Cape Cod Events
December 2021

December's Cape Cod events calendar is packed with festive events to celebrate the Holidays and the coming New Year.

Our towns, our shops, even our left-over lobstering equipment are all trimmed out in the spirit of the Christmas season.

Christmas Lights Displays

When: All month long

Where: Local businesses and private homes around the Cape

More Info: Christmas Lights of Cape Cod FB Group

Do you love driving around on a December evening looking at Holiday lights? 

The members of "Christmas Lights of Cape Cod" Facebook group kindly share all the info you'll need to find lots of glorious, glittery displays in neighborhoods around the Cape.

So bundle the family into into the car, crank up the songs of the Season, and go for a drive. When it comes to Holiday decorations, the creativity of Cape Codders knows no bounds!

Pilgrim Monument Illuminated

When: Throughout the month of December

Where: High Pole Hill, Provincetown

Admission:  Free

More Info: Pilgrim Monument

The spectacular 252-foot tall Pilgrim Monument dazzles the night sky with thousands of white lights, celebrating the Pilgrims’ First Landing in Provincetown in November 1620.

The lights continue to shine through the first week of January. So you have plenty of time to get here and see this beautiful sight for yourself!

Annual Glassblowers' Christmas

When: Through December 2021 during regular Museum hours

Where: Sandwich Glass Museum, Main Street, Sandwich Village

Admission: This show/sale is free to view. Touring the Glass Museum is a separate admission.

More Info: Sandwich Glass Museum

The Sandwich Glass Museum is all dressed up for the Holidays. In addition to the spectacular glass exhibits the Museum is known for worldwide, this time of year features special trees decorated with unique glass ornaments created by some of the region's foremost glass artists.

This museum is well worth a visit any time of year ... and especially, now!

The Polar Express Train

When:  Weekends from Nov. 26 to Dec 23, 2021

Where: Buzzards Bay Depot, 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay

Tickets: $39 - $99  

More Info: Cape Cod Central Railroad

As the train chugs along the tracks, everyone gets into the Holiday spirit with merry music, a reading of The Polar Express story, sweet treats, and mugs of hot cocoa. 

Of course, the Jolly Old gentleman himself will be there when the train stops just outside the North Pole, meeting and greeting everyone with a rousing "Ho, Ho, Ho!".

What a fun way for the whole family to kick off the Holiday Season!

Seaside Christmas in Orleans

When: November 27 - December 31, 2021

Where: Various locations in Orleans

More Info: Seaside Christmas in Orleans

Seaside Christmas in Orleans is a popular town-wide celebration of the Holidays.

On November 27th, Mrs. Claus comes to town to join families for breakfast at Orleans Yacht Club, followed by Santa's arrival from the North Pole for a meet-and-greet with his adoring fans at Snow's Home & Garden.

Then break out the running shoes for the annual Santa Stampede & Family Fun Run on December 4th.

And throughout the month, Holiday savings abound at shops and businesses around town!

"Gardens Aglow"

When: Weekends (Fri., Sat., & Sun.) in December from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. *Admission by timed entry*  SOLD OUT!

Where: Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich

Admission: Adults $20; children ages 3-17 $10; 2 and under free. 

More Info:  Gardens Aglow

Heritage Museums & Gardens is putting on the glitz again this Holiday Season with it's treasured annual event - Gardens Aglow!

At this extra-special time of year, the good folks at Heritage adorn their acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands with more than 10 miles of twinkling, sparkling lights. It's truly an awesome thing to see!

Come stroll around the grounds and enjoy festive holiday displays, family-friendly activities, marshmallow-roasting, music and special performances, visits with Santa Claus, and lots more.

Nauset Model Railroad Club Open House

When: Saturdays through December 18, 2021, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Nauset Model Railroad Club, Hilltop Plaza, Orleans, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Nauset Model Railroad Club

The Nauset Model Railroad Club's Holiday Open House is a "don't-miss" for model railroad fans of all ages. Over 2,000 feet of display space features a variety of model trains chugging and tooting through miniature scenes festively decorated for the Holidays.

"The Enchanted Village"

When:  Begins on December 3, 2021, light display continues through New Year's Day

Where: Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Rt. 132, Hyannis

Admission: Free; donations of new, unwrapped gifts and/or gift cards are appreciated

More Info: Enchanted Village

At the Enchanted Village, visitors are immersed in a fantasy world dazzling with tens of thousands of sparkly lights, colorful animated displays, and a fantastic Santa's Village. The over-the-top display put on each year at the Cape Codder Resort draws families from near and far!

Santa comes to visit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) from December 3rd to 18th.

The light display continues through New Year's Day.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift or a gift card to place under the Giving Tree as a donation to Independence House in Hyannis.

*Note: This event is open to the public as well as to guests of Cape Codder Resort.

* Find best rates at Cape Codder Resort *

Falmouth Holidays By The Sea Weekend

When: December 3 - 5, 2021

Where: Throughout the town of Falmouth

Admission: Free

More Info: Falmouth Holidays By The Sea 

Holidays By The Sea in Falmouth is jam-packed with merriment for everyone! 

The weekend includes caroling at Nobska Point Lighthouse, the arrival of Santa sailing into Falmouth Harbor, the Annual Lighting of the Falmouth Village Green, and the downtown Holiday Stroll. 

The big event of the weekend is the annual Falmouth Christmas Parade. Renowned for being southeast Massachusetts’ largest Christmas parade, highlights include decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters and Santa Claus, too. It's one of the premier Cape Cod events in December - definitely not to be missed!

Brewster for the Holidays Festival Weekend

When:  December 3 - 5, 2021

Where: Various locations in Brewster

Admission: Many activities free; others by pre-registration/ admission fee

This town-wide celebration is a long-standing tradition in the historic "Sea Captains Town" of Brewster.

Brewster for the Holidays kicks off before Thanksgiving with shopping sales, silent auctions, book signings, giveaways, and more. Then the celebration continues through mid-December as Drummer Boy Park lights up for the Holidays, Santa comes to visit, and the sounds of the season fill the air indoors and out.

Be sure to bring your sweet tooth, because there'll be plenty of yummy treats on offer throughout the town, too!

Centerville Christmas Stroll

When: December 4, 2021, 3 - 6 p.m. (rain date December 5th)

Where: Main Street, Centerville, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Centerville Civic Association on FB

Centerville Christmas Stroll 2021 will be an all-outdoor event. Come enjoy a wide variety of musical performances all along Main Street. From individual singers to musical trios and school choruses, the village of Centerville will be filled with the sounds of Christmas.

Of course, the most important guest, SANTA, will be in attendance with his elves where he'll greet children from his workshop on the front lawn of Fernbrook (481 Main Street).

In the spirit of giving, Centerville Library will be collecting gift cards for children served by the Department of Children and Families, and South Congregational Church will have tables set up for people to write Christmas cards to our Troops.

Pre-packaged snacks will be available for free to all enjoying the Stroll. There are still other surprises in store, too. So head on over to Main Street in Centerville for an old fashioned community celebration!

CCAS Star Party

When: December 4 and 11, 2021, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: Werner Schmidt Observatory, 210 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Cape Cod Astronomical Society

Crisp, clear nights are made for stargazing! 

Join members of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society for a "Star Party" at Werner Schmidt Observatory.

Friendly, knowledgable, amateur astronomers from CCAS will be there to show you the stars and planets through telescopes and to tell you all about the night sky. You'll also see large-screen displays of astronomical objects as they're imaged by the main telescope in the Observatory Dome.

Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies on Star Party night. Cloudy skies or inclement weather will cancel the event.

*Note: To maintain social distancing, this will be an  outdoor-only event. So wear your warmies!

Harwich for the Holidays

When:  December 3 - 5, 2021

Where: Various locations in Harwich

Admission: Many activities and events are free

More Info: Harwich for the Holidays

Christmas in Harwich brings locals and visitors together for a weekend of old-fashioned family fun.

Events around town include Santa's arrival by fire truck, merchant open houses, music, refreshments, trolley rides to Christmas Town, the annual tree lightings (all 7 villages in Harwich light their trees at once!), and plenty more.

Holly Folly Weekend

When: December 3 - 5, 2021

Where: Around town in Provincetown

Admission: Some events free, others require paid tickets or contributions

More Info: Holly Folly Weekend

Holly Folly Weekend, the Provincetown Business Guild's Gay and Lesbian Holiday Festival, is a gala weekend celebration that includes open houses, dance parties, drag bingo, an Inn Stroll, the Jolly Holly Folly Ugly Sweater and Wig Bar Crawl (yes, that's a thing!), and back again this year ...

The ever-popular Jingle Bell Run where revelers in Speedos and holiday-themed costumes run down Commercial Street vying for  cheers and prizes, followed by a champagne brunch at the Crown & Anchor.

This festive weekend is also a wonderful time to peruse Provincetown's amazing variety of shops and galleries for unique gifts that'll "Wow" everyone on your list - pets included!

Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Festival

When:  December 4 & 5, 2021, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Taylor-Bray Farm, 108 Bray Farm Road, Yarmouthport

Admission: Free. $5 parking donation requested.

More Info: Taylor-Bray Farm


Bring the young 'uns to historic Taylor-Bray Farm for this back-in-time Holiday Festival. They'll love visiting with the donkeys, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals!

Looking for Holiday decor or gifts? You'll find Christmas trees, homemade baked goods and treats, handmade wreaths, swags, centerpieces and crafts for sale at the farm, too.

Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll

When: December 4, 2021

Where: Main Street and Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Hyannis Village Stroll

Christmas Stroll is always a highlight of the Holidays in the village of Hyannis!

The 2021 schedule of events for the stroll includes plenty of music, food, shopping, colorful decorations, and entertainment for all ages ... along with a boat parade on the inner harbor that's set to start at 4:30 p.m.

Eastham Holiday Festival

When: December 4, 2021, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Gift Barn at 4180A Rt. 6 and Orleans-Eastham Elks at 10 McKoy Road, Eastham MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Eastham Holiday Festival

This festive day spans two locations: the Gift Barn and the Orleans-Eastham Elks.

Bring the little ones to see Santa at the Gift Barn and get some free goodies. Then ride the free trolley to the Elks Lodge where there'll be holiday crafts, face painting, entertainment, refreshments, gifts, and more.

Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy of any value to the Elks Lodge as a donation for their annual Holiday toy drive.

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

When: December 5, 2021 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Rt. 6A & Strawberry Lane, Yarmouthport

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

The village of Yarmouthport rings in the 2021 Holiday season in fine style with its annual Christmas Stroll event!

Spend the afternoon enjoying trolley rides, live music, entertainment, and yummy soups, cookies, hot chocolate, cider, and pastries.

Be sure to stick around for the tree lighting ceremony and caroling at 4:15 p.m. on the Village Green!

BHS-OVL Star Party

When: December 8, 2021, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (rain date Dec. 9th)

Where: Cobb Astro Park at Barnstable High School, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Osterville Village Library

Barnstable High School and Osterville Village Library have teamed up to bring us a special Star Party at the high school's Cobb Astro Park.

During this early evening event, BHS teacher Kirby Smith and his team of student leaders will guide participants through using a variety of astronomy equipment - including the Park's powerful 14" Celestron telescope and special camera.

This is another great opportunity to explore and learn about the night sky!

Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend

When: December 10 - 12, 2021

Where: Throughout the town of Chatham

More Info:  Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend

Chatham's "Christmas By The Sea Stroll" is weekend-long celebration.

The traditional (and fabulous!) Light Parade will begin at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, followed by the annual tree-lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa and more at Kate Gould Park. 

Along Main Street there'll be caroling, entertainment, shopping, dining, and oodles of Holiday cheer!

Mashpee Christmas Parade

When: December 11, 2021, parade starts at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Parade begins at Deer Crossing and continues up Route 28 to  Mashpee Commons

Admission: Free

More Info:  Mashpee Christmas Parade

Among all the jolly events on Cape Cod in December, the Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade is one you won't want to miss!

Each year the parade seems to get bigger and better; and this year will be no exception, I'm sure! 

Winter Tales Holiday Stroll

When: December 11 & 12, 2021, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Historic Bass River, South Yarmouth, MA

Admission: $15/adult, children under 12 free

More Info: Winter Tales Holiday Stroll

The "Winter Tales Holiday Stroll" is an all-outdoor walking tour of Historic Bass River and 14 of its most beautiful buildings and homes, each decorated to honor a beloved winter tale.

With your tour brochure and map you'll find a kid-friendly scavenger hunt to keep everyone engaged and entertained along the way. At the end of your stroll, be sure to turn in your completed brochure! You might be the lucky winner of the drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Gerardi's Cafe. (Yum!)

Tickets are available by registering online at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod's website, or in person at South Yarmouth Library.

Christmas Extravaganza with the Animals

When: December 12th from 9 a.m. to noon; December 18th & 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Meeting House Farm, 333 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, East Sandwich, MA

Admission: $25 (without pony ride); $50 (includes pony ride)

More Info: Meeting House Farm FB page

Meeting House Farm's annual Christmas Extravaganza is back this year for three days of family-friendly Holiday fun with the animals. 

Santa will be there to hear all those last-minute wishes and have photos with the kids. The merry elves will pass out gifts. And the farm's horses and ponies will be "dressed" in their Holiday finery, ready to take lucky youngsters for a ride. 

Tickets to this popular event are limited. So grab yours before they're gone!

Christmas Musical on The Rock

When: December 17, 2021, 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: The Rock Ministries, 73 Falmouth Road, Hyannis MA

Admission: $10

More Info: The Rock Ministries

The story of Jesus' birth is retold in songs and dance in this  timeless account of the Nativity. Enjoy the sights and sounds of sounds of Christmas as Mary and Joseph travel with a real donkey, wise men bring their gifts, and angels and shepherds celebrate, dancing into Bethlehem.

"Just Imagine" ... The Christmas Musical On The Rock!

Dennis Village Living Creche

When:  December 18, 2021

Where: Dennis Village Green, Route 6A, Dennis Village, MA

Admission: Free

More Info:  Village Improvement Society of Dennis

The Village Improvement Society of Dennis, in collaboration with the Dennis Union Church, will be presenting its 39th Annual "Living Creche" on the Green in Dennis Village, Rt. 6A. The pageant will recreate the First Christmas, featuring a cast of children, adults, and live animals. 

The program starts at 4:30 PM with a concert by The Sound Dunes Holiday Brass Ensemble, followed by a Candlelight Procession from the Dennis Memorial Library to the Green, the Nativity reenactment, and Christmas caroling. The festivities conclude with a social next door in Friendship Hall at the Dennis Union Church. The entire event is FREE

"First Light" Provincetown

When: December 30, 2021 - January 2, 2022

Where: Various venues in Provincetown, MA

Admission: Varies by event; many events free

More Info: First Light Provincetown

Say goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022 with "First Light",  Provincetown's gala weekend-long celebration of the New Year.

Events this weekend include the Holiday Market, Light Bright Bike Ride, Drag Bingo, the Polar Bear Plunge, lots of great food and live entertainment all over town ... and a big fireworks display over the Harbor.

*UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast, the fireworks display originally scheduled for January 1, 2022 has been changed to December 31st at 5:30 p.m.

First Night in Chatham

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Various locations in Chatham

Admission: Varies by event.

More Info: First Night Chatham

Chatham celebrates the arrival of the New Year with a gala  festival of events for the whole family. 

Thankfully, First Night Chatham is back this year with loads of outdoor fun to usher in 2022 Cape Cod seaside style!

*FYI: The fireworks show at Veterans Field has a new start time this year ... 5:30 p.m. Don't miss it!

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