Article: Christmas on Cape Cod - Holiday Events and Attractions
Christmas on Cape Cod - Holiday Events and Attractions
Experience the magic of the holiday season on Cape Cod with some of our favorite area Christmas strolls, festive parades, and Christmas light shows. With quaint and charming New England seaside villages full of activities there is so much to do! Below are some of the favorite traditions, enjoyed by my family:
The Polar Express Train Ride: Embark on a magical journey aboard the Polar Express Train departing from Buzzards Bay Depot. Enjoy merry music, a reading of The Polar Express story, sweet treats, and hot cocoa as the train makes its way to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Rides are available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through December 23, 2024.
Nov 15th – December 30: 15th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas at Sandwich Glass Museum showcases trees decorated with unique glass ornaments created by regional artists. It’s a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday decorations and gifts.
November 23: Cape Cod Christmas Market Held over four weekends at Naukabout at Mashpee Commons, this market showcases local artisans, gourmet delights, live entertainment, and festive décor. It’s the perfect place to find unique holiday gifts and enjoy seasonal treats.
November 23 – December 28: Nauset Model Railroad Club Open House Featuring over 2,000 feet of display space with model trains chugging through festively decorated miniature scenes. open house days are every Saturday from 1PM to 4PM.
November 27: On Thanksgiving Eve, kick off the holiday season with the Annual Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. The lighting commemorates the day in 1620 that the Pilgrims first landed in Provincetown harbor.
November 29
November 29 – December 14: Spectacle of Trees in Hyannis Local non-profits decorate Christmas trees adorned with incredible gifts like game systems, sports tickets, artwork, and even vacations. For a $10 donation, you enter to win a tree and all its treasures. The event also features musical guests, Santa visits, and an Ugly Sweater Contest.
November 30: Santa arrives by boat at 8:30 am at Town Cove Landing in Orleans. Bring the kids and wave to Santa as he visits all the good boys and girls of Cape Cod. Enjoy the day shopping, grab lunch at the Land Ho!, then back to the tip of the Cape we go! This time town for the Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree. Made of authentic lobster pots supplied by local fishermen, and decorated with lights and bows, this is one of the most iconic holiday displays on the Cape and Islands. Be there at dusk as the community sings carols, sips on hot cocoa and count down for the lights to be flicked on.
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich also starts the weekend after Thanksgiving, and runs through December 23rd. This spectacular display is a "must see" so be sure to put it on your list. Tickets can sell out so advance planning is recommended.
December 6-8: When the stars align and the Chair-Man has the ability to sneak away from the shop, the Nantucket Christmas Stroll is well worth the ferry ride. Like something out of a Hallmark movie, the island is impeccably decorated and the town buzzing holiday cheer.
December 6–8: Christmas in Harwich (stroll)
December 6-8: Brewster for the Holidays Festival Weekend
December 6-8: Holly Folly Weekend in Provincetown Celebrate the holiday season with Provincetown’s LGBTQ+ community during Holly Folly Weekend from December 6 to 8, 2024. The event includes open houses, dance parties, drag bingo, an Inn Stroll, and the Jingle Bell Run, where participants don festive attire for a fun run down Commercial Street
December 6–8: Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Join the Cape Symphony for their annual holiday concert featuring classics and special guests, including the Cape Symphony Dance Company and Chatham Chorale. Performances are scheduled for December 6, 7, and 8, 2024, at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis.
December 7: The Santa Stampede 5k road race in Orleans is a great way to burn off some of those turkey day calories. Awards for both the fastest runners and the most festively dressed make it fun for everybody, and the post race buffet and after party at the Barley Neck Inn is a blast!
December 8: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll On December 8, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Route 6A in Yarmouth Port transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy trolley rides, live music, holiday treats, and a tree lighting ceremony on the Village Green.
December 13-15: The most quintessential holiday activity for my family is to visit the charming town of Chatham for the Christmas by the Sea stroll weekend. It kicks off Friday night at dusk with the lighting of the town tree off of Main Street. Throughout the evening the festive crowd strolls the many shops, while being serenaded by live music and enjoying complimentary beverages. Grab dinner at one of the many great restaurants, and take in the holiday cheer.
December 14: Join the community at Mashpee Commons 6:00 p.m. for the Season of Illumination Parade Winter Wonderland
As you are passing to and from the Chatham area at night be sure to swing by the Cape Cod Beach Chair barn for our famous Christmas light show! Synchronized to music, we cover the exterior of our vintage 1800's building with thousands of lights.
Christmas Lights Displays Across Cape Cod Join the “Christmas Lights of Cape Cod” Facebook group to find some additional holiday lights and plan a delightful evening drive with family and friends.
One of our favorite memories when my daughters were younger, Gingerbread House Decorating at the Chatham Bars Inn
What to wear: Embrace your inner Clark Griswold and pull on our limited edition Cape Cod Christmas Sweater.
