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Cape Cod Events
December 2026

The Lobster Pot Christmas Tree in Provincetown

Throughout the month, everyone's out enjoying the crisp December weather and celebrating the Holidays in Cape Cod style with ...

We have special visits from Santa, too. How does he get here? By boat or firetruck or sometimes by helicopter - to the delight of children of all ages.

And don't forget the New Year's Eve celebrations and fireworks displays. They're the perfect way to say goodbye to 2026!

*Note: Most events go ahead as planned. Even so, weather or other unforeseen factors occasionally lead to postponements or cancellations. So it's always best to double-check with the organizer (see links below) before you head out.

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
December 2026

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, the Provincetown's fabulous 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!

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 during regular Museum hours

Where: Sandwich Glass Museum, Main Street, Sandwich Village

Admission: Adults (15-64) $14; Youth (6-14) $3; Senior (65+) $13; Child (5 and under) Free; Active Military - Free

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!

"Gardens Aglow"

When: Weekends in December 2026

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

Admission:  2026 ticket prices - TBA

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.

*Note: General admission tickets go on sale in October. This event sells out very quickly, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

The Polar Express Train

When:  December 2026 dates - TBA

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

Tickets: Ticket prices vary by date/time and seat class you choose  

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!

"Holly Folly" in Provincetown

When: December 4 - 6, 2026

Where: Around town in Provincetown

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

More Info: Holly Folly Weekend

"Holly Folly" the Provincetown Business Guild's Gay and Lesbian Holiday Festival, is a gala celebration that includes lots of open houses, dance parties, drag bingo, an Inn Stroll, and ...

The ever-popular Jingle Bell Run where revelers in Speedos and holiday-themed costumes run down Commercial Street vying for cheers and prizes. 

Holly Folly time of year 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!

Nauset Model Railroad Club Open House

When: Saturdays in December 2026, 1 p.m. to 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.

Falmouth Holidays By The Sea Weekend

When: December 4 - 6, 2026

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, the arrival of Santa sailing into Falmouth Harbor, the Annual Lighting of the Falmouth Village Green, the Annual Jingle Jog and Kids GhELF Run, 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!

Brewster Windmill Lighting & Carol Sing-a-Long

When:  December 2026 dates - TBA

Where: Windmill Village, 51 Drummer Boy Road, Brewster MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Brewster Windmill Lighting & Caroling

This is the evening when Brewster Windmill lights up for the Holidays and sounds of the season fill the air.

At the adjacent Drummer Boy Park, the Town will host it's annual tree lighting, and the Eddy Elementary School Choice will lead everyone in a carol sing-a-long.

Santa comes to visit, too. So bundle up and bring the family for the festivities!

Christmas in Harwich

When:  December 2026 dates - TBA

Where: Various locations in Harwich

Admission: Many activities and events are free

More Info: Christmas in Harwich

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

Events around town include Santa's arrival, 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.

Hyannis Main Street Holiday Stroll

When: December 2026 dates - TBA 

Where: Main Street and Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Hyannis Village Stroll

This stroll is always a highlight of the Holidays in the village of Hyannis!

Events for the Stroll include plenty of music, food, shopping, colorful decorations, and entertainment for all ages ... along with a fabulous boat parade on the inner harbor. 

Cobb House Museum Holiday Open House

When: December 2026 dates - TBA

Where: Cobb House Museum, 739 Lower Road, Brewster MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Cobb House Museum

Step back in time at Cobb House for some holiday magic!

Visit Santa's Workshop and see the elves in the vintage Woodwork Shop. Enjoy carols from the Madigals. Tour the historic 1799 Cobb House.

There'll be free wooden spinning tops for the kids, and handmade birdhouses for sale.

Admission is free. Donations are welcomed and gratefully accepted.

Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Festival

When:  December 2026 dates - TBA

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.

Centerville Christmas Stroll

When: December 6, 2026, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Main Street, Centerville, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Centerville Christmas Stroll

Centerville's annual Christmas Stroll is a beloved tradition where the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of friendship and community come together.

The event features a wide array of activities, including musical serenades, lively dance performances, engaging crafts, and yummy treats.

One of the highlights of the Stroll is Santa Claus himself, who has his very own workshop in Centerville. Bring the kids by to meet the jolly man in the red suit!

While the Stroll is free for all to attend, donations to the Families in Need Fund are greatly appreciated.

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

When: December 2026 date - TBA 

Where: Rt. 6A & Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

The village of Yarmouth Port rings in the 2026 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 on the Village Green!

Chatham Christmas By The Sea Weekend

When: December 2026 dates - TBA

Where: Throughout the town of Chatham

More Info:  Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll

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

The festivities kick off with the traditional (and fabulous!) Light Parade 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 all weekend!

Mashpee Season of Illumination Parade

When: December 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Mashpee Commons, Mashpee MA

Admission: Free

More Info:  Mashpee Season of Illumination 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!

"Ugly Sweater Christmas Party" at Mills River Rescue

When: December 2026 date - TBA

Where: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary, River Road, Marstons Mills MA

Admission: $20 per person (reservations required)

More Info: Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Get into the Holiday spirit with Mills River Rescue's animals in their own ugly sweaters, a kids-and-adults ugly sweater contest (with fun prizes!), a hot cocoa bar, and plenty of treats.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos, and you’ll have time to meet the rescue ponies and learn a bit about them.

Proceeds from this event go toward the rescue animals' needs, a great cause to be sure. 

Tickets for this reservations-only event sell out quickly. So reserve your spot early!  

Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll

When: December 2026 date - TBA

Where: Historic Bass River, South Yarmouth, MA

Admission: 2026 ticket price - TBA

More Info: Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll

The historic Bass River neighborhood is beautiful any time of year. It's especially pretty when homes and businesses are decorated in their Holiday finery.

On the Cookie Stroll, you'll have a chance to tour designated homes and "she-sheds", enjoying homemade cookies and candy treats along the way. 

Keep an eye out for our Gingerbread People. Fill in the Gingerbread Hunt sheet for a chance to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with friends and family!

Tickets to this event do sell out, so get yours as soon as possible.

Homestead for the Holidays

When: December 2026 date - TBA

Where: Nye Museum, 85 Old County Road, Sandwich MA

Admission: Free (donations always appreciated)

More Info: Nye Museum

Enjoy a tour of the historic Benjamin Nye Homestead all decked out in greenery with patriotic accents for the festive season. 

As you're touring the house, warm up by a crackling fire and sip some wassail. Be sure to stop in the museum's Grange Hall for an exciting election cake competition. Sample some of the recipes from Nye Museum staff & volunteers, and vote for your favorite! Paula Marcoux, Food Historian, will be available at 2 p.m. to discuss the relevance of this historic cake.

Children will also enjoy a make-and-take stocking at the craft table.

Santa Parade

When: December 2026 date - TBA

Where: Through the town of Yarmouth

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Santa Parade route

Come out to wave to Santa as he rides around town on a 1953 American LaFrance fire engine, escorted by Yarmouth Fire Department and Yarmouth Police Department.

For everyone’s safety, parents and families are asked to gather on the sidewalks or in the parks along the route. Please don't follow Santa!

"First Light" Provincetown

When: December 26, 2026 - January 1, 2027

Where: Various venues in Provincetown, MA

Admission: Varies by event; many events free

More Info: First Light Provincetown

Say goodbye to 2026 and welcome 2027 with "First Light",  Provincetown's gala weekend-long celebration of the New Year.

Events this weekend include a Holiday Market, Light Bright Bike Ride, Drag Bingo, the Polar Bear Plunge, lots of great food and live entertainment all over town ... and the first-ever drone show over the Harbor on New Year's Eve.

First Night in Chatham

When: December 31, 2026

Where: Various locations in Chatham

Admission: Some events free. Others require purchase of a special button for entry.

More Info: First Night Chatham

Chatham celebrates the arrival of the New Year with a much-loved festival of 70+ activities and events for the whole family. 

Old faves include the annual Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse, the much-loved Noise Parade, and of course a big fireworks display to cap off the evening.

It's a fabulous time to be in Chatham!

>> Next Up: New Year's Day & More in January 2027 ...

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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!