The Beach Times
Cape Cod Christmas Events and Happenings
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Thursday, December 7, 2017
Parades, lights, fairs, and concerts, Christmas is an extraordinary time on Cape Cod. Winter brings shorter days and quieter streets, making it is far easier to have a look at some local vacation rentals and take life at your own pace.
It is also possible to enjoy the serenity of the empty beaches and the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, giving Christmas a far different feel from the rest of the country.
After all, where else can you watch Santa arrive by boat or take a walk over snow-covered sand dunes?
Have a look at the Christmas events on Cape Cod and start planning your holiday season visit today.
Gardens Aglow and Holly Days in Sandwich
Starting near the end of November and running through much of December is Gardens Aglow, an event that turns Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich into the perfect Christmas destination.
During this time, the outdoor garden area at the museum is decorated with 12 miles of lights, creating a fun atmosphere for the entire family.
Joining the lights are musical performances, model train displays, Santa Claus appearances, and baby animals, creating a Winter Wonderland. The museum is perhaps the most festive location that you’ll come across on Cape Cod, although it does have some steep competition.
Gardens Aglow is part of the Sandwich Holly Days celebration, which also includes holiday home tours, community caroling opportunities, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and even a breakfast with Santa Claus.
There’s no shortage of holiday events in Cape Cod’s oldest town during the holidays.
Concerts, Sales, and Chatham's Seaside
Sandwich might get a lot of attention around Christmas because of the plethora of events that take place, but Chatham is doing its part to keep the holiday spirit alive.
It all starts in Chatham with the Christmas By The Sea Stroll, an event featuring a tree-lighting ceremony, carriage rides, Santa Claus, and Christmas caroling. You can also tour the area's inns and museums, which are decorated just for the holidays.
On the same weekend as the Christmas By The Sea Stroll, Chatham has its Cookie Express sale. This bake sale is an annual event that attracts people from all over The Cape because of the volume and quality of the holiday goodies.
Christmas music is a large part of getting into the spirit and Chatham has you covered there, as well. The Chatham Community Christmas Concert is hosted by the First Congregational Church and features a full choir and orchestra. It's a must-see if you are spending the holidays on Cape Cod.
Dennis' Village Stroll and Holiday Decor
Not to be outdone, the Dennis Village Christmas Stroll contributes further opportunities to immerse yourself in the Cape Cod Christmas season.
This festival, which takes place in mid-December, has a Christmas tree lighting, hayrides, rides on the trolley, and even a petting zoo.
Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus are on-site, and there is a face painting station for the kids. Adults will take joy in the silent auction and food samples, as well. There is live music throughout the day at the Village Green Bandstand.
Keep in mind that similar festivals take place in towns like Orleans, Hyannis, Falmouth, Brewster, Harwich, Provincetown, and Yarmouth Port, so even if you’re not in Dennis, Chatham, or Sandwich, you can experience the magic of a Cape Cod Christmas. Hyannis is also home to the Cape Cod Enchanted Village at Cape Codder Resort, featuring carolers, Santa, and bonfires.
Part of the Dennis Village Christmas Stroll is a night at the Manse, which is a colonial house done up in Christmas decorations every year. All you have to do is get on the trolley at the Stroll, and you'll end up at the Manse and the magic that this trip entails.
Holiday Hike in Falmouth
Falmouth's Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary features a large holly plantation, making it the perfect place to check out during the holidays. In fact, the farm is one of the largest in all of New England, and it takes advantage of this stature by holding an event every Christmas season.
The sanctuary has over 65 different types of holly, and for a small fee, visitors can fill a bag with these specimens and take them home for holiday decorating.
The Holiday Hike is one reason why Falmouth becomes a Christmas town every winter.
The Christmas Parade
While there are other Christmas parades on Cape Cod, such as the one in Falmouth, no town does it better than Mashpee. This town's annual Christmas parade follows a unique theme each year and is an all-day event, plan on spending some serious time there.
From award-winning bands to parade floats decorated in Christmas lights, the Mashpee Chamber Christmas Parade has something for everyone.
Hot chocolate stands sit throughout the parade route, encouraging parade-goers to have a look around and see what they can find.
Experience Christmas on Cape Cod
There’s something old-world about Christmas on Cape Cod that you’ll have to experience to appreciate. As Christmas becomes more commercialized every year, it’s refreshing to have a place where events, festivals, and togetherness remain in high regard and where communities go out of their way to organize such an atmosphere.
No matter where on The Cape you choose to spend your holidays, you’re sure to find unique seaside Christmas features that are becoming lost elsewhere in the country.
Cape Cod Christmas