He participated in multiple briefings with national security aides who provided updates on the release of hostages in Gaza. The first phase of the hostage release had taken place earlier that day, and Biden expressed cautious optimism, stating that it was only a start but that things had gone well so far.

After the brief remarks on the hostage deal, President Biden joined in the traditional Biden family day-after-Thanksgiving activities. These activities included having a family lunch and exploring local shops on the picturesque Massachusetts island of Nantucket. However, due to the earlier briefings, the family lunch happened later than usual. The Bidens chose to have their lunch at Brotherhood of Thieves, a cozy bar and grill that prides itself on its historical charm, advertising itself as an "1840s whaling bar."

Following their family lunch, President Biden embarked on a shopping outing. His first stop was Nantucket Books, conveniently located just a couple of doors down from the restaurant. First Lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley were already browsing inside the bookstore when the president arrived. Expressing his love for tradition, President Biden explained that visiting the bookstore was a must for their Nantucket trip. After spending about 20 minutes inside, the president left with a copy of “Democracy Awakening” by historian Heather Cox Richardson, who had interviewed Biden at the White House the previous year.

The shopping spree continued as President Biden made his way to Craftmasters of Nantucket and then to the Jeweler's Gallery. Throughout his walk, he was greeted by cheering crowds, well-wishers shouting "happy birthday" (as the president had celebrated his 81st birthday just a few days earlier), and people eagerly taking photos of the first family.

The day concluded with the Bidens attending Nantucket's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. As the town crier led the countdown, the president and his family clapped in anticipation. The tree illuminated with an array of colored lights, marking the official start of the holiday season in Nantucket.

However, President Biden's outing was not without interruptions. He encountered pro-Palestine protesters twice during the day. The first incident occurred as he walked to lunch, and the second occurred at the tree lighting ceremony when a handful of demonstrators managed to position themselves at the front of the crowd. These protesters, leaning against metal barricades and waving banners that read "Free Palestine," chanted accusations of genocide against the president. It remains unknown whether President Biden, who was engaged in greeting members of the children's choir at the time, heard their chants. A local official present at the event urged the protesters to cease their actions, emphasizing that the event was meant to be a non-political community gathering.

Visiting Nantucket for Thanksgiving has become a cherished tradition for the Biden family, spanning several decades. The president and first lady first visited the island for the holiday in the mid-1970s, accompanied by their young sons, Beau and Hunter. As in previous years, the Bidens are staying at a vast compound owned by billionaire businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein, according to the White House.

On this day after Thanksgiving, President Joe Biden struck a balance between work and leisure, fulfilling his duties as the leader of the nation while also enjoying time with his loved ones in the idyllic surroundings of Nantucket.