There are plenty of Cape Cod Thanksgiving Events to keep both the locals and out-of-town guests happy! Whether you are cooking your own meal, having it catered or eating out, there are plenty of options available across Cape Cod and the Islands.
Local farms and bakeries also offer the best ingredients for you to cook your own great Thanksgiving feast. After the turkey and pumpkin pie are cleared away, there are lots more events for the Cape Cod Thanksgiving weekend that kick off the holiday season.
Cape Cod Thanksgiving Events
11/23/24 America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade
On November 23rd in the 28th annual America’s Hometown Thanksgiving parade occurs in Plymouth. The opening ceremony at Plymouth Rock begins at 9:30am and the parade follows at 10am.
There The parade aims for a chronology of the growth of America, starting with the Native Americans meeting the pilgrims. There are floats, drum and bugle corps, military bands, and more.
The Day continues with the Hometown Family Festival on the Waterfront, which includes a Children’s Pavilion and a Reenactment Village, with plenty of food and drink vendors throughout the day. The festivities close with the National Drum & Bugle Corps Concert at the historic Memorial Hall at 6:30pm.
Thanksgiving Pie Sale
Thanksgiving Pie SaleJust in time for Thanksgiving, the Orleans Branch of the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary usually hosting their annual pie sale in the Mugar Building lobby. The sale traditionally begins at 10 am and will last until either 3 pm or whenever all the pies sell out, so make sure to get there early.
Not only will these delicious home-made pies cross one thing off your to-do list, but the proceeds from this event go towards Cancer Services at the Cape Cod Hospital. Certainly a win-win!
11/28/24 Chatham Turkey Trot
If you’re looking to get some exercise before a Cape Cod Thanksgiving feast, the Chatham Turkey Trot will be kicking off at 8 am on 2024 Thanksgiving Day with day-of registrations.
If you are not able to run in person, you can join the Virtual Turkey Trot The race averages 1,000 or more runners each year and raises funds are donated to the Lower Cape Outreach Council.
11/28/24 – 11/29/24 “The Story of Thanksgiving” Dinner at Plimoth Patuxet
The Story of Thanksgiving Dinner program at Plimoth Patuxet’s is based on the menu that was served at the Harvard Club after President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a National Holiday, this plated meal features classic roast turkey and all the traditional New England trimmings.
A Museum Educator and Historical Performer will regale you with thought-stirring, inspiring remarks as you dine with your family and friends. This event usually sells out early.
11/29/24 Heritage Museum’s Gardens Aglow
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the Heritage Museum and Gardens will put on their stunning Gardens Aglow. The event is a stunning display of lights sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Act fast- this event is always a sell-out!
11/28/24 “Pilgrim’s Progress”
Every year a reenactment of the Pilgrims’ Sabbath, with costumed participants representing survivors of the winter of 1621, assemble to the beat of a drum and proceed down North Street to Burial Hill. There will be a short Pilgrim worship service observed on the site of the original fort/meetinghouse. After the service, the march continues through town on Main Street, ending at the Mayflower Society House.
11/28/24 National Day of Mourning
On 2024 Thanksgiving Day many indigenous people will gather on Cole Hill in Plymouth for the National Day of Mourning. This day is observed by some indigenous tribe members who view Thanksgiving as a celebration of a historically inaccurate fantasy. The National Day of Mourning remembers the devastation of colonization for native people, and the cultural loss and harm that befell their ancestors as a result. The demonstration is organized by the United American Indians of New England, and has been held for over 50 years. Members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will be in attendance.
The National Day of Mourning will take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Cole’s Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts, at 12:00 PM sharp. Since 1970 a tradition has been set with a communal march through the historic district of Plymouth followed by a community social. The National Day of Mourning is a solemn and spiritual and is also a highly political day with room for speeches and free expression.
11/28/24 Nantucket Atheneum’s Cold Turkey Plunge
If you’re looking for a shock or some brisk water, consider joining in the Nantucket Atheneum’s Cold Turkey Plunge at 10am Thanksgiving morning at Children’s Beach. The tradition, now in its 23rd year serves as a fundraiser for programs, materials, and services at the Atheneum’s Weezie Library for Children.
11/29/24 Mashpee Tree Lighting
The Mashpee Tree Lighting Ceremony will happen on the Friday after Thanksgiving. So, after celebrating a Cape Cod Thanksgiving, be sure to swing by the Mashpee Commons in the plaza outside Siena Restaurant. The event will run from 3:30pm to 5 pm and is a perfect event for the whole family. There will be complimentary treats and hot chocolate, caroling, a visit from Santa, and the tree lighting.
Cape Cod Thanksgiving Dinners
Ocean’s Edge enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at The Mansion, serving from 12-4, although the last seating is at 3:30pm.
Captain Seafoods Bar & Grill in Sandwich offers pre-made Thanksgiving dinners with family of 4. Orders need to be placed by November 22nd for pick up on November 27th.
Pelham House Resort offers an elegant and delicious thanksgiving meal. From an exclusive cocktail hour and raw bar to a whole slew of great dishes, it’s sure to be a Thanksgiving to remember!
The Yarmouth House offers a three course dinner starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day for a three- course dinner, with takeout and delivery options offered.
The Chatham Bars Inn will offer a Grand Thanksgiving Buffet, but also can order a Dinner To Go either pre-cooked or cook-at-home packages.
In South Wellfleet, PB Boulangerie Bistro makes Thanksgiving easy with take away dinners! Their menu includes turkey, sides like salad, fall veggies, apricot sausage stuffing, bread, and desserts!
The Old Yarmouth Inn offers dine in and take out dinners for Thanksgiving. They offer 7 entree choices from traditional turkey and duck to prime rib and filet mignon.
In Provincetown, Napi’s will offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner plus more from their menu from 1pm to 8:00pm.
In Orleans, The Barley Neck will offer a buffet this year for Thanksgiving meals. Best to make a reservation.
Thanksgiving Dinners on Nantucket
The Nantucket Hotel will be offering “A Grand Thanksgiving Feast.” The meal will feature traditional dishes, dishes from the sea, and entertainment!
Bartlett’s Farm on Nantucket offers an a la carte Thanksgiving Catering menu for pick up, as well as their market items for those last-minute ingredients if you’re cooking yourself.
Faregrounds and Pudley’s Pub will have a Thanksgiving Buffet from noon to 7 pm and also take-out options.
Company of the Cauldron will offer pick-up Thanksgiving Dinner.
The Corner Table Cafe offers Thanksgiving Specials from platters to pies,for pick-up.
The Green Market offers a Thanksgiving menu for pick up that includes charcuterie, free range turkey, and pies!
Wicked Island Bakery offers pies, and individual cheesecakes in addition to other Thanksgiving items!
Martha’s Vineyard Thanksgiving Dinner
Bettini at the Harborview Hotel will be serving dinner from 12 pm to 7 pm. The meal is a four-course dinner with a magnificent view of the water!
In Edgartown, the Black Sheep has an extensive Thanksgiving a la carte menu ranging from breakfast breads, apps, to main courses, side dishes, and desserts.
Morning Glory Farm offers a wide range of ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast with many vegan and gluten-free options. From soup stocks and quiche to turkey and even flowers, the farm has you covered!
The Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven offers a Thanksgiving-To-Go menu of great items including many local and organic options.
Juice by the Sea is taking pre-orders for a vegan, gluten-fee Thanksgiving Dinner available for pickup in Oak Bluffs.
Katama General Store will make your Thanksgiving baking easy from their sage dinner rolls to Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust.
Pie Chicks in Vineyard Haven offers lots of great pies, including gluten free options.
Other November Events on Cape Cod
Once the table has been cleared of your Cape Cod Thanksgiving, the Holiday Season officially begins with some end-of November events. Be sure to check out other November Events our listing of Holiday Craft Fairs.
