Booking a Cape Cod vacation rental in the winter is always a treat because there are so many things to see and do. The region is less busy than in the summer, too, making it easier to explore the various towns and villages without hassle.
There’s a winter event coming to South Yarmouth in 2023 that’s sure to take the town by storm and provide even more activities for visitors. The second annual Yarmouth Winter Carnival runs between Saturday, February 18 and Monday, February 20 at Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World, and it’s quickly becoming a hit with travelers and locals alike.
You can check out the venue from noon until 6:00 PM on the Saturday or 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM on the Sunday and Monday, and there will be entertainment for the entire family. Here’s a look at what you can expect at the 2023 Yarmouth Winter Carnival
Ice Skating
Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World is installing a synthetic ice rink on the property for the duration of the event, so you and the family can do some ice skating. It costs $8 per person for a 30-minute skate, and skate rentals are available for an additional $2.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to pre-register for the ice skating because only 15 people are permitted on the ice at a time. Registration for ice skating starts on February 6, so it’s a good idea to get in early if you’ll be on the Cape that weekend.
Food Vendors
Food vendors will be on-site throughout the Yarmouth Winter Carnival. The Veterans Lunch Box food truck will be at the event all three days, selling favorites like burgers, fries, lobster rolls, and chicken strips. You can also get pizza, wings, and fries from Kono Pizza Cape Cod and pizza or pasta from Papa Gino’s, which shares a parking lot with Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World. Going hungry isn’t an option at the festival.
That’s not all, as there will also be some craft and clothing vendors participating in the event. The lineup of vendors has yet to be confirmed, but local artisans will be there, ensuring you can buy some gifts and souvenirs to bring home with you.
Entertainment For Kids
The Yarmouth Winter Carnival is all about the kids, so it makes sense that numerous events with children in mind will take place throughout the weekend.
We’re still waiting on the schedule, but you can expect balloon artists, stilt walkers, caricature artists, and LED and fire hoop dancers to make appearances. We could also see rubber duck races and an ice carving demonstration like last year, in addition to face painting, a hot chocolate station, magic shows, craft tables, multiple storytimes, and a petting zoo. There will also be s’mores, popcorn, and cotton candy available for dessert.
Perhaps the most significant addition for 2023 will be a live performance by the Drum Nomads. This Massachusetts-based group utilizes various drumming styles from around the world during its live performances and always attracts a crowd. If you have yet to witness the Drum Nomads in person, they’re reason enough to head to Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World for this event.
The fun will continue all weekend long, making the Yarmouth Winter Carnival worth visiting if you stay on the Cape with your kids this February. Remember that the arcade at Skull Island will also be open and gives you a chance to head indoors if it’s a cold day.
Tickets and Parking
You don’t need to purchase tickets to the festival ahead of time, but entry is $3 per person at the gate. Kids six and under are free. S’more kits also cost $2 each, and quantities will be limited.
The carnival will take up a significant portion of the on-site parking lot, so organizers ask that you park next door at Stop & Shop Plaza. There’s a path directly from the parking lot to Skull Island Adventure Golf & Sports World.
You don’t want to miss this second annual event in South Yarmouth if you visit the Cape this winter. Your kids will love every second of their time at the Yarmouth Winter Carnival.
