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Cape Cod Events
December 2024

Updated: December 27, 2024

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 2024!

[*Note: Event details may be changed or events may be postponed or canceled by the sponsors at any time without my knowledge. Be sure to confirm all information directly with the event sponsor before making plans to attend.]

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
December 2024

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 30, 2024 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!

"Gardens Aglow"

When: Weekends in December 2024

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

Admission:  Adults: $25; Youth (3-17): $15; Member Adult: $23; Member Youth (3-17): $13; Children 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.

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

Spectacle of Trees

When: November 29 - December 14, 2024, noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Guyer Art Barn, 250 South St., Hyannis, MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Spectacle of Trees

What's the Spectacle of Trees all about? Local non-profits decorate one-of-a-kind Christmas trees adorned with incredible gifts like game systems, sports tickets, artwork, and even vacations.

For just a $10 donation, you enter to win a tree and all the treasures that go with it. Your $10 donation also gets you discounts at local restaurants, making it a perfect holiday night out!

Don't miss the joy of giving and the chance to win big at this cherished Cape Cod tradition!

Classic Holiday Film Matinee Series

When: December 6, 13 & 20, 2024, movie starts at 12:30 p.m.

Where: Sandwich Public Library, 142 Main Street, Sandwich MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Classic Holiday Film Series

Need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season? The Friends of Sandwich Public Library have you covered!

The first three Fridays in December, they're hosting all-time favorite Holiday movies. And they're free to attend. No registration required. Just show up with your best Holiday spirit!

• Friday, December 6 – Miracle on 34th Street
  
  
• Friday, December 13 – Meet Me in St. Louis
  
  
• Friday, December 20 – White Christmas

Light refreshments will be served. To cut down on plastic waste, you're asked to bring your own refillable beverage container.

The Polar Express Train

When:  Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec 23, 2024 (additional dates the week before Christmas); multiple departure times

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!

Nauset Model Railroad Club Open House

When: Saturdays through December 28, 2024, 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 6 - 8, 2024

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 for the Holidays Festival Weekend

When:  December 6 - 8, 2024

Where: Various locations in Brewster

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

More Info: Brewster for the Holidays

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

Drummer Boy Park lights up for the Holidays, Santa comes to visit, and the sounds of the season fill the air indoors and out. And that's just the beginning of what's happening this weekend in Brewster.

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

Christmas in Harwich

When:  December 6 - 8, 2024

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!), a fireworks display, and plenty more.

Holly Folly Weekend

When: December 6 - 8, 2024

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 ...

The ever-popular Jingle Bell Run where revelers in Speedos and holiday-themed costumes run down Commercial Street vying for cheers and prizes, will be 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 7 & 8, 2024, 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 Holiday Stroll

When: December 7, 2024

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!

The day's events for the Stroll include plenty of music, food, shopping, colorful decorations, and entertainment for all ages ... along with a boat parade on the inner harbor that begins around 4 p.m.

Centerville Christmas Stroll

When: December 8, 2024

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 8, 2024

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

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

The village of Yarmouth Port rings in the 2024 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!

Chatham Christmas By The Sea Weekend

When: December 13 - 15, 2024

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 Christmas Parade

When: December 14, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Mashpee Commons, Mashpee MA

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!

"Christmas on the Farm" at Mills River Rescue

When: December 14, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain date December 15th)

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

Admission: $20 per person

More Info: Christmas on the Farm

Mills River Rescue's annual Christmas event is always filled with Holiday cheer for the entire family!

Visit with the ponies, donkeys, bunnies, ducks and other critters that call this delightful sanctuary their home. There'll be farm riddle tours of the animals, crafts, a hot cocoa bar and yummy food, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, too.

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

Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll

When: December 14, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Historic Bass River, South Yarmouth, MA

Admission: $25

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.

Additional stops include the Cultural Center of Cape Cod for their Holiday Market Fair, The Bass River Yacht Club, United Methodist Church, and St. David’s Episcopal Church. You might even see Santa riding his boat along the Bass River.

Stop by the South Yarmouth Library for their Open House where holiday breads, cider and raffle items are waiting. 

Don't want to walk the whole way? Hop on the Holly Trolley for rides around the neighborhood. 

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

Gaudete Baroque Ensemble Concert

When: December 14, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and December 15, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: Church of the Transfiguration, 5 Bay View Drive, Orleans MA

Admission: $30 general admission; $25 for seniors; FREE for students and youth 18 and under

More Info: Gaudete Baroque Ensemble Concert

Step into the Christmas season with the Gaudete Baroque Ensemble.

This elegant performance features Corelli's Christmas Concerto and timeless works by Vivaldi, Telemann, and Purcell.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, this special concert promises to be a highlight in your Holiday schedule.

Cape Cod Christmas Gala

When: December 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Cape Cod Church, Main Lobby, 1205 Nathan Ellis Highway, East Falmouth MA

Admission: $5

More Info: Christmas Gala

It's time for holiday cheer at Cape Cod Church's annual Christmas Gala.

This festive night out for young adults features live music, hors d'oeuvres, and plenty of space to mingle, jingle, and connect.

Dust off your suit and sequins for a photo op with friends in the  sparkling lobby. Or just grab an ugly sweater - casual is always "in" on Cape Cod! Sway to holiday hits by musical guest Al Porter Music as you sip your spiced eggnog. Or, try your hand at the shuffleboard table tournament!

Throughout the night, the Emcee will host a party swap (think Yankee swap, but without the endless waiting). So bring a $5-10 gift to join the fun!

This event is open to anyone ages 18-30, and hosted by Social Life, the young adult ministry of Cape Cod Church.

"First Light" Provincetown

When: December 27, 2024 - January 2, 2025

Where: Various venues in Provincetown, MA

Admission: Varies by event; many events free

More Info: First Light Provincetown

Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 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 a big fireworks display over the Harbor at dusk on New Year's Eve.

First Night in Chatham

When: December 31, 2024

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!

New Year's Eve Comedy Shows

When: December 31, 2024, shows at 5, 7 and 9:15 p.m.

Where: Cotuit Center For the Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road,  Barnstable, MA

Tickets: general admission $37; seniors $35; members $32

More Info: Scamps New Years Eve Comedy

There's no better way to say goodbye to 2024 than laughing through an hysterical event in a fantastic theater!

Cotuit Center for the Arts is the venue for three fantastic New Year’s Eve comedy shows. Presented in partnership with Scamps Comedy, the show is hosted by Cape Cod’s favorite comedian, Jim Ruberti, along with headliner Brad Mastrangelo and the hysterical Matt McArthur.

The show is appropriate for adults (18-plus), and there will be a cash bar.

>> Next Up: New Year's Day & More in January 2025 ...

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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!