Cape Cod Holiday Events:
Take a little Cape with you as you prepare yourself for the holiday season! Get into the holiday spirit by the seaside this December with Cape Cod holiday events. Spend a few days in a cozy B&B, book a spa treatment, dine by the fireside, and bundle up for a walk along the beach. Holiday décor-decked shops and charming village centers offer unique gifts for your holiday wish list.
Warm. Homey. Comfortable. Safe environment. Enjoying Christmas in Cape Cod.
The Polar Express Train
Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 2023
- When: On the Weekends
- Location: Buzzards Bay Depot, 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
- Tickets: $49 – $109
- More Info: Cape Cod Central Railroad
Train passengers enjoy merry music, readings from The Polar Express, and hot chocolate as they ride along the tracks.
Jolly Old Saint Nick himself will greet everyone with a rousing “Ho, Ho, Ho!” when the train stops outside the North Pole.
Your family is in for a wonderful holiday season!
Seaside Christmas in Orleans
Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, 2023
- When: Starts Saturday, November 26, and throughout December
- Location: Various locations in Orleans
- More Info: Seaside Christmas in Orleans
Seaside Christmas in Orleans has become one of the most popular town-wide celebrations of the Holiday season.
Mrs. Claus arrives in town on November 25th to join families for breakfast at Orleans Yacht Club while waiting for Santa to arrive by boat and then meet and greet his fans at Snow’s Home & Garden. Followed by Horse & Carriage Rides and a stroll downtown led by Santa and the band.
Get your running shoes ready for the annual Santa Stampede & Family Fun Run on December 2nd with costume prizes and a Mini-Claus Run.
Shop and business owners around town will be offering Holiday savings all month long.
Lobster Pot Christmas Tree
November 25th – 31, 2023
- When: Official Lighting took place Nov 25th. Nightly Lighting 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Lopes Square in Provincetown
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Lobster Pot Christmas Tree
Julian Popko’s lobster pot Christmas tree, made from over 100 lobster pots stacked over two stories high, is decorated with ribbons, garland, and thousands of lights.
Check out the most incredible Christmas tree you’ve ever seen!
Provincetown’s Lobster Pot Christmas Tree is an annual tradition! The heart of the town’s Lopes Square is decorated with a lobster pot tree each holiday season, which is stocked with over 100 lobster pots borrowed from local lobstermen. Lighting starts at 5:30 p.m. Arrive early to get the best view.
Christmas Lights Displays
Dec. 1 – 31, 2023
- When: All month long
- Location: Businesses and private homes around Cape Cod
- More Info: Christmas Lights Displays
Enjoy driving around looking at Holiday lights on a December evening? You can find lots of spectacular, glittery displays around the Cape. Get a map from the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce and see how many Giants of Sandwich you can find.
Gather the family in the car, crank up the Season’s songs, and go for a drive. Cape Codders are known for their creativity when it comes to Holiday decorating!
Pilgrim Monument Illuminated
Dec. 1 – 31, 2023
- When: Annual Lighting took place on Thursday, November 11 at 6 p.m.
- Location: High Pole Hill, Provincetown
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Pilgrim Monument
Pilgrim Monument’s 252-foot height, illuminated with thousands of white lights, commemorates the Pilgrims’ First Landing in Provincetown in November 1620. This is among the first of the Cape Cod holiday events that kickstarts our season.
Throughout the first week of January, the lights continue to shine. You still have plenty of time to see this breathtaking display for yourself!
Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas
Nov. 17 – Dec. 30, 2023
- When: During regular Museum hours
- Location: Sandwich Glass Museum, Main Street, Sandwich Village
- Admission: This show/sale is free to attend. A separate admission fee is charged for touring the Glass Museum
- More Info: Sandwich Glass Museum
The Sandwich Glass Museum is all decked out for the holidays. Aside from the Museum’s famous glass exhibits, this time of year features special trees decorated with hundreds of ornaments made by some of the region’s most prominent glass artists. Tour the Museum’s special exhibit A Pinch of Salt or watch a live demonstration of glass blowing daily.
Gardens Aglow
Dec. 1 – 23, 2023
- When: Weekends (Fri., Sat., & Sun.) from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. *Admission by timed entry*
- Location: 67 Grove Street, Sandwich, Heritage Museums and Gardens
- Admission: $22 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-17, and free for children under 2
- More Info: Gardens Aglow- This event has Sold Out!
This Holiday Season, Heritage Museums & Gardens is back with one of the most beloved Cape Cod holiday events, Gardens Aglow!
Heritage adorns its acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands with more than 10 miles of twinkling, sparkling lights during this extra-special time of year. What a wonderful sight!
Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy festive holiday displays, family-friendly activities, marshmallow roasting, music, and special performances, and Santa Claus visits.
Nauset Model Railroad Club Open House
Nov. 25 – Dec. 30, 2023
- When: Saturdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Nauset Model Railroad Club, Hilltop Plaza, Orleans, MA
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Nauset Model Railroad Club
There is no doubt that the Nauset Model Railroad Club’s Holiday Open House is a must-see for model railroad enthusiasts of all ages. A variety of model trains will chuggingly traverse miniature scenes that will be festively decorated over 2,000 square feet of display space for the holidays.
Jingle Jog 5K & Kids Ghelf Run
Dec. 2, 2023 3pm
- When: December 2, 2023 3 p.m.
- Location: Martha’s Vineyard Bank, 84 Main St, Falmouth
- Admission: $35 Registration/$30 Early Reg until Dec. 2nd/$12 GHelf Run
- More Info:Martha’s Vineyard Bank of Ghelfi’s Candies
Wear your wildest holiday “jingle bells” festive outfit to run the course starting and ending at the Martha’s Vineyard Bank, 84 Main Street. T-shirts for first 250 adults and 100 kids. Jingle bells for all.
Festival of Lights/North Pole Limited/ Santa’s Express
Nov. 26, 2023 – Dec. 23, 2023
- When: Events begin now and the light display continues through New Year’s Eve Day
- Location: Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St., Carver, MA 02330
- Admission: Starting at $12.95 Lights/$59.95 North Pole/$69.95 Santa’s Express
- More Info: See Edaville website for times and dates.
At Edaville Family Theme Park, guests are immersed in a fantasy world dazzling with steam trains, 250,000+ Christmas lights, food, Santa, vintage amusement rides, and more.
You can choose to journey to the North Pole behind the vintage steam train to meet Santa or embark as a VIP guest on Santa’s Express where Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each child to greet them with a Christmas gift.
This is one of the Cape Cod holiday events (just over the bridge) that attracts visitors from near and far every year, consider making this one of your family traditions!
Falmouth Holidays by The Sea Weekend
Dec. 1 – 3, 2023
- When: Starts 5 p.m. December 1st
- Location: Throughout the town of Falmouth
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Falmouth Holidays by The Sea
Falmouth’s Holidays by The Sea is jam-packed with fun for all!
The weekend includes caroling at Woods Hole, Santa sailing into Falmouth Harbor, the annual lighting of the Falmouth Village Green, and a downtown holiday stroll. A new event added this year is the Nobska Light Holiday Open House on Friday.
The Falmouth Christmas Parade on Sunday is the on of the major Cape Cod holiday events of the weekend. Do not miss this exciting event! Southeast Massachusetts’ largest Christmas parade includes decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters, and Santa Claus.
Brewster for the Holidays Festival Weekend
Dec. 1-3, 2023
- When: All weekend long
- Location: Various locations in Brewster
- Admission: Some activities are free; others require pre-registration/admission
- More Info: Brewster- Cape Cod
It is a long-established tradition in the historic “Sea Captains Town” of Brewster.
Brewster for the Holidays begins December 1st at 4pm in Drummer Boy Park with a tree lighting and carols, followed by a Band Concert at Brewster Baptist Church. Join Santa for Breakfast on Saturday or meet him at the Museum of Natural History all day Sunday.
You’ll find plenty of tasty treats throughout town, so bring your sweet tooth!
Christmas in Harwich
Dec. 1-3, 2023
- When: Starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and lasts all weekend long
- Location: Various locations in Harwich
- Admission: Many activities and events are free
- More Info: Harwich for the Holidays
Harwich’s Christmas in Harwich is a weekend of old-fashioned family fun for locals and visitors alike.
Christmas in Harwich begins with the Harwich Port Stroll Friday night with the Annual tree lighting and Santa arriving by Fire Truck.
There will be a Holiday Boutique and specials with Harwich Port businesses and organizations open houses, music, and good cheer. There will be Carolers, Harwich Town Band, a Christmas Parade and even Fireworks!
Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Tree & Wreath Sale
Dec. 2-3, 2023
- When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Taylor-Bray Farm, 108 Bray Farm Road, Yarmouthport
- Admission: Free. donations accepted
- More Info: Taylor-Bray Farm
Bring the kids to Taylor-Bray Farm to choose your Christmas tree or pick out a wreath and visit the donkeys, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals while you’re there.
Are you looking for holiday decor or gifts? The barn will be filled with homemade baked goods, swags, centerpieces, and crafts, all made by the Farm volunteers.
Holly Folly Weekend
Dec. 1 – 3, 2023
- When: All weekend long
- Location: Around town in Provincetown
- Admission: Some events require tickets, while others are free
- More Info: Holly Folly Weekend
The country first LGBTQ+ holiday celebration, organized by the Provincetown Business Guild, is the perfect weekend to browse Provincetown’s eclectic shops and galleries for unique gifts. Your pet will be delighted, too!
This gala weekend celebration, popular among the Cape Cod holiday events, includes a gallery stroll, Canteen’s Holiday Market, The Holly Folly Folies, the Snowball Bar Crawl, a Jingle Bell Run & Brunch Fundraiser and much more!
Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll
Dec. 2, 2023
- When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Main Street and Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis MA
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Hyannis Village Stroll
A stroll through the village of Hyannis at Christmas is always the highlight of the Holiday Season!
Among the activities to be featured at the stroll in 2023 are plenty of music, food, shopping, colorful decorations, and entertainment for individuals of all ages, as well as a boat parade on the inner harbor that is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. The Love Local Fest: Holiday Edition will be held on the Village Green and Harbor Overlook from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. as well.
Eastham Holiday Festival
Dec. 2, 2023
- When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Orleans-Eastham Elks, 10 McKoy Road, Eastham MA
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Eastham Holiday Festival
Children can visit with Santa, enjoy some goodies, as well as holiday crafts, face painting, entertainment, balloon twisters, and more. A free kids raffle will be drawn every half hour!
Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll
Dec. 3, 2023
- When: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Route 6A (Route is from Harvest of Barnstable to the Yarmouth Port Fire Station),Yarmouth Port, MA
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll
The village of Yarmouthport rings in the holiday season in fine style with its annual Christmas Stroll!
Enjoy trolley rides, live music, entertainment, cookies, hot chocolate, cider, and pastries.
Stay for the tree lighting ceremony and caroling at 4:15 p.m. at the Village Green! Event is free – rain or shine!
Hannukkah Party
Dec. 5, 2023
- When: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Location: Cape Symphony, 60 Highfield Dr, Falmouth
- Admission: $25
- More Info: Cape Symphony
Come celebrate Hanukkah with Zach Mayer and the power of nigunim, spiritual wordless melodies, rooted in Jewish tradition. Zach brings his experience of his family lineage of four generations of cantors. He joins communities around the country to lift their voices in joyous song. Zach brings knowledge, passion and warmth to both his music and teaching.
Glorious!
Dec. 8-10, 2023
- When: 7 p.m. Fri.; 5 p.m. Sat.; .3 p.m. Sun.
- Location: Provincetown Town Hall/ Nauset Middle School (Sun)
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Outer Cape Chorale
Add some festive music to your holiday season by catching one of the 3 performances of the Outer Cape Chorale led by Artistic Director Allison Beavan. Their annual December concert “Glorious!” features 120 singers, a Brass Ensemble, John Rutter’s “Gloria,” and the commissioned world premiere of “Reindeer Cantata” by Robert Grady.
All Outer Cape Chorale events are free but contributions welcome.
Osterville Christmas Stroll
Dec. 8-10, 2023
- When: 9 a.m. – -2 p.m.
- Location: village of Osterville
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Osterville Village Library
Join the 54th Annual Christmas Open House & Stroll. Special events throughout the village. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Main Street and Wianno Ave will be closed to traffic and parking from the Post Office to our flagpole.
Saturday December 9th at 11am will feature the Dog Parade followed by the Brentwood Brass Holiday Concert at 1 p.m.. Certainly one of the most beloved Cape Cod holiday events for dog lovers!
Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend
Dec. 8 – 10, 2023
- When: Recurring all weekend long
- Location: Throughout the town of Chatham
- More Info: Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend
Chatham’s “Christmas by The Sea Stroll” takes place over a weekend.
At 5:30 p.m., the Light Parade with Santa, leads to the tree-lighting at the Triangle. Enjoy a Horse & Carriage Ride from Town Hall.
There will be caroling, entertainment, shopping, dining, and lots of holiday cheer on Main Street!
Mashpee Illuminated Christmas Parade
Dec. 9, 2023 (raindate Dec 10th)
- When: Parade starts at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Parade begins and on Steeple St. at Mashpee Commons
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Mashpee Christmas Parade
There are many jolly Cape Cod holiday events in December, but the Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade is one of the Cape Cod holiday events not to miss!
It seems like the parade gets bigger and better every year, and this year will be no exception! Parade watchers line the streets throughout the Commons enjoying cocoa and vendors while they await the anticipated lighted floats.
Holiday Stroll Cookie Stroll
Dec. 9, 2023
- When: Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Historic Bass River, South Yarmouth, MA
- Admission: $27.50/adult, children under 12 free
- More Info: South Yarmouth Library
Walk through our historic Bass River neighborhood. Tour designated homes and she-sheds, earning a cookie or candy at each location. A trolley bus will be available this year. Start your day at the South Yarmouth Library, where you can enter a drawing for holiday decorations and enjoy homemade treats, to purchase and take home.
You can purchase tickets in person (no phone orders) at the South Yarmouth Library from December 4-9th, or online through the Cultural Center website from now until early December. You don’t want to miss one 0f the yummiest Cape Cod holiday events!
Sandwich Village Stroll
Dec. 10, 2023
- When: 12-4:30 PM
- Location: Sandwich Village
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Sandwich Chamber of Commerce
Explore charming Main Street, Jarves Street, and Route 6A where you can experience the various Merchant Open Houses, Family Fun, Music and Dance performances in front of the Belfry Inn. Enjoy the delicious food and libations throughout the historic downtown of Sandwich.
There are also events going on all day at the Sandwich Public Library such as musical performances and craft activities for all ages. The Library will be offering two readings of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by local actor and performer, Gerry Bova. Readings at 1, 2, and 3pm.
The Sandwich Fire Department will be holding their annual Toys for Tots collection, so don’t forget to pick up an unwrapped toy when you stop into one of the wonderful stores along the way. This is one of the Cape Cod holiday events that is sure to become a new favorite of your annual family traditions!
Dennis Village Stroll
Dec. 10, 2023
- When: 12 -3 p.m.
- Location: Dennis Village Green, Route 6A, Dennis Village, MA
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Dennis Chamber of Commerce
Spend a holly-jolly day in Dennis with hayrides, trolley rides, music at the bandstand, visits with Santa Claus, shopping, silent auctions, tree lighting, and more. Come join in the fun at one of the most beloved Cape Cod holiday events
Stop by the Cape Playhouse to listen to the quartet of Strolling Victorian Carol Singers or storytelling with St. Nick and crafts for kids with Mrs. Claus. You will find a more refreshments and crafts at the Cape Cod Museum of Art along with a Pop-Up Holiday Gift Fair with over 12 artists.
First Night in Chatham
Dec. 31, 2023
- When: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Location: Various locations in Chatham
- Admission: Varies by event
- More Info: First Night Chatham
A festival of family-friendly, alcohol free activities in a town-wide celebration of the arts with over 70 performances and events that all ages can enjoy is held in Chatham to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Every year, the dropping of the cod and the fireworks display at midnight are the highlights of First Night in Chatham. ) (NYC drops their glass ball. Chatham drops a replica codfish 😉
This is one of the last Cape Cod holiday events, with plenty of outdoor fun to usher in 2024 Cape Cod seaside style with First Night Chatham! This year’s theme: Where the Stars Shine.
Activities will start with the Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse at Noon, with indoor performances as in all but the past two years, reaching a peak of noise and awe with the Noise Parade and Veterans Field Fireworks, and more activities until finishing at 10 p.m.
Exploring More Cape Cod Holiday Events
There are so many Cape Cod Holiday Events to choose from!! Visit our Event Calendar for even more information about more Cape Cod holiday events or check out Solstice events on the Cape, or more holiday events on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket or Plymouth!
Don’t forget to Shop Local this season; you can begin by using our Holiday Shopping Guide to find unique gifts for all the loved ones on your list!
