated trees followed by caroling with the Accidentals and Naturals, Nantucket High School's select choruses. 5 p.m. Main Street. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29 RAFAEL OSONA AUCTION Antiques auction featuring Americana, furniture, accessories, fine art, Nantucket baskets, jewelry, porcelain, www.nantucketauctions.com 9:30 a.m. American Legion Hall, 21 Washington St. Another auction Dec. 6. FRIDAY, DEC. 5-SUNDAY, DEC. 28 FESTIVAL OF TREES Opening Christmas Stroll weekend each year, the Festival of Trees transforms the Whaling Museum into a magical woodland of about 70 brilliantly-decorated holiday trees. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. See Inquirer and Mirror Calendar or www.nha.org for times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 YULETIDE FAIR Unique handcrafted holiday items and heirloomquality gifts, warm and tasty seasonal fare, baked goods and candy shop, holiday photos with santa, work by island artists and artisans, music, crafts and more to benefit the Nantucket Lighthouse School. www.nantucketlighthouseschool.org 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nantucket Yacht Club, 1 South Beach St. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE BREAKFAST SKATE Breakfast treats. Public-skating rates apply. 9:30 a.m.-noon, Nantucket Ice, 1 Backus Lane. RED TICKET DRAWING The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce's annual Red Ticket Drawing offers the opportunity to win big money while supporting local businesses. Must be present to win. 3 p.m. Top of Main Street. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31 EARLY NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION ON ICE Skate and celebrate the new year with favors, fun and family-oriented festivities. Noon-2 p.m. Nantucket Ice, 1 Backus Lane. NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION Chinese acrobat Li Liu and The Gizmo Guys - comedy jugglers Allan Jacobs and Barrett Felker - will perform a family-friendly show. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dreamland Theater, 17 South Water St. NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL Visit the Moulin Rouge and celebrate with the Perry Rossi Orchestra. Nantucket Hotel, 77 Easton St. www.thenantuckethotel.com FOOD FOR THOUGHT THURSDAY, NOV. 6 The Nantucket Historical Association presents Barbara White discussing "Cyrus Peirce: Radical Thinker." Free. Bring a lunch. Noon. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. THURSDAY, NOV. 13 The Nantucket Historical Association presents yoga instructor Caitlin Marcoux discussing "Keeping ACKtive." Free. Bring a lunch. Noon. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. THURSDAY, NOV. 20 The Nantucket Historical Association presents NHA Robyn & John Davis Chief Curator Mike Harrison discussing "Patent Models and the Invention of Safety at Sea." Free. Bring a lunch. Noon. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. CHRISTMAS STROLL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 BASKET FESTIVAL AND SHOW The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum presents the work of local weavers and museum members. Weaving demonstrations and refreshments. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, 49 Union St. Same hours Saturday. HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR Visit homes in the downtown area bedecked for the holidays. Ticket includes entrance to the Nantucket Historical Association's Festival of Trees, plus refreshments and singing by the Nantucket High School select choruses, The Accidentals and Naturals. Benefits Friends of the Nantucket Public Schools. www.fonps.org 4-7 p.m. Various locations around town. COOL YULE CHRISTMAS PARTY The Artists Association of Nantucket hosts its annual holiday party and Small Works Show reception. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery, 19 Washington St. YULETIDE GALA Dine and dance the night away at the Nantucket Lighthouse School's third annual Yuletide Gala. Music by Coq au Vin and Miss Fairchild, a silent auction, art show and raffle, www.nantucketlighthouseschool.org 5:30-10 p.m. Nantucket Hotel, 77 Easton St. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 ST. MARY'S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Hot food, sweet treats, gifts, raffles and unique treasures from artisans, crafters and jewelers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Mary's Parish Centre, 2 Federal St., side entrance. ST. PAUL'S CHRISTMAS MARKET The church will hold its annual holiday market, featuring a gift chalet, holiday merchandise, a bake sale, crafts, hand-knits and more. Sit-down lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. St. Paul's Church, 20 Fair St. ATHENEUM USED BOOK SALE Hundreds of lightly-used books and digital materials in a wide variety of genres will be available. Benefits library programs and services. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Atheneum Gallery, 1 India St. CHRISTMAS MARKETPLACE Lunch and refreshments, games, tables of unique merchandise and information on the island's nonprofits. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Parking lot at foot of Main Street. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 MAIN STREET ENTERTAINMENT Performances on the Main Street stage featuring Victorian carolers and island choirs. 10:30-11:45 a.m., 1-4:45 p.m.-Main Street. TOWN CRIER RINGS IN CHRISTMAS STROLL Follow the Town Crier from Main Street to Straight Wharf as he signifies the start of Christmas Stroll and announces the imminent arrival of Santa Claus. 11:45 a.m. Main Street VISIT FROM SANTA Santa arrives via water and travels up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage to the Jared Coffin House on Broad Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children from 1-3 p.m. Doors close promptly at 3. 12:15 p.m. Straight Wharf. JARED COFFIN HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy special entertainment while waiting to visit Santa or shopping along Broad and Centre streets. 1-3 p.m. Jared Coffin House, 29 Broad St. MAGICAL TALKING TREE Stop and chat with the magical talking Christmas tree outside Pacific Bank. You never know what it might say. 1-3 p.m. Top of Main Street. COMMUNITY SING-ALONG Join Nantucket's Victorian carolers for a very special sing-along on the steps of Pacific National Bank. 4:45 p.m. Top of Main Street. "MERRY AND BRIGHT (AND BROADWAY!)" Theatre Workshop of Nantucket presents Tony nominee and Emmy-winning actress, singer and recording artist Liz Callaway. 5:30 p.m. Bennett Hall, 62 Centre St. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 SKATING EXHIBITION AND SKATE WITH SANTA A skating exhibition featuring the Nantucket Island Waves synchronized skating team, Learn to Skate students and special guests. Santa arrives by Zamboni to skate with everyone. 2-5 p.m. Nantucket Ice, 1 Backus Lane