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Cape Cod Events
December 2020

All month long, everyone's out enjoying the crisp December weather ...

 
... celebrating the Holidays in Cape Cod style!

And there are special visits from Santa, too. How does he get here? By boat, of course - to the delight of children of all ages!

 

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
December 2020

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

Looking at this year's Holiday lighting displays, I'm more convinced than ever that Cape Codders' creativity knows no bounds!

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

So bundle the family into into the car, crank up the songs of the Season, and go for a tour of Christmas lights all around the Cape.

And for all you out-of-towners ... the photos alone will transport you to Christmas on the Cape.

Enjoy!!!

Seaside Christmas in Orleans

When: Throughout December

Where: Virtual from various locations in Orleans

More Info: Seaside Christmas in Orleans

For a host of family friendly Cape Cod events in December 2020, Seaside Christmas in Orleans has gone virtual.

Run the Santa Stampede 5K at home and submit your time. Check out the local stores and businesses that are all decked out for the Holidays, then vote for your favorites. Win prizes by guessing where Orleans' Chamber's own Elf on the Shelf is hanging out around town.

There's plenty of virtual fun to be had in Orleans this month!

"Gardens Aglow"

When: Weekends (Fri., Sat., & Sun.) in December from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

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

Admission: Adults $18; children (ages 3-17) $9, 2 and under free (discounted admission for members)

More Info:  Gardens Aglow 2020

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.

Wellfleet Holiday Bazaar

When: December 12, 2020, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Wellfleet Preservation Hall, 335 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Wellfleet Preservation Hall on Facebook

Looking for a perfect gift for someone special? You're sure to find something that's just right among all the creations offered by 20+ artisans and crafters at this year's Holiday Bazaar!

This popular annual event is being held outdoors to accommodate social distancing. So be sure to bundle up - and don't miss out on the homemade soups, spiced cider and other treats at The Prez Hall Café Al Fresco.

Local musicians will provide entertainment throughout the day while everyone shops and takes in the Holiday spirit,  complete with fire pits, s'mores, and lots of good cheer!

Lights on Pilgrim Monument

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!

Holiday Open House at Nauset Model Railroad Club

When: Canceled

Where: Nauset Model Railroad Club, Hilltop Plaza, Orleans

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 Polar Express Train

When:  Weekends from Nov. 27 to Dec 23, 2020

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!

Annual Glassblowers' Christmas

When: Through December during Museum hours (9:30 am - 5 pm)

Where: Sandwich Glass Museum, Main Street, Sandwich Village

Admission: This is an indoor show/sale that is free to view. Touring the Glass Museum is a seperate 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 hundreds of unique glass ornaments created by some of the region's foremost glass artists.

"The Enchanted Village"

When:  December 4 - 19, 2020

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 weekend evenings, gaily costumed carolers spread the holiday spirit, and (weather permitting) there's a crackling bonfire with marshmallow roasting and a sing-along.

Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift or a gift card to place under the Giving Tree as a donation to the 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 *

Lobster Pot Christmas Tree

When:  Throughout the month of December

Where: Lopes Square in Provincetown

Admission: Free

More Info: Lobster Pot Christmas Tree - FB Page

Made from 100+ lobster pots stacked over 2 stories high and decorated with ribbons, garland and thousands of festive lights, artist Julian Popko's lobster pot Christmas tree will put you in the Holiday mood for sure.

Come check out one of the coolest Christmas trees you'll ever see!

Spectacle of Trees

When: Canceled

Where: Cape Cod Mall, Hyannis, MA

Admission: "Tree Bucks" (raffle tickets) $10 each

While you're shopping for Holiday gifts for family and friends, why not take a chance on winning some cool stuff for yourself - and support great charities at the same time! Head over to Cape Cod Mall to see the Spectacle's beautiful Christmas trees, all festooned with lights and ornaments and surrounded with decorations and gifts. They're all waiting for lucky raffle winners to take them home. (Yes, if you have the winning ticket for your favorite tree, it'll be yours to keep - decorations, gifts and all!)

Santa Comes to Chatham Fish Pier

When:  Canceled

Where: Chatham Fish Pier, Barcliff Avenue, Chatham

Admission: Free

More Info: Chatham Chamber of Commerce

When Santa makes his pre-Christmas journey to Chatham, it's big doings! No less than the United States Coast Guard provides his escort - delivering Jolly Old Saint Nick safely to the Chatham Fish Pier via Coast Guard cutter.

It's all part of Chatham's festive Christmas by the Sea!

Falmouth Holidays By The Sea Weekend (Virtual)

When: December 4-6, 2020  *This year it's gone virtual. Events will be pre-recorded and broadcast online.

Where: Events will be pre-recorded and broadcast online.

Admission: Free

More Info: Falmouth Holidays By The Sea 

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

This festive weekend includes the arrival of Santa sailing into Falmouth Harbor, the Annual Lighting of the Falmouth Village Green with caroling and a special visit from Santa, and the downtown Holiday Stroll. 

And 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

When:  December 4-5, 2020

Where: Various locations in Brewster

Admission: Many free activities

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

Highlights of Brewster for the Holidays include the Tree Lighting and the Lighting of the Windmill at Drummer Boy Park, photos with Santa at Lemon Tree Village, and new in 2020 is Brewster Recreation Department's Bayside Bright Lights Celebration - a drive-around event with Christmas lights, Holiday themed inflatables, winter themed lawn decorations, lit up police cars and fire engines, and Santa who'll wave to you as you drive by! 

Christmas in Harwich

When:  Canceled

Where: Various locations in Harwich

Admission: Many activities and events are free

More Info: Christmas in Harwich

This weekend in Harwich begins with the Harwich Port Stroll where locals and visitors join together for the tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Also on Friday evening, have your photo taken with Santa (he arrives by fire truck), and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Harwich Port.

The rest of the weekend includes merchant open houses, village stroll, music, refreshments, and plenty more.

Holly Folly Weekend

When: December 4-6, 2020

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 great time to peruse Provincetown's amazing variety of shops and galleries for unique gifts that'll "Wow" everyone on your list - pets included!

Throughout the weekend there'll be events all over town. Open houses, dance parties, drag bingo, a Jingle Bell Bathing Suit Run down the center of town ... that's just a little sampling of the fun and frivolity in P'town on Holly Folly Weekend.

Hyannis Christmas Stroll & Harbor Lighting

When: December 12, 2020

Where: Hyannis Village

Admission: Free

More Info: Hyannis Stroll

All along Main Street there's lots of family fun with live music, outdoor dining (weather permitting), shopping, festive decorations ... and at noon, Santa makes his appearance on an antique fire truck.

As daylight turns to dark, take a stroll and enjoy the beautifully lit Main Street and Harbor area. It's a fun time for all!

Mashpee Christmas Parade

When: Canceled

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

Admission: Free

More Info:  Mashpee Christmas Parade

Among all the festive 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! 

Carols on the Green in Eastham

When: Canceled

Where: Windmill Green in Eastham

Admission: Free

More Info: Carols on the Green

What's better than Christmas caroling on a crisp December night? Caroling by the light of the festively decorated Eastham Windmill! 

This year, Nauset Honors Chorus will lead the event. Bring the family and your Holiday spirit, and enjoy!
 

Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Festival

When:  December 5 & 6, 2020 from 10 am to 4 pm

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

Admission: Free. $5 parking donation requested.

More Info: Taylor-Bray Farm


Bring the kids or the grandkids to historic Taylor-Bray Farm for this back-in-time Holiday Festival. Visit with the donkeys, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals. There'll be delicious homemade baked goods and handmade wreaths, swags, centerpieces and crafts for sale in the barn.

Dennis Village Stroll

When:  Canceled

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

Admission: Free

More Info: Dennis Chamber of Commerce

Have a festive day in Dennis with tons of family fun including hayrides, trolley rides, music at the bandstand, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, shopping, silent auctions, the tree lighting, and much more. It's all part of Dennis Christmas Stroll day!

Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend

When: Canceled

Where: Throughout the town of Chatham

Admission: Many events and activities are free

More Info:  Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend

Christmas in Chatham will bring you back to days gone by. This weekend is part of a month-long celebration of the Holidays that includes a town light parade, caroling,  visits with Santa, music and theater performances, sweet treats, Christmas fairs, open houses and shopping throughout the town.

Historic Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll

When:  Canceled

Where: Bass River Village

Admission: $20 (tickets sell out well in advance of the event)

More Info: Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce

Tour grand homes in the historic village of Bass River, see the sights, and pick up home-baked cookies along the way. What could be better??

When you purchase a ticket for the Cookie Stroll, your ticket is actually a cookbook with recipes for cookies served at the sites along this two-mile walking tour. 

Tickets to this popular event are limited and sell out quickly.

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

When: December 6, 2020 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Rt. 6A, Yarmouthport

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

The village of Yarmouthport rings in the Holiday season with its annual Christmas Stroll. As is the tradition, the Village's businesses, restaurants, B&Bs, and museums welcome all with holiday decorations, food, and seasonal music. 

Centerville Christmas "Drive"

When: December 12, 2020, 5-7 p.m.; rain date December 13th

Where: Main Street in Centerville from Monument Park (Henry and Main) to Main and South Main

Admission: Free

This year's Centerville Christmas Stroll has been replaced by a Christmas Drive. On the evening of the drive, Main Street will be turned into a one-way road, allowing participants to take their time enjoying the brightly lit and decorated homes inspired by the theme "Centerville Lights the Way to Santa."

At Santa's Workshop (524 Main Street) the elves will collect letters from all children and hand out a sanitized stuff toy to each child. The 1856 Country Store will provide 1,000 bags of candy, too.

In the spirit of giving this Holiday season, you'll have two opportunities to donate to worthy causes. Drop your loose change or small bills for Centerville Needy Families Fund into the red buckets presented by elves along the drive route. And before heading home, drive through Centerville Library's parking lot. Volunteers will be there accepting donations of gift cards in place of the Department of Children and Family Services' usual "Adopt a Child" program.

Everyone is encouraged turn out and show their Christmas spirit at Centerville's Christmas Drive. Decorate your cars! Open your windows and sing carols out loud! Let's all celebrate "together apart" until we can return to celebrating all together once again!!!

First Night in Chatham

When: Canceled

Where: Various locations in Chatham

Admission: Some events are free, others require a Chatham First Night "button". Buttons may be purchased locally or online.  Adults $22, kids ages 3-11 $5, children 2 and under Free.

More Info: First Night Chatham

Chatham celebrates the arrival of the New Year with a gala, full-day festival filled with events for the whole family. 

The highlight of First Night in Chatham, as always, is the dropping of the Cod and the midnight fireworks display. (NYC has their glass ball drop. Chatham, appropriately, drops a codfish replica ;-)

If you're in the area, come to Chatham and ring in 2021 Cape Cod seaside style!

More First Night Celebrations & Fireworks Displays

 

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Important Note: The date, time, place, admission charges, etc. of the events on this page may be changed by the event sponsor at any time, without my knowledge. Please be sure to confirm all information directly with the sponsor before you make any plans!