It’s hard to believe that 2022 is coming to an end, and we’ll soon welcome 2023 into our lives. While there’s no telling what the next year has in store for us, spending New Year’s Eve on Cape Cod guarantees the final night of 2022 will be a memorable one.
Parties and other events will take place all over the Cape, so you’re bound to find something near your vacation rental. However, the two largest celebrations take place in Provincetown and Chatham, with each offering endless hours of entertainment on New Year’s Eve and beyond.
You can’t go wrong attending either or both of these parties. Here’s a look at the giant New Year’s Eve parties in Provincetown and Chatham you can participate in while spending time on Cape Cod this winter.
First Light Provincetown
First Light is a massive event in Provincetown that lasts for three days. Even if you have other plans on New Year’s Eve, it’s possible to head to the tip of Cape Cod to enjoy some of the festivities on December 30 or January 1.
December 30 will feature a Holiday Market at Canteen, where you can pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts to give to loved ones when you return home. P-Town’s bars and restaurants will also be open that night.
Perhaps the main reason to visit Provincetown on New Year’s Eve is the fireworks show over Provincetown Harbor. The event kicks off at 5:00 PM and is the perfect way to begin your evening before heading to one of the community’s other parties.
New Year’s Eve also has a holiday market, in addition to a concert by Tony award-winning Christine Ebersole at Town Hall and a show by Lea DeLaria and Qya Cristal at The Club. The concert at Town Hall starts at 7:00 PM and runs into the New Year, while the event at The Club includes dinner.
If you’re attending the dinner and concert at The Club, you should know that the first seating lasts from 5:00 until 8:00 PM, so you won’t be there for midnight. The second seating starts at 9:00 PM and includes a champagne toast and a party to welcome the New Year.
That’s not all, though, as the party continues on January 1 with the Provincetown Polar Bear Plunge. Hundreds of brave souls will jump into Provincetown Harbor at 11:00 AM, hoping to shake off the effects of the night before.
There’s also the Hair of the Dog Disco at the Provincetown Brewing Company, giving you a chance to try some beers and relax a little. The event runs from 1:00-4:00 PM.
You’ll likely come across an event or two while visiting Provincetown around New Year’s, thanks to the First Light Provincetown celebration.
First Night Chatham
The other large New Year’s Eve party on Cape Cod is First Night Chatham, a family-friendly affair that lasts the entire day on December 31. Events take place at venues all over town, including concerts at the Orpheum Theater, the Congressional Church, the Methodist Church, the UU Meeting House, St. Christopher’s Chapel, St. Martin’s Lodge, Town Hall, the Community Center, the Chatham Railroad Museum, and the town’s elementary and middle schools.
You’ll also find outdoor activities like ice carving, a costumed road race, and a town photo, in addition to a circus, mini golf, face painting, and magic shows.
In the evening, the annual noise parade to Veteran’s Field takes place, followed by fireworks at the same venue. Remember that the entire event ends at 9:00 PM, so you’ll still have time to attend a New Year’s party afterward.
It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll need a button to get into most events. These buttons cost $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Fortunately, you can purchase these buttons before arriving on the Cape. You can also get from them various local retailers or by heading straight to the First Night Chatham Headquarters at 584 Main Street.
Admission to every event isn’t guaranteed, even with a button, because indoor venues tend to fill up for some of the more popular shows. Still, there will be about a dozen events going on in the town at any given moment, so you’ll have more than enough opportunity to check them out.
Parking is available at various venues throughout town, too, and a shuttle will drop you off near your desired event. Downtown Chatham is also walkable from many nearby vacation rentals.
Ring in the New Year in Style
The New Year’s Eve events in Provincetown and Chatham couldn’t be more different. Provincetown is aimed toward adults, as most major events occur in bars. However, you could attend the fireworks show as a family before heading elsewhere.
First Night Chatham is primarily family-friendly, although some concerts are adult-oriented and will have an older audience. You can also attend dozens of different concerts and shows when you purchase a button, offering outstanding value.
Book a vacation rental near your chosen venues to ensure you can travel to and from your events as efficiently as possible this New Year’s Eve.
