Dozens of floats, hundreds of spectators, and thousands ­(or what seemed like thousands) of people dressed up in red, green and “Grinch” gathered along Main street for the annual Christmas in Edgartown parade.

In Vineyard Haven, Islanders flocked to the old Bowl & Board building to ring in the holiday season for December’s First Friday event.

A decided chill, no doubt blowing down from the North Pole, caused a festive crowd to bundle up tight for the annual lighting of the Edgartown Light.

On Thursday evening Chris Porterfield was celebrated with the Spirit of the Vineyard Award. The ceremony was held in a place he knows well.

About 70 people attended a volunteer orientation session to staff Houses of Grace, a system of winter homeless shelters.

On Memorial Wharf in Edgartown a tower of lobster pots was gathered, built and decorated by Sandy Fisher.