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Cape Cod Events
December 2023

Updated: November 1, 2023

The Lobster Pot Christmas Tree in Provincetown

All month long, 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 - the perfect way to say goodbye to 2023!

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

Fairs, Festivals & Special Events on Cape Cod
December 2023

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, 2023 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: November 30 – December 3; December 7 – 10, December 14-17, and December 20-23, 2023

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 on October 11th. This event sells out quickly, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

The Polar Express Train

When:  Weekends through Dec 23, 2023

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

Tickets: Adults $74 - $109; Children $64 - $99; Kids 2 and under $5 with adult ticket purchase (must sit on adult's lap)  

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 in December, 1 - 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 1 - 3, 2023

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 Woods Hole Community Park, 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!

Annual Christmas Fair

When: December 2, 2023, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: First Congregational Church of Falmouth, 68 Main Street, Falmouth, MA

Admission: Free

More Info:  First Congregational Church of Falmouth

Experience the ultimate in a traditional New England Christmas Fair!  Featuring handmade garments and gifts, fresh holiday wreaths and arrangements, Christmas decor & ornaments, a Country Store with Goody Bakery, and delicious luncheon offerings.  

Want more? There'll also be a fun, free fair for the kids.

Last year there were lines through the parking lot with folks waiting to get in, so you know it's a not-to-be-missed event!

Brewster for the Holidays Festival Weekend

When:  Through December 24, 2023

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.

Brewster for the Holidays kicks off before Thanksgiving with shopping sales, silent auctions, book signings, giveaways, and more. Then the celebration continues 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!

Harwich for the Holidays

When:  December 1 - 3, 2023

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 1 - 3, 2023

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 2 & 3, 2023, 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 2, 2023

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 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.

Holiday Open House at Nauset Model Railroad Club

When: December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2023, 1 - 4 p.m. 

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.

Holidays at Highfield

When: December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Admission: $10

More Info: Holidays at Highfield

Highfield Hall is gearing up for another spectacular Holiday season, featuring dazzling decorations, seasonal activities, and appearances by the Snow Queen and Snow Princess.

The Gift Gallery will offer artisan gifts for all ages, perfect for holiday shopping. Talented designers, Sandra Cavallo and Sarah Pring, will lead the theme "Holidays Through the Generations," showcasing designs from the 19th century to the present.

The Nauset Model Railroad Club will delight all ages with their train system. Plus, the Craft Room on the 2nd floor allows visitors to create special holiday keepsakes.

*Admission times are split into 3 blocks of two hours each, and spaces are limited. So pre-registration is strongly encouraged! 

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

When: December 3, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m.

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

Admission: Free

More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

The village of Yarmouth Port rings in the 2023 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 8 - 10, 2023

Where: Throughout the town of Chatham

More Info:  Chatham Christmas by the Sea Weekend

Chatham's "Christmas By The Sea" is 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!

Outer Cape Chorale: "Songs to Light the Way"

When: December 8, 9 & 10, 2023

Where: Multiple locations (see below)

Admission: Free

More Info: Outer Cape Chorale

In the dark season of winter, Outer Cape Chorale bring us a concert of beautiful choral pieces to help inspire and light our way in the world.

Audiences love their meaningful and fun songs that speak to the season’s holidays!

Concert Schedule:

Dec. 8th - 7 p.m. at Provincetown Town Hall
Dec. 9th - 5 p.m. at Provincetown Town Hall
Dec. 10th - 3 p.m. at Nauset Middle School in Orleans

Mashpee Christmas Parade

When: December 9, 2023, 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!

Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll

When: December 9, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 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, Old Main Street Fire Station, 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? A trolley bus will be available this year to take you around the neighborhood. 

Purchase tickets in person at the South Yarmouth Library or online at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod's website.

Centerville Christmas Stroll

When: December 10, 2023

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 te Families in Need Fund are greatly appreciated.

"Arts Empowering Life" Christmas Events

When: Multiple dates in December, 2023 

Where: Church of the Transfiguration at Rock Harbor in Orleans; and Performing Arts Building, 95 Southern Eagle Cartway, in Brewster 

Admission: Varies by event

More Info: Arts Empowering Life

With special events ranging from an Advent Organ Meditation, to a family Carol Sing, and presentations of "A Christmas Carol" by Elements Theater Company, the month of December is chock-full of joyful ways to celebrate the Holiday Season brought to you by Arts Empowering Life!

*Note - The Advent organ meditation will also be livestreamed online for those who can't attend in person.

Christmas Extravaganza with the Animals

When: 2023 date - TBA

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

Admission: $25/child (pony rides extra $20/child)

More Info: Meeting House Farm FB page

Meeting House Farm's annual Christmas Extravaganza is an afternoon 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 costumes, ready to take lucky youngsters for a ride. 

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

"First Light" Provincetown

When: December 29, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Where: Various venues in Provincetown, MA

Admission: Varies by event; many events free

More Info: First Light Provincetown

Say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024 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 at dusk over the Harbor.

First Night in Chatham

When: December 31, 2023

Where: Various locations in Chatham

Admission: Varies by event.

More Info: First Night Chatham

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

Activities start with the traditional Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse and culminate with the Noise Parade and fireworks display.

It's a fabulous time to be in Chatham!

The New Year's Fun Continues! ...

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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!