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. 25 – Dec. 23, 2022
- When: On the Weekends
- Location: Buzzards Bay Depot, 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
- Tickets: $44 – $104
- 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. 26 – Dec. 31, 2022
- 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 26th 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.
Get your running shoes ready for the annual Santa Stampede & Family Fun Run on December 3rd 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
Dec. 1 – 31, 2022
- When: Official Lighting took place Nov 27th. 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, 2022
- 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, 2022
- 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.
At 6 p.m. on November 11, the 2021 Annual Lighting took place virtually.
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
Dec. 1 – 30, 2022
- 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 Light Up the World or watch a live demonstration of glass blowing daily.
Gardens Aglow
Dec. 1 – 23, 2022
- 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 its treasured annual event, 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
Dec. 1 – 17, 2022
- 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. 3, 2022 3pm
- When: December 3, 202,2 3pm
- 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.
The Enchanted Village
Dec. 2, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
- When: Begins December 3, 2021, the light display continues through New Year’s Day
- Location: Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Route 132, Hyannis
- Admission: Free; gift cards and new, unwrapped gifts are gratefully accepted
- More Info: Enchanted Village
At the Enchanted Village, guests are immersed in a fantasy world dazzling with tens of thousands of twinkling lights, animated displays, and Santa’s Village. Cape Codder Resort’s holiday display attracts tourists from near and far every year!
Between December 2nd and 23rd, Santa will be visiting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The light show continues through New Year’s Day.
Under the Giving Tree, everyone is asked to bring an unwrapped new gift or a gift card as a donation to Independence House in Hyannis.
Note: Guests of Cape Codder Resort and the general public are welcome to this event.
Falmouth Holidays by The Sea Weekend
Dec. 2 – 4, 2022
- When: Starts 5:30 p.m. December 2nd
- 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.
The Falmouth Christmas Parade is the big event of the weekend. Do not miss one of Cape Cod’s most exciting events in December! Southeast Massachusetts’ largest Christmas parade includes decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters, and Santa Claus.
Brewster for the Holidays Festival Weekend
Dec. 2-4, 2021
- 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 2nd 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. 2-4, 2022
- 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 Holiday sales and specials with Harwich Port businesses and organizations open houses, music, and good cheer. There will be Carolers, Harwich Town Band, Holiday Elves and more
Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Tree & Wreath Sale
Dec. 3-4, 2022
- 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. 2 – 4, 2022
- When: All weekend long
- Location: Around town in Provincetown
- Admission: Some events require tickets, while others are free
- More Info: Holly Folly Weekend
This 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 includes a gallery stroll, Canteen’s Holiday Market, The Holly Folly Folies, the NutCracker Ball, and a Jingle Bell Run.
Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll
Dec. 3, 2022
- When: 11 a.m. – 5 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 2022 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 4:30 p.m. The Love Local Fest: Holiday Edition will be held on the Village Green and Harbor Overlook from 11-4pm as well.
Eastham Holiday Festival
Dec. 3, 2022
- When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Gift Barn at 4180A Rt. 6 and Orleans-Eastham Elks at 10 McKoy Road, Eastham MA
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Eastham Holiday Festival
The event will take place at both the Gift Barn and the Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge.
See Santa at the Gift Barn and get some free goodies for your little ones. At the Elks Lodge, you can also find holiday crafts, face painting, entertainment, refreshments, gifts, and more.
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy of any value for the annual Elks Lodge holiday toy drive.
Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll
Dec. 4, 2022
- When: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Rt. 6A & Strawberry Lane, Yarmouthport
- 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, delicious soups, cookies, hot chocolate, cider, and pastries.
Stay for the tree lighting ceremony and caroling at 4 p.m. at the Village Green!
Osterville Christmas Stroll
Dec. 9-11, 2022
- When: 5-9pm
- Location: village of Osterville
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Osterville Village Library
Join the 53rd Annual Christmas Open House & Stroll. Special events throughout the village. From 5 to 9 p.m. Main Street and Wianno Ave will be closed to traffic and parking from the Post Office to our flagpole.
Saturday December 1oth at 11am will feature the Dog Parade at the Christmas Stroll.
Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend
Dec. 9 – 11, 2022
- 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 5:45 p.m., the caroling begins, leading to a tree-lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, and many other events at Kate Gould Park.
There will be caroling, entertainment, shopping, dining, and lots of holiday cheer on Main Street!
Mashpee Illuminated Christmas Parade
Dec. 10, 2022 (raindate Dec 11th)
- When: Parade starts at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Parade begins at Deer Crossing and continues up Route 28 to Mashpee Commons
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Mashpee Christmas Parade
There are many jolly events on Cape Cod in December, but the Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade is one not to be missed!
It seems like the parade gets bigger and better every year, and this year will be no exception!
Holiday Stroll Cookie Stroll
Dec. 1o, 2022
- When: Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Historic Bass River, South Yarmouth, MA
- Admission: $25/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 5-10, for $25.00. Order tickets online through the Cultural Center website (under special events) – for $27.50 from now until early December. This is our Association’s largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds benefit the library. Stroll time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sandwich Village Stroll
Dec. 11, 2022
- When: Dec. 11th: 12-4 PM
- Location: Sandwich Village
- Admission: Free
- More Info: Sandwich Public Library
The first Sandwich Village Stroll takes place December 11th from 12:00 to 4:00pm starting at First Church Sandwich, UCC. Make sure to get your reindeer scavenger hunt card and merchant passport at the Chamber table in front of First Church to get stamped along the way at each location to be entered to win wonderful raffle prizes!
The Sandwich Public Library will be offering two readings of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by local actor and performer, Gerry Bova. Readings at 12:30pm and 2:00pm. Enjoy live music performances in the lobby and a holiday sweet treat.
Main and Jarvis Streets will be closed to traffic to allow for meandering through all of the Merchant Open Houses, street entertainment, live music, carolers, street vendors, and so much more!
Stroll to the Sandwich Arts Alliance parking lot to visit Santa! Jason Goldstein Photography will be taking pictures that will be available to order from his website, so dress to impress! 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 sure to be a wonderful afternoon in picturesque Sandwich Village!
Dennis Village Stroll
Dec. 10-11, 2022
- When: Dec. 10-11, 2022
- 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. All part of Dennis Christmas Stroll Day!
Dec 1oth – 10am-3pm Holiday Stroll in West Dennis. Primarily along Main Street (Route28)
Dec 11th – 11am-3pm Dennis Village Stroll. Primarily along Dennis Village Green and area merchants. Route 6A
First Night in Chatham
Dec. 31, 2022
- When: 12:00 PM – 9pm
- 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 😉
There’s plenty of outdoor fun to usher in 2023 Cape Cod seaside style with First Night Chatham!
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 9 PM.
There are so many Cape Cod Holiday Events to choose from!! Visit our Event Calendar for even more information about holiday happenings on Cape Cod. Or check out Holiday events on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket or Plymouth!
