It is easy to get into the holiday spirit on Cape Cod, because there are so many events celebrating this magical time of the year! Here is our list of the Cape Cod holiday events for 2017.
Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument
Date / Time: November 22, 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: High Pole Hill, Provincetown
Cost: Free
Details: The Pilgrim Monument is illuminated by white lights on the night before Thanksgiving, in celebration of the first landing of the pilgrims in Provincetown in 1620. This is a popular event, so plan ahead and make sure to layer up, it gets very cold!
Annual Chatham Turkey Trot
Date / Time: November 23, 8 am
Location: Main Street, Chatham (Behind the Chatham Orpheum Theater)
Cost: The entry fee for participants Ages 13 – 113: $20 plus a bag of non-perishable grocery items
Ages 0 – 12: $5 plus two grocery items
Details: Before sitting down for that big Thanksgiving dinner, walk or run for a cause at the Annual Chatham Turkey Trot. The event benefits the Lower Cape Outreach Council.
Gardens Aglow
Date / Time: Check website for dates and times
Location: Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich
Cost: Adults $18; children $7; age 2 and under free
Details: Heritage Museums and Gardens illuminate their 10 miles of beautiful garden with sparkling and twinkling lights. There are a number of holiday displays throughout the grounds and performances. Santa Claus even makes an appearance.
Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree
Date / Time: Saturday, November 25
Location: Lopes Square, Provincetown
Admission: Free
Details: The one of a kind Lobster Pot Christmas tree designed by artist Julian Popko is made up of over 100 lobster pots, clinmbing 2 stories high. This unique tree is garnished with thousands of twinkling lights, garland and ribbons.
Seaside Christmas in Orleans
Date / Time: November 25th through December 31
Location: Throughout the town of Orleans
Admission: Varies; Some events are free some have a cost associated with them
Details: Throughout the month there will be a number of events to help you get into the holiday mode in the town of Orleans. There will be a tree lighting, caroling, and special events hosted by local merchants.
Spectacle of Trees
Date / Time: December 1st – 9th
Location: John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Main Street, Hyannis
Admission: “Tree Bucks” (raffle tickets) $10 each
Details: Local non profits collect gifts and decorate trees that are displayed in the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum that you could win (tree, decorations and all) if your “tree buck” is chosen. Upon entry to the museum, you can purchase “tree bucks” which you can put into the boxes in front of the tree you wish to win. At the end of the Spectacle of Trees, winners are chosen from the box. Every tree buck earns the non profits $10. The more you purchase and put into the boxes, the better your chances of winning. Best of all, it is for a good cause helping worthy causes in our community!
Brewster for the Holidays
Date / Time: December 1-3, 2017
Location: Throughout the town of Brewster
Admission: Many free activities
Details: The holiday fun starts on Friday, and continues throughout the weekend. Shops throughout the town open their doors and participate in activities and special events to get you in the holiday spirit. The windmill at Drummer Boy Park is illuminated as well as a tree, there is a band concert and a variety of activities throughout the town.
Christmas in Harwich
Date / Time: December 1 – 3, 2017
Location: Throughout the town of Harwich
Admission: Many activities and events are free
Details: The Christmas in Harwich stroll starts with caroling and tree lighting. Santa Claus will arrive by firetruck, and is available for pictures. There are various activities throughout the weekend, such as live music, arts and crafts and specials from local merchants.
Holly Folly Weekend
Date / Time: December 1 – 3, 2017
Location: Around town in Provincetown
Admission: Some events free, others require paid tickets/contributions
Details: The Holly Folly weekend begins with the Holly Folly Shop Hop, where local businesses open their doors to guests looking to do a little holiday shopping for their loved ones this season. Pets are welcome. The weekend includes drag bingo, a jingle bell bathing suit run, and many other fun events you can only find in Provincetown!
The Enchanted Village
Date / Time: Saturday, December 3 – December 31
Location: Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Rt. 132, Hyannis
Admission: Free but donations of new, unwrapped gifts and/or gift cards are welcome and appreciated
Details: Thousands of lights illuminate holiday displays throughout the Enchanted Village, complete with carolers and even an appearance by Santa Claus. The Enchanted Village is open to both guests of the resort as well as the public. All toys and gift cards are donated to the Independence House in Hyannis.
Hyannis Christmas Stroll & Harbor Lighting
Date / Time: December 2
Location: Hyannis Village
Admission: Free
Details: During the day, Main Street comes alive with carolers, a horse drawn carriage, petting zoo and arts and crafts. You can even have breakfast with Santa Claus! At night, Hyannis Harbor hosts their annual Harbor Lighting and Boat Parade. There will be live music, decorated boats and food vendors for all to enjoy.
Carols on the Green in Eastham
Date / Time: December 3, 2017
Location: Windmill Green in Eastham
Admission: Free
Details: Nauset Honors Chorus leads a night of Christmas caroling at the beautifully decorated Eastham Windmill. This is a great way to get into the spirit of the season with the family!
Taylor-Bray Farm Holiday Festival
Date / Time: December 2 & 3, 2017, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Taylor-Bray Farm, 108 Bray Farm Road, Yarmouthport
Admission: Free. $5 parking donation requested.
Details: This holiday festival will take you back in time, as you visit with the animals and check out the hand made goodies at the farm. There will be refreshments served at the festival, in addition to those available for purchase. There will also be hand crafted wreaths and centerpieces you can purchase in the barn.
Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll
Date / Time: December 3, 2017 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Rt. 6A, Yarmouthport
Admission: Free
Details: Stroll down historic Route 6A and explore the businesses, inns and restaurants that open up to visitors providing them with cookies, treats and music.
Santa Comes to the Fish Pier
Date / Time: December 3, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.
Location: Chatham Fish Pier Barcliff Avenue, Chatham
Admission: Free
Details: The United States Coast Guest escorts Santa Claus to the Chatham Fish Pier by Coast Guard cutter. It’s a must see!
Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend
Date / Time: December 9, 2017
Location: Throughout the town of Chatham
Admission: Most events / activities are free
Details: Finish up your holiday shopping and take advantage of the specials put on by the shops along Main Street Chatham. There will be a light parade, treats, musical performances, caroling, fairs, open houses and even a visit from Santa Claus.
Cape Cod Holiday Events
Celebrate this magical time of year and take in some of the Cape Cod holiday events happening throughout the Cape to get into the spirit of the season.