New Years Day events on Cape Cod are a great way to ring in 2025! Let’s explore some New Years Day events filled with fun and traditions that reflect the region’s charm. Here are some great ways to enjoy the day:
New Years Day Events on Cape Cod:
1. Polar Plunges
One of the most exciting and bracing New Year’s traditions on Cape Cod is the annual polar plunge. Brave souls gather at beaches across the Cape to take a dip in the chilly Atlantic. Popular plunge spots include:
Yarmouth’s FOYCOA’s 15th Annual Polar Plunge- Join the annual Polar Plunge at noon on Smugglers(Bass River) Beach in South Yarmouth to start off 2025!Cocoa and cookies provided for all those brave enough to take a dip in Nantucket Sound!
Monument Beach Polar Plunge- This annual dip by the members of Monument Beach Polar Club and its supporters benefit the Bourne Food Pantry. Anyone can join for the $25 registration fee but all participants must wear foot protection. After the dip all the brave plungers will be offered #ACuppaChowda!
Provincetown Polar Bear Plunge is arguably Cape Cod’s most colorfully flamboyant dip into Provincetown Harbor at high noon. This annual event on New Years Day raises money for the Center for Coastal Studies.
Freeze the Day Polar Plunge – the Mashpee Rec Department is hosting their third annual polar plunge to raise funds for the Mashpee Kiwanis Club. On New Year’s Day the brave plungers will meet at 10 am at the Naukabout Brewery for a refreshing plunge in Mashpee-Wakeby Pond! Hot Cocoa will be provided.
For all polar plunges be sure to bundle up and check event details ahead of time!
2. Hiking
First Day Hikes – The Barnstable Land Trust is again offering a whole host of First Day Hikes at various location around the Cape. These walks, talk and hikes are a perfect way to start the New
Year off on the right foot, but starting healthy habits and learning more about our unique environment.
There are several sunrise walks starting at 6:45am, but plenty of other choices throughout the day to accommodate the late risers. At the Marstons Mills location, the Barnstable trust will host the First Day Family Fun on site with a bonfire, barn crafts, and geocaching. Fun for the whole family!
All of the 18 events are free and open to the public but pre-registration is required for some. Check out the First Day Hikes webpage for a complete listing and to pre-register.
First Day 5K – Kick off the new year in style at the 10th Annual First Day 5K, taking place on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Sandwich! This exciting event is not only a wonderful way to welcome 2025 but also supports the Jan Souza Scholarship fund for the Sandwich Recreation Department. With a race start time of 11 AM at the Sandwich Recreation Department located at 34 Quaker Meetinghouse Road.
3. New Year’s Brunch
Many Cape Cod restaurants and inns offer special New Year’s Day brunches. Some to consider:
The Coonamessett Inn (Falmouth): Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious buffet.
The Ocean House (Dennis Port): Elegant seaside dining and a festive New Year’s menu to start the year in style.
Ocean 193 (Provincetown): Ring in New Years Day in P’town with stunning waterfront views and a New Year’s Brunch starting at 11am and.
4. Skate into the New Year
Skating on New Year’s Day on Cape Cod is a fun and festive way to kick off the year! While Cape Cod doesn’t have outdoor skating rinks with guaranteed ice, there are several great options for 
indoor skating that doesn’t depend on the weather.
Here’s where you can enjoy skating on New Years Day:
Gallo Ice Arena, Bourne – 12:10 – 1:30pm. $5 adult and $3 children, cash only.
Hyannis Youth and Community Center, Hyannis – 9:45-10:35 am & 2:45- 4:35pm $7/$5 rental
Tony Kent Arena, Dennis – 1:30 – 3:30pm
Charles Moore Arena, Orleans – 11:30am – 1:30pm. $10/$4 rental
Make an afternoon of it by stopping by a local café or bakery after skating to warm up with hot cocoa or pair skating with a walk along the beach to ring in the new year Cape Cod style!
5. First Light Provincetown Continues
Festivities continue in Ptown with additional First Light celebrations lasting into the night. Check their website for a full schedule.
7-8:30pm Line Dancing at the Gifford House – dancing class for beginner to intermediate levels. Step-by-step instruction. Great exercise! Mostly country western
9 pm Bingo at A-House with Tiki followed by more dancing with music by Chris Racine.
A Great Start to 2025!
Enjoying New Years Day events on Cape Cod is a great way to There are so many fun traditions and activities to dive into. Whether you’re soaking in the coastal beauty, enjoying local food, or participating in community events, Cape Cod offers a festive atmosphere.
