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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

Christmas Strolls, Caroling & Tree Lightings

When: Various dates in December 2026, mostly during the first two weeks

Where: Towns and villages across Cape Cod

Admission: Most events are free

More Info: Christmas Strolls, Caroling & Tree Lightings

Cape Cod towns know how to celebrate the Christmas season!

Bundle up and join the festivities as villages come alive with holiday strolls, community caroling, Christmas tree lightings, visits from Santa, music, treats, and lots of old-fashioned holiday cheer.

Check out the full schedule (see link above) to see what's happening where and when!

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 New Year celebrations. So you have plenty of time to get here and see this beautiful sight for yourself!

Annual Glassblowers' Christmas

When: Through December 30 during regular Museum hours
(The museum is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)

Where: Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main Street, Sandwich Village MA 

Admission:  Free to visit the Gift Shop and Glassblowers’ Christmas display. (Museum admission extra.)

More Info: Glassblowers' Christmas

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.

*Also happening at the Museum this month: Want to try your hand at working with glass? The Museum offers hands-on glassworking classes and workshops for a range of ages and experience levels. 

Spectacle of Trees

When: December 3-5 and December 10-12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; raffle drawing on December 12 at 6 p.m.

Where: JFK Hyannis Museum, 397 Main Street, Hyannis MA

Raffle: $10 per chance to win a tree and all its prizes

More Info: Spectacle of Trees

The fabulous "Spectacle of Trees" is back at the JFK Hyannis Museum!

Local nonprofit organizations decorate Christmas trees, then load them up with all kinds of amazing gifts. We're talking gift cards, artwork, electronics, event tickets, vacation packages, and lots of other goodies.

Here's the fun part: For a $10 donation, you get a "Tree Bucks" raffle ticket to enter the drawing for whichever tree catches your fancy. And if your name is drawn, you win the beautifully decorated tree and all the gifts that come with it!

Even if you don't win, your donation helps support the local nonprofit whose tree you chose. How's that for a wonderful win-win holiday tradition?!

"Gardens Aglow"

When: December 2–6, 8–13, 15–23, and 26–27, 2026 from  4:30–8:30 p.m.

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

Admission:  General admission $30 for adults, $20 for ages 3–17, and free for ages 2 and under. Member discounts are available.

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, visits with Santa Claus, and lots more. (FYI: Santa won't be appearing December 26-27. He'll be resting up after his big night!)

*Note: General admission tickets go on sale October 21st at 8 a.m. This event sells out very quickly, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

The Polar Express Train

When:  Multiple dates and times through December 23, 2026

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!

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

When: December 3 - 20, 2026, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 5 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.

Where: Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road, Cotuit MA

Admission: 2026 ticket prices - TBA

More Info: A Christmas Carol: The Musical

Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale comes to the stage in this Broadway musical adaptation by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens.

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through his Christmas Eve encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, told with a full helping of music, singing and dancing.

Holidays at Highfield

When: December 3 - 6, 10 - 13, and 17 - 20, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Highfield Hall & Gardens, 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA

Admission: $20 for members; $25 for non-members. Children under 17 and military free.

More Info: Holidays at Highfield

This year’s Holidays at Highfield takes visitors back to Christmas in the Gilded Age with ’Twas the Night Before Christmas: Life Above & Below Stairs.

See how the Beebe family prepared for Christmas “above stairs” while servants worked behind the scenes “below stairs” to get the mansion ready for the festivities.

The popular Gift Gallery returns with handcrafted artisan gifts, along with a Holiday craft room for children and families.

Cape Symphony: "Holiday on the Cape"

When: December 4 - 6, 2026, multiple performances

Where: Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis MA

Admission: Ticket prices vary by seating

More Info: Cape Symphony: "Holiday on the Cape"

Cape Symphony rings in the Holiday season with its popular Holiday on the Cape concerts.

Music Director Alyssa Wang leads the Orchestra, joined by the Chatham Chorale and Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra for traditional Holiday favorites, along with a few surprises.

"Holly Folly" in Provincetown

When: December 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, and 25–27, 2026

Where: Around town in Provincetown

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

More Info: Holly Folly

"Holly Folly", the Provincetown Business Guild's LGBTQ+ 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!

Santa Arrives at Chatham Fish Pier

When: December 2026 date and time - TBA

Where: Chatham Fish Pier, Barcliff Avenue, Chatham

Admission: Free

More Info: 2026 event link - TBD

When Santa makes his pre-Christmas journey to Chatham, it's big doings! He arrives at the Chatham Fish Pier by boat, where families gather to welcome Jolly Old Saint Nick ashore.

After greeting the crowd at the pier, Santa traditionally catches a ride with the Chatham Fire Department to continue the festivities at the Community Center.

Hyannis Winter Wonderland Weekend

When: December 4 - 5, 2026

Where:  Main Street, Hyannis Village Green and Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis MA

Admission:  Most events are free; some activities require tickets

More Info: Winter Wonderland Weekend

Hyannis packs a bunch of its Holiday happenings into one big weekend, beginning Friday evening with Sip, Shop & Sparkle, late-night shopping, trolley rides, music, and the lighting of a festive boat on the Village Green.

Saturday brings the Love Local Fest Holiday Edition, Main Street Holiday Stroll, visits with Santa, kids' activities and the Harbor Boat Parade.

With events stretching from Main Street to the harbor, there's plenty going on throughout downtown Hyannis all weekend.

Falmouth Holidays By The Sea Weekend

When: December 4 - 6, 2026

Where: Throughout the town of Falmouth

Admission: Most events are 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, an open house at Nobska Lighthouse, 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 & 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 Choir will lead everyone in a sing-a-long of holiday tunes.

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

Christmas in Harwich

When:  December 4 - 6, 2026

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.

Eastham Holiday Festival & Toy Drive

When: December 5, 2026, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge, 10 McKoy Road, Eastham MA

Admission: Free

More Info: Eastham Holiday Festival & Toy Drive

This longtime Outer Cape Holiday tradition draws hundreds of children each year for a morning of family fun.

Santa visits from 10 a.m. to noon, and kids can make Holiday crafts, have their faces painted, get balloon creations and henna tattoos, enjoy music, refreshments and pizza, and enter free raffles (for kids only) throughout the morning.

To help brighten another child's Holiday, please bring a new unwrapped toy for the Elks' annual toy drive.

Merry Market & Fireworks

When: December 5, 2026; Merry Market from 1–5 p.m.; fireworks at 5:15 p.m.; food and live entertainment continue until 6 p.m.

Where: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, 2173 Head of the Bay Road, Harwich

Admission: open to the public; food, drinks and purchases extra

More Info: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Spend the afternoon at Wequassett’s "Merry Market", with local vendors, holiday shopping, food and drinks, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.

Then stick around for the grand finale: fireworks over Pleasant Bay.

Nauset Model Railroad Club Open House

When: December 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2026 from 1–4 p.m.

Where: Nauset Model Railroad Club, Hilltop Plaza (rear lower level), 180 Rt. 6A, 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. The  club's five operating layouts feature a variety of model trains chugging and tooting through miniature scenes festively decorated for the Holidays.

Cobb House Museum Holiday Open House

When: December 2026 dates - TBA

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

Admission: TBA

More Info: Cobb House Museum

Step back in time at the historic 1799 Cobb House during Brewster for the Holidays. The Museum traditionally opens for a special Holiday celebration with seasonal decorations and activities.

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.

Broadway’s Home for the Holidays

When: December 10 at 6:30 p.m.; December 11 at 6:30 p.m.; December 12 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; December 13 at 4 p.m.

Where: The Cape Playhouse, 820 Main Street, Route 6A, Dennis

Tickets: prices vary by seating selection

More Info: Broadway's Home for the Holidays

For the first time in 99 years, the Cape Playhouse is opening its historic theater for a holiday production.

Broadway’s Home for the Holidays brings Broadway performers Sara Jean Ford, Bryonha Marie and John Riddle to the stage for a festive mix of classic holiday songs and newer Christmas favorites.

Only five performances are scheduled, making this a pretty special way to celebrate the Playhouse’s first holiday season inside their newly heated theater!

Chatham Christmas By The Sea Weekend

When: December 11 - 13, 2026

Where: Throughout the town of Chatham

More Info:  Chatham Christmas by the Sea

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 at Sears Park, a visit from Santa and more. 

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, this year's 20th Annual Mashpee Season of Illumination Parade is one you won't want to miss!

The parade theme for 2026 is "Evergreen." Come earlier in the day and you can also enjoy Mashpee Commons' Holiday Stroll before the parade begins.

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

Ana Gasteyer's Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular

When: December 12, 2026, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis MA

Tickets: Prices vary by seating

More Info: Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular

Best known for her years on Saturday Night Live and her Broadway performances, Ana Gasteyer brings her Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular to Cape Cod for one night only.

Expect Holiday classics and jazz-infused tunes mixed with Gasteyer's comedy and storytelling, all inspired in part by her retro-style Sugar & Booze Christmas album.

"Ugly Sweater Christmas Party" at Mills River Rescue

When: December 2026 date - TBA

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

Admission: TBA

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 12, 2026 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where: Historic Bass River, South Yarmouth, MA

Admission: $33.85

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, enjoying homemade cookies and candy treats along the way. 

It's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family!

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

A Candlelight Christmas

When: December 19, 2026 at 2 p.m.; December 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Where: First Congregational Church of Chatham, 650 Main Street, Chatham MA

Tickets: adults $31.65; youth (under 18) free

More Info: A Candlelight Christmas

Chatham Chorale celebrates the season with its much-loved program of traditional carols and new arrangements of Holiday favorites.

This year's program includes Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" and Dan Forrest's arrangement of "Silent Night."

"First Light" Provincetown

When: December 31, 2026 - January 3, 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 a colorful 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. Button prices: adults (17+) $30 early-bird / $35 regular price; ages 3–16 $5; ages 2 and under free. 

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 the big fireworks display to follow. 

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!