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Nichole Willey & Team has you covered on EVERY holiday event this year on Cape Cod! From tree lightings to festivals and so much more, use the list below to explore everything Cape Cod has to offer this winter season.
11/19 – 11/26, Jawesome Jaw-Lidays, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Center, Chatham – Come learn more about white sharks while the Center is decked out for the holidays and get your family photo taken in a shark cage with Santa! Items are also being collected for the Chatham Children’s Fund. Reservations are required. Make yours here.
11/24, 8AM, The Chatham Turkey Trot – The Chatham Turkey Trot is a family-friendly fun Thanksgiving morning run or walk over 3.1 miles of winding and rolling paved roads with breathtaking scenery in Chatham, Massachusetts, to benefit the Lower Cape Outreach Council. This year we are excited to announce that we are back in-person! This year the race will be professionally timed. The first 1000 in-person registrants will get a free Turkey Trot t-shirt! Gather your family and friends and join us on Thanksgiving morning for this 5K event. Click here for more information.
11/25, 3:30, Annual Lighting of the Tree at Mashpee Commons, Plaza outside Siena’s – Welcome the holidays with this free, family-friendly event for the community, including complimentary mini donuts & hot chocolate, face painting with students from Mashpee Middle High School’s National Arts Honor Society, holiday caroling with students from Mashpee Middle High School (4PM), an appearance by Santa (4-5PM), and the tree lighting countdown (4:30PM). Find out more here.
11/25 – 12/23, Polar Express with the CC Central Railroad – Select dates between 11/25 – 12/23. One of the Railroad’s most popular events! Relive the magic of the classic story (with music from the soundtrack of the movie in the background) as you ride THE POLAR EXPRESS™ to meet Santa! Onboard, you’ll encounter dancing chefs and waiters and enjoy a reading of the classic children’s book while sipping hot cocoa and munching on snickerdoodles. After your 1-1.5 hour trip, Santa and his elves board the train and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. Wear your Christmas jammies for even more fun! These rides sell out VERY quickly; get your tickets EARLY here.
11/25 – 12/11, 16th Annual Holidays at Highfield, Highfield Hall & Gardens – Highfield Hall & Gardens prepares to open the doors on November 25th for three consecutive weekends for the 16th Annual Holidays at Highfield annual event. Inspired by the theme Home for the Holidays, event stylist Rita Pacheco returns to lead the holiday transformation of Highfield Hall by masterfully blending old world charm with contemporary elements! The Holidays at Highfield for 2022 presents another year of spectacular decorating and seasonal activities and performances. Click here for more information.
11/25 – 11/27, Gardens Aglow, Heritage Museums & Gardens – Gardens Aglow is a celebration of lights that has become a treasured holiday tradition. This event features beautiful light displays throughout the gardens, festive seasonal décor, and fun activities for all. At the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery, visit with Santa in the 1913 Ford Model T and view Heritage’s antique car collection. At the American Art & Carousel Gallery, take a ride on the 1908 Looff Carousel and view winter scenes from our Currier & Ives collection. Outdoors, stroll the lighted gardens with family and friends, roast marshmallows, go on a reindeer scavenger hunt, enjoy seasonal treats from Lilly’s Café and Cape Cod Donut Truck, delight in lawn games and a warming area at the Polar PlaySpace, and view the bottle flowers and model train display in the McGraw Family Garden of the Senses. Click here for more information.
11/26, 4:45PM, Candlelight Stroll with Mrs. Claus and Tree Lighting, Orleans – 4:45 – Post Office Square (park & gather). 5:00-5:30 – Candlelight Stroll to Depot Square led by Mrs. Claus. 5:45 – Tree Lighting with Mrs. Claus. 6:00-7:00 – Continuing children’s festivities at the Artist Cottages, live music, cookies and hot chocolate for the kids. More information here.
11/26, 5:30PM, Lighting of the Lobster Pot Christmas Tree, Lopes Square, P’town – Come watch a Provincetown tradition that rings in the holiday season. Started in 2004 by artist Julian Popko who wanted to design a holiday celebration that recognized the hard-working local lobstermen, the “tree” is made of real lobster traps, and is one of the most unique displays on the Cape. Held at 5:30 pm at Lopes Square (Commercial and Standish Street) in Provincetown.
11/27, 4PM, Lighting of the Littlest Christmas Tree, Shawme Pond, Sandwich – A sweet tradition in Sandwich – the little tree on the Pond will light up for the first time this season, accompanied by a reading of the Thornton Burgess story. Hot cocoa, homemade cookies, traditional decorations, and live music and dance will make for a fun afternoon. FREE family event. rain, snow or shine.
12/2-01/01, 21st Annual Cape Cod Enchanted Village - The Cape Cod Enchanted Village, located at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, will be open for another magical season on Friday, December 2 at dusk. The dazzling glow of thousands of lights sets the mood for this nostalgic display. Topiary animals will greet you as you make your way past rows of miniature Christmas Trees and Santa's Reindeer to a Santa's Village reminiscent of an old fashioned Enchanted Village. And, back by popular demand, Santa will be taking some time out of his busy schedule to visit us at the Cape Codder on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-8pm!
Guests to the Enchanted Village are encouraged to bring NEW, unwrapped gifts or Gift Cards to place under a Giving Tree. All donations will be given to Independence House in Hyannis. 12/2/22–12/23/22: Santa Visits, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 5 to 8 pm. More details here.
12/2 – 12/4, Holiday on the Cape with the Cape Symphony, Barnstable Performing Arts Center – The Cape Symphony’s favorite season will be celebrated this year with performances from ViVa Trio, the Chatham Chorale, and the Cape Symphony Dance Company. Some of your favorite classical, modern, and traditional favorites will immerse you in happy memories and holiday cheer. This year’s performance, as always, will be in support of the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation’s Operation Santa Claus. Please bring along a new unwrapped, packaged toy, gift card, or book if you’re able. Get tickets here.
12/2, 5:30PM, Harwichport Holiday Stroll – Caroling, tree lighting, and Santa’s arrival are on Friday evening. Then stroll through Harwich Port shops and restaurants while enjoying music, holiday treats, and more, throughout the weekend! Click here for more information.
12/2 – 12/4, Christmas by the Sea/59th Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade – A weekend of holiday cheer in Falmouth, featuring the Jingle Jog 5K, the lighting of the village green, and culminating in the annual Christmas parade – the largest in southeastern New England! This year’s theme is “Holiday Traditions.” Get the full schedule of events here.
12/2 – 12/4, Nantucket Christmas Stroll – The 48th Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend features hundreds of decorated trees, costumed carolers, a visit from Santa Claus, Santa’s Village Marketplace and special dinners at various restaurants, along with great artisan holiday crafts and holiday shopping opportunities! More details are here.
12/2 – 12/30, A Christmas Story, The Musical, Cape Cod Theater Company/Harwich Junior Theater – Based on the classic 1983 holiday movie, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a daydreamer from Indiana who spends his days counting down to the most exciting day in any kid’s life: Christmas! Matinee and evening performances available – get your tickets here.
12/2, 6PM, Christmas Tree Giveaway, Harbor Church – harbor Church is giving away FREE Christmas trees to anyone in our community in need, and they need your help! Come join them on Friday Night December 2nd at 6 PM and help bring some hope for the holidays – sign up to volunteer to host guests, handle trees, or serve refreshments, and help create a welcoming, festive Christmas environment for our neighbors in need. Volunteers will be required to show up early. This event is for the community, please do not bring your children with you if you are serving! Click here for more information.
12/2 – 12/4, Brewster for the Holidays – Carol singing, the tree lighting in Drummer Boy Park, live performances, Breakfast and Story Time with Santa! For the complete weekend schedule, click here.
12/3, 9AM, Saint Barnabas’s Christmas Fair – Baked goods, jewelry, gift baskets, Christmas creations, books, raffle and more! Click here for more information.
12/3, 1PM, Santa Arrives by Helicopter, Patriot Square – Santa arrives by helicopter on Saturday 12/3/22 @ 1 o’clock. If the weather is bad, Santa comes by Fire Truck. Click here for more information.
12/3, 10AM, Santa’s Workshop & Holiday Fair, Bourne Middle School – The Bourne PTA is hosting this fun community day. Plenty of vendors for adults to browse, make and take crafts, and the kids can get help from some of Santa’s elves shopping for the big people in their lives. Refreshments, music, face painting, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa will make this a fun family day. For more information or to volunteer, please email bournepta@gmail.com.
12/3, 11AM, Santa Visit to Lukes Love to Benefit A Baby Center – Please bring a gift of diapers, wipes or new/gently used clothing to help stuff the baby van this holiday season! Free family event. Click here for more information.
12/4, 1PM, Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll, Village Green – Trolley rides, live music, entertainment, and delicious holiday treats will be a part of this festive afternoon! At 4 pm, there will be a tree lighting and caroling on the Village Green! Rain or shine. More info here.
12/9 & 12/10, Chatham Christmas By the Sea Weekend – Enjoy the lighting of the tree and caroling at Kate Gould Park Friday night, shopping and musicians and street performers Friday night & Saturday, and on Saturday, get your tickets for Breakfast with Santa and the Holiday Gala Saturday night to benefit the Chatham Children’s Fund. Check the full schedule here.
12/9 & 12/10, Osterville Village Christmas Stroll – Town wide The festival of trees, a golf cart parade, caroling, creche services, refreshments, children’s activities, and a doggie parade will highlight the weekend in Osterville. Check the full schedule of events here.
12/10, 2PM, Tropical Holiday Concert, Knight Auditorium, BHS – Are you pining for more sunshine on these dark December days? For a seasonal celebration with a Latin groove, join the Cape Cod Concert Band for Tropical Holiday. Featuring the flavors of Jamaica, Argentina, Mexico, and Guadeloupe, served with a sprinkling of Christmas and Hannukah favorites. The concert begins at 2:00 p.m. on December 10, in the Knight Auditorium at Barnstable High School. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
12/10, 5:30PM, 16th Annual Mashpee Chamber Christmas Parade – Mashpee Commons This is the annual nighttime parade – the one that’s decked out in lights! Stake out your spot early and enjoy hot cocoa while you watch the floats and bands. Find out more here. (RAIN DATE SUNDAY, 12/11)
12/10, 7PM & 12/11, 4PM, Chatham Chorale Holiday Fanfare, First CoC, Sandwich – This is a return to normal for the Chatham Chorale – a big holiday concert with all the trimmings, including brass, piano, and timpani! Traditional, Brazilian, and Hanukkah pieces will be included in the program, along with “Pop-Up Hallelujah,” where members of the audience are invited to the stage to sing the beloved chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Find out more here.
12/10, 10AM, South Yarmouth Cookie Stroll, South Yarmouth Library – Walk or ride the trolley around the historical Bass River neighborhood, sharing cookies and treats as you tour homes and she sheds. Additional stops provide warm-ups, lunches, and maybe even a glimpse of Santa on the river. Make this event a charming beginning to your holiday season! All proceeds support the South Yarmouth Library. Tickets $25.00,children under 12 FREE. Purchase tickets here, or in person beginning December 5th at the SY Library.
12/11, 3PM, Centerville Christmas Stroll – It’s back – with some of the additions that have been welcome over the past 2 years. Santa will return to his village location at Fernbrook assisted by his elves. Live music, treats, and the ever popular “flash mob” will be making an appearance. This is a 3-hour event.
12/11, 12PM, Holly Days Village Stroll, Sandwich – Save the date for the newest addition to The Holly Days calendar, The Sandwich Village Stroll! Sunday, December 11th from Noon to 4!
12/17, 7:30PM, 12th Annual Celtic Christmas Family Celebration, Cultural Center of Cape Cod – Celtic duo Stanley & Grimm entertain with jigs, reels, and songs played with lively fiddle, guitar, and voice. It’s the fun they have on stage that has made them fan favorites and you’ll love hearing some traditional holiday favorites as well as some they’ve composed themselves! Get tickets here.
New Years Eve Fireworks & Events
First Light Provincetown When: December 31, 2022 Where: Provincetown Harbor More Info: First Light Provincetown "First Light" is Provincetown's gala, weekend-long New Year's celebration. Bundle up in your snuggies to watch all the colors and sparkles of fireworks over the Harbor. Such a fun and festive way to celebrate the arrival of a new year!
First Night Chatham
When: December 31, 2022 Where: Veterans Field, Chatham More Info: First Night Chatham The town of Chatham welcomes the New Year with its ever-popular First Night celebration and an early fireworks display at Veteran's Field. That's a special treat for those of us who can't manage to stay awake until midnight! ;-) The day's activities kick off with the traditional Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse at noon and reach their peak of noise and awe with the Noise Parade and Veterans Field Fireworks, and more activities until finishing around 9 p.m.
New Years Eve Bash at Pelham House Resort
When: December 31, 2022 Where: Pelham House Resort More Info: New Years Eve Bash at Pelham House Resort
A New Years Eve celebration like no other! Starting at 8:00pm, guests will be welcome to enjoy elevated food stations, live entertainment from Accent Band and more! $200 per person
Each ticket includes: all the food your heart desires, access to both Sea Level Ballroom and Rooftop festivities, midnight champagne toast, live entertainment and more! (Cash bar available all night on both levels.) Don't miss out! Limited availability and tickets must be purchased in advance.
New Year's Day Party
Where: Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis MA View Map When: Sunday, January 1, 2023, 3:00 PM More Info: Adults $32, Children $16, See website for all ticket prices
Celebrate the launch of 2023 in style. Join us for a mix of beautiful music in the tradition of the annual Vienna New Year's Day concert, including waltzes and polkas, Broadway classics, and contemporary hits.
From everyone at Nichole Willey Companies, we are honored to be your Cape Cod Real Estate Experts and we hope that you and your people have a beautiful holiday.
Need to talk about real estate? Schedule a chat!