Nantucket Christmas Stroll: A Novel

by Nancy Thayer

During their annual Christmas celebrations, a Nantucket family faces surprising news and unexpected decisions in this warm and inviting holiday novel by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer.

The Nantucket Christmas Stroll is the most wonderful time of year on the island, filled with holiday cheer and festive decorations. Excited holidaymakers crowd the streets, Santa arrives on a Coast Guard boat, carolers serenade with classic Christmas carols, and shop windows glitter with treasures, twinkling lights, and merry displays. 

At the heart of this celebration is the Parsons family and the sparkling house party they host each year. Brick Parsons and his wife, Jane, eagerly anticipate the arrival of their three adult children, Lydia, Florence, and Lucas, who are all coming home for the holidays.

Lydia, a successful hospitality professional, is torn between her career in New York and her new relationship with her uber-wealthy cosmopolitan boyfriend. Florie, the ambitious middle child, is madly in love with a handsome poet who wants her to move to his hometown in Wisconsin. Lucas, the golden boy, has decided to switch his career path, and is fearful of his father's reaction.

Together, the family celebrates the Stroll, reuniting with old friends and lovers on the tree-lit Main Street. But the holiday cheer is soon overshadowed by the stress of the season as secrets are revealed and emotions run high.

Champagne flows and Christmas-themed canapes are enjoyed as the Parsons family come together on the night of the party, proving that family and the power of love can make any season bright.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Nancy Thayer has published 35 novels, including Family Reunion and Secrets in Summer. She has lived on Nantucket Island year-round for 38 years with her husband Charley Walters. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Reviews

[Mo Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.

Normally I like Nancy Thayer's books, but this one was a hot mess. I thought there were too many characters and the book itself was too short to give any character any sort of depth. I found the gender roles and expectations to be incredibly cringe, especially since we are led to believe this takes place in present day. Brick Three is 44 but he acts like my 80 year old dad (this is not a compliment). Also, everyone actually calls him Brick Three??? I could not wrap my head around that. The whole Milwaukee thing sounded like it was written by someone who has never actually been to Milwaukee. You can skip this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine!

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer always gives us a great Christmas Book and this is one of her best. It's Christmas time for the Parsons Family- a multi-generational family who grew up on Nantucket. Jane and her husband Brick Three Parsons (he's a third, y'all) have become empty nesters so this upcoming Nantucket Christmas Stroll means everything to them as their 3 adult children will return home- all of them having missed Thanksgiving for the first time.

Lydia, Florie and Lucas had other plans at Thanksgiving and they're all busy with their personal lives in a state of flux. Lydia is a successful business woman who wanted to run the family insurance business but is barred because she's female- that duty will fall to younger brother Lucas. Lucas has some fresh thoughts of his own which may or may not upset the family business. Meanwhile, Florie- the free spirited middle daughter wants to travel the world. The gals are bringing home plus-ones while Lucas has a mystery woman on the island.

Everyone arrives at the Parsons family home with a set of issues. What they don't know is that Jane and Brick Three are harboring a miracle of their own. What happens next is Christmas chaos- with relationships, high emotions, and doubts trying to seep into the holiday magic. This family is rooted in tradition and belief- and sometimes, you need a little Christmas Miracle to settle things down.

Thank you to the incredible Nancy Thayer and Ballantine Books for trusting me with this ARC freely in exchange for an honest review. #nancythayer #ballantine #libraryninja📚

[Barb Goodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something so appealing about the premise of this one: the three Parsons children returning home to Nantucket for Christmas Stroll, each bringing along the partner they hope to build a future with. It has all the makings of a cozy holiday read — family, romance, a beautiful island backdrop.

That said, the execution didn’t quite give me the warm, immersive experience I was hoping for. The story is structured as a fragmented chronology, hopping between each character’s perspective chapter by chapter. With two parents, three grown children, the Stroll, and the family’s Christmas party all packed into just three days and 288 pages, things move quickly — maybe too quickly for the characters and their relationships to really breathe. I found myself wanting more time to settle into each person’s story. The Nantucket setting, too, felt more like a backdrop than a fully drawn place; readers already familiar with the island may get more out of the geography and downtown details than I did.

Even so, there’s a sweetness here that will land well for readers looking for a light, fast holiday read with that come-home-for-the-holidays family feeling. It’s a book best enjoyed for its cozy atmosphere rather than deep character development, and I think it’ll find its audience this season.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: The Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Author: Nancy Thayer
Publisher: Ballantine/ Ballantine Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: September 29, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 288

The Nantucket Christmas Stroll is the most wonderful time of year on the island, filled with holiday cheer and festive decorations. Excited holidaymakers crowd the streets, Santa arrives on a Coast Guard boat, carolers serenade with classic Christmas carols, and shop windows glitter with treasures, twinkling lights, and merry displays.

At the heart of this celebration is the Parsons family and the sparkling house party they host each year. Brick Parsons and his wife, Jane, eagerly anticipate the arrival of their three adult children, Lydia, Florence, and Lucas, who are all coming home for the holidays.

Jane and Brick have a surprise, but Jane doesn’t want to take away the fun of the family getting together at Nantucket for the Annual Christmas Stroll.

Although they don’t tell the family there is a lot of chaos- unexpected relationships, the son who was supposed to take over the company wants another career.

I have read other Nancy Thayer stories, so I was pulling for some holiday magic.

Want to thank NetGalley and Ballantine/Ballantine Books for granting me this widget!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 29, 2026.

[Anne Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slipping into a Nancy Thayer novel is like putting on your favorite slippers. It’s comfortable, warm and relaxing. A visit to her Nantucket is sure to provide you with interesting characters, descriptions of food, clothing, stores, décor, and scenery. The four-star rating is earned by another story that does not disappoint and is true to its genre. Everything ends the way you hope, and you enjoy getting there.

Jane and B rick Three, her husband who own the island’s insurance company find they are expecting a baby at the age of 44, Their three grown children, Lydia, Florie and Lucas are arriving for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, an annual even in town followed by their party.

The two older daughters are bringing significant others. Their youngest is hoping that a local nurse can become his. There are complications with careers and futures, Brick Junior and his second wife, and telling the kids about their forthcoming sibling. You have to love the names of local businesses like Born and Bread Bakery and other cutesy names, but that’s part of your reasons for enjoying Thayer’s novels. This one is no exception.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the early copy of this book. These are my honest opinions.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer once again transports the reader to Nantucket Island with her trademark descriptive charm. Her vivid scenes make it easy to imagine the festive streets, the salty air, and the cozy holiday bustle — by the end, I almost felt as though I’d spent the Christmas Stroll there myself.
The story centers around Brick and Jane Parson, who are eagerly preparing for their annual Christmas Stroll party and the long-awaited arrival of their three adult children. Lydia, the oldest, returns with her wealthy, worldly boyfriend; Florie, the middle child, arrives with her handsome poet boyfriend who hopes she’ll move with him to Wisconsin; and Lucas, the youngest, comes home carrying life changing news about his future and the family business.
Although the novel is set against the backdrop of Nantucket’s festive holiday traditions, the heart of the story lies in the family’s secrets, challenges, and emotional crossroads. Each member — including Brick and Jane — faces personal struggles that unfold with warmth, honesty, and Thayer’s signature insight into family dynamics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am usually a big fan of Nancy Thayer’s books which feature the beauty and uniqueness of Nantucket Island; so I was surprised that this latest novella delivered only a moderately entertaining experience. There are a lot of moving parts in this storyline featuring the Parsons family – grandparents, parents, three adult children and their love interests. While the famous Nantucket Christmas Stroll weekend provided the holiday inspiration, it was overshadowed by a chaotic feeling of real and potential emotional conflict among the characters. I never felt connected to the characters and their various dilemmas, some of which seemed rooted in rather archaic beliefs about family loyalty and gender roles. Overall, I was left wanting a story that delivered more of a feel-good Christmas spirit.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[A Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Nancy Thayer book is an automatic jump to the top of my TBR pile and NEVER disappoints with that decision. Nantucket Christmas Stroll is a warm and comforting holiday read that ignites the warm and fuzzies.

Jane and Brick Three have just found out some wonderful news and can't wait to share it with their children. What better time to do it than during the annual Christmas Stroll and their annual Christmas Stroll party. All three of their children will be present. Before they can tell their happy news, all of their children have wonderful news of their own.


Nancy Thayer has been hailed as a master storyteller and book after book, she shows she has earned that title. I absolutely loved this story encompassing family and friends. It's about a lasting love and also new love just starting to bud. I loved the vivid descriptions of Nantucket. It made me feel I was actually present at the Stroll. I enjoy reading about Nantucket no matter what the season.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy

[The Starbound Girl✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is a quick read, and giving details will ruin the experience. It was an easy Christmas-themed story, but I felt it focused more on the family than Christmas. The holiday themes seemed to be more of a background thought, which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

I will also say, the parents in this book were 44. The way they spoke and conducted themselves made me feel like they could be my parents, and I am almost 41 with three grown children, also. Maybe it's a me thing, but they were written much older than they really were. Another issue with the parents, especially the Dad, was how he felt emotions had to be hidden/were shameful in men, and how the family company can't possibly be passed to the eldest daughter.

Overall, it was an okay Christmas book. I enjoyed the Nantucket vibe. 3.25 stars.

[Tammy Lee Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy received from NetGalley.

This Christmas themed novella transports you to the island of Nantucket during their famous Christmas Stroll. Taking place over an event-filled long weekend, the book drops you into the story of Brick Three, his wife Jane, and their 3 grown children. Everyone comes into the weekend with much going on in the personal lives while also trying to be together and present for this annual holiday tradition.
The book is cute and charming. However, there are many storylines going on, and with it being a short read, you don’t get the chance to get too attached to any one character though. Maybe Jane.
But if you love Nantucket stories, you’ll love this festive vignette set in the coastal ambience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this advance copy.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer is a Nantucket author who writes summer and winter novels. This year she takes us to the Nantucket Christmas Stroll. Anyone who has ever been understands the excitement and festivities that take place during this weekend.

This is where the book fell short for me. The novel focuses on the Parsons family. Jane and Brock Three have a secret from their 3 children - a baby on the way. Lydia, the eldest is involved with an affluent businessman. Florie is hoping to make her future with a poet and Lucas who was supposed to step in to take over the family business but wants to become a nurse.

While I enjoyed the development of the characters, the conflicts and decisions they were making, the only Christmas part seemed the time of year it was taking place.

Thank you to the author, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

[Roxanne Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was such a great Christmas in July book for me that makes me want to travel to Nantucket in December for the Christmas Stroll. That part of Nantucket is a big part of the background for this book. Generational characters and three children who are about to go out into the world after college and start their adult lives.. Their parent's find out that they are pregnant in their mid 40's. Each of the children are in a relationship and we get a look into where they are and where they want to go next. I loved the way this family loves each other and some of the parts reminded me of my own siblings. Now I have put the Nantucket Christmas Stroll on my Bucket List. Such a great read. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Audio book. I predict that this book will get a lot of talking going on in December .

[Misty (Red's Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nantucket Christmas Stroll is a festive page-turner that is destined to have you hooked from it's opening lines. This one centers around the Parson's family and their annual Christmas tradition of gathering at their parents home to celebrate the holiday and participate in the Christmas Stroll.

Each family member has something exciting going on in their own lives, secrets are about to be shared, and it's all going to come out when the family settles in for their holiday festivities. Which means a little drama, a little fuss here and there, and some holiday cheer await you between the pages! Highly recommend this wonderful holiday gem, it's sure to leave you smiling!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Alicia Niles Kleckner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me say this first, Nancy Thayer is one of my favorite authors. That being said this book felt a little rushed, too many things were wrapped up in the last few pages. A few characters were just not believable - Brick Three acted way older than he is - how will he be a hands on Dad when he is acting like he is 80? I was at 97% and thought, “is there going to be a sequel ?” The story idea was great - 3 adult children go home to Nantucket for the Christmas Stroll with new partners and a few secrets. Their parents also have a secret. If you love the writer then of course you will want to read this Christmas story. If you are a first time reader of the writer I would start with a different book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather Putnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect book to read for Christmas in July! I did have to turn the air down, bake some cookies and cuddle under a blanket for the full effect. Nancy Thayer does a really great job of making you feel like you are in her stories. She mentions locations (stores, restaurants, and beaches) and people (Elin Hilderbrand!) that really transport you there. I liked getting to know the Parson family. Each family member has some things going on (as we all do!) and I loved reading about how they prioritized their family while also creating their own stories. This book will get anyone in the Christmas Spirit!

[Beth Hunsberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book.

This story is focused on the Parsons family who has enjoyed the Nantucket Christmas stroll each holiday season. Their life on Nantucket is special and this holiday tradition is now one that the three adult children are beginning to share with significant others as they start to determine their next steps in life post-college. Their parents, Jane and Brick, are happy to have their children home and host the regular festivities. They have a surprise of their own and it seems that each family member has a big life change and decision ahead of them, mapping out a potential new future.

[Tina Versaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advance e-book of Nantucket Christmas Stroll: A Novel to review. The book follows year round Nantucket residents, the Parsons family, as they prepare for their annual party for the Nantucket Island Christmas stroll. Jane Parsons and her husband, Brick the Third are excited that all three of their adult children are coming home for the stroll, and their daughters are each bringing a boyfriend.

Lydia, the oldest, is bringing her Finnish boyfriend, who is very reserved, and learns she may be promoted and moved to Arizona. She always wanted to take over the Parsons family insurance company, but once her brother was born, her very traditional father & grandfather started grooming him for it. Florie, their second daughter, brings her poet boyfriend, Daniel, who is finishing school and wants Florie to move back to his hometown in Wisconsin, which might be a little too far away from the island for Florie. Lucas, the youngest and only son, is keeping a secret from his family, which could upset his parents.

Can the Parsons family work through all the changes that their grown children are mulling over? As usual, Nancy Thayer creates an amusing, but loving story about family and fun on her home island. They really should have her write their travel brochures. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful year of going to the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, and I had so much fun. The Parson family is having their Christmas Stroll weekend with the family all home, friends and visitors, me being one of them. It is a whirlwind weekend, and the family dynamic is changing, and there are so many surprises for us to see. . The town is all decorated, there are some snowflakes, and the spirit of Christmas just comes alive. It is a whirlwind weekend, and it went by much too fast, but I will be back next year for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll.
I received an ARC from Ballantine Books through NetGalley.

[Christine Lussier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like books by Nancy Thayer, I wanted to like this book. However, it was just ok
Family headed home to Nantucket for the Christmas Stroll. Three adult children with their significant others. Surprise-everyone has their own set of drama concerning their relationships, AND, Mom is expecting surprise baby #4!
I felt like the chapters repeated themselves with how the characters expected their lives to be vs actuality. At one point I was questioning if the author had to write x number of words to make the book long enough. Does it end with a happy ending? Of course.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Thayer, and Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stroll into the holidays with a feel-good Nancy Thayer book. Her family-dynamics, festive cheer and fresh-take on the Christmas Stroll will leave fans and first-time readers laughing at her holiday antics. Despite the Parsons' best efforts, Janie's heartfelt holiday plans are unraveling. She longed for her adult children to return home and nothing is going as planned.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the early edition of #NantucketChristmasStroll in exchange for an honest review. Readers will fall in love in love with the Parsons' shenanigans and being part of the holiday train that continues to go off course despite everything being on track.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nantucket is a wonderful place to visit. But lucky for Jane and husband Brick Parsons the III, Nantucket is home and where they raised their family. It’s time for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll and it is tradition for their children to return home to spend the weekend together. Jane and Brick have big news to share. But their kids have news and some surprises to share too.
Another sweet story by author Nancy Thayer, who knows how to bring family and friends together for fun, laughter and plenty of love to go around.
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine Books
for the eARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book without remuneration and this review is my own opinion.

[Trish]

Spending the Nantucket Christmas Stroll weekend with the Parson family was so enjoyable. Nancy Thayer make one feel like they are on the island as we read her books. We learn about family members and their surprise announcements. We see reactions from siblings and more important from parents Jane and Brick Three as they have a life altering surprise of their own.
This is the style of Nantucket Christmas read we've come to expect from Nancy Thayer.
Five stars from me and thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to early read.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nantucket Christmas Stroll” by Nancy Thayer
One Very Special Weekend ! !
What a Weekend !! The seven (7) members of the Parsons family gathered for their traditional annual celebration activities; just as usual. Although, there were some secrets to be shared and the normal concerns re: just how others would react to the news. I loved my time in this story. It is sweet romantic and rather cozy tale filled with laugher and maybe a tear or two. By the way, there was never a moment that I willing set the story aside to take care of necessities. Happy Reading ! !

[SOMDReigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many family changes – all three “children” have life changing news. I liked the premise, just the story didn’t fully hit with me. I had a hard time with the father’s name – Brick Three, it threw me off every time I read his name; just didn’t like it. The parents were not my favorite personalities but that’s okay. Every town has people in it that may not be your cup of tea. I did like the adult children but felt their stories weren’t fully told. This is a miss for me but I’m sure others will like it.

[Kori · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second time in recent years that I've had an issue with how characters in their forties are being written. The language used and thoughts given to Jane and Brick Three are completely out of touch- I can't fathom any woman, never mind a 44 year old, calling her husband "Brick Three" while having a conversation alone with him. It really was difficult to ignore and lessened the potential enjoyment of this book for me.

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story about the yearly Christmas Stroll party that Jane and Brick 3 Parsons hold every year, This year Lydia, Florie and Lucas are home. 2 of them having Jared and Danny there , Lucas has a friend Sheila and also a career decision he has made. The Parson's men work in the family insurance right now it is Brick Jr and Brick 3. They want it to stay in the family. There is so much going on in this story that to tell much more would be spoilers. A VERY Good Read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it’s August, reading a Christmas story is enchanting. Meeting the Parsons family with all their similarities and differences led to an interesting family saga that has left room for future volumes. The description of the Christmas Stroll and heart of Nantucket makes the reader want to visit. The traditions and family love shine throughout. Many thanks to NetGalley & Ballantine Books for this ARC copy and for getting the holiday season (although early) off to a magical start.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The synopsis of this book is so lovely and I really wanted to enjoy it. However, like other Nancy Thayer books I’ve read, the dialog makes the characters seem so much older than they are. Also, there are a lot of characters introduced, but none are really well developed, and there just a lot going on in such a short book.

Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lethina Mirkovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a story set in Nantucket? This was such a cute, cozy Christmas read with all the charm you’d expect from a Nantucket setting. It was an easy, enjoyable story that put me in the holiday spirit, even though I’m trying desperately to hang onto these last few days of summer! While it wasn’t a favorite, I definitely enjoyed spending some time on Nantucket for the Christmas Stroll!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the eARC!

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks in advance to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC.

I am a Nancy Thayer fan and I really wanted to love this book as much as I have loved her others. I liked the overall theme of the story (Christmas Stroll on Nantucket, every family member has big things happening in their lives) but I feel like there were many editorial issues (inconsistency in story timeline, some awkwardness in phrasing. I hope everything gets smoothed out before publication.