Holiday events spark Cape’s Yuletide season. Check out the possibilities.

Barbara Clark, Contributing writer
Updated ·8 min read

Cape Cod sure knows how to throw a party. This Yuletide season, folks will be out and about, enjoying local festivities, strolls and other holiday pursuits. Santa’s everywhere at once ― that’s part of the magic ― arriving on trucks, carts and boats to greet fans of all ages.Central to our celebrations are the lights, illuminating the winter, from Giants in Sandwich to the colorful lobster pot tree in Provincetown. Candlelight glows from windows all along Old King’s Highway and from an open house at a historic Dennis manse. Lights bob above the water on boats in the harbor, warm a Solstice celebration in West Barnstable and bloom in fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Everyone shines at the Cape’s seaside celebration.Here is a peek at some activities ― old and new ― that are in store for this holiday celebration.

Nov. 24

Sandwich Giants

Nov. 24 through New Year’s Day, more than 70 whimsical Sandwich Giants light up the town.Free. Information and Giant locations: sandwichchamber.com

A so-called Sandwich Giant lights up the lawn in front of First Church Sandwich, UCC, last year. Michael Magyar created the giant lighted sculptures which can be seen on display throughout the town during the holiday season.
A so-called Sandwich Giant lights up the lawn in front of First Church Sandwich, UCC, last year. Michael Magyar created the giant lighted sculptures which can be seen on display throughout the town during the holiday season.

A Very Vineyard Holiday

Daily through Dec. 24 at local venues across Martha’s Vineyard.Free. Information: mvy.com/holidays/Holiday events and shopping in a festive island atmosphere.

14th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 30 at Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main St.$2-$12. Information: 508-888-0251, sandwichglassmuseum.org/

Holidays at Highfield in Falmouth

A bedroom and lounge area decorated in the theme of "Home for the Holidays" last year at the 16th annual "Holidays at Highfield."
A bedroom and lounge area decorated in the theme of "Home for the Holidays" last year at the 16th annual "Holidays at Highfield."

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thurs. through Sun., through Dec. 10 at Highfield Hall, 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth.$10, children free. Pre-registration suggested. Information: highfieldhallandgardens.orgSpectacular decorations and seasonal activities in the historic manse.

Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich

4:30 to 8 p.m., Thurs. through Sun., through Dec. 23, at Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove St., Sandwich.$13-$25, reservations required. Information: heritagemuseumsandgardens.orgLight displays and fun family activities.

The Old East Mill lights up the McGraw Family Garden of the Senses at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. The "Gardens Aglow" exhibit, featuring light displays, outdoor activities and a festive holiday atmosphere, draws thousands of visitors to Sandwich each year.
The Old East Mill lights up the McGraw Family Garden of the Senses at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. The "Gardens Aglow" exhibit, featuring light displays, outdoor activities and a festive holiday atmosphere, draws thousands of visitors to Sandwich each year.

Polar Express Train Ride, Buzzards Bay

4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., weekends and varied weekdays through Dec. 23. Departs Buzzards Bay Depot, 70 Main St.$49-$109, reservations required. Information: 888-797-7245, capetrain.comFamilies are all aboard to visit Santa at the North Pole, via Cape Cod Central Railroad.

The Lobster Pot Tree in Provincetown's Lopes Square was created in 2004 by Julian Popko to highlight the lobstering community. Popko died in 2017 and his family, along with volunteers, have continue to build the tree, which includes lobster traps, painted buoys, red bows and thousands of lights. The official lighting was Nov. 25 this year.
The Lobster Pot Tree in Provincetown's Lopes Square was created in 2004 by Julian Popko to highlight the lobstering community. Popko died in 2017 and his family, along with volunteers, have continue to build the tree, which includes lobster traps, painted buoys, red bows and thousands of lights. The official lighting was Nov. 25 this year.

The Canteen Holiday Market

11 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekend days vary, through Dec. 31 at 225 Commercial St., Provincetown.Information: 508-487-3800Local artisan wares on sale at local vendors’ outdoor marketplace.

'Hope for the Holidays: The Wintry Mix Edition'

7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road (Route 28)$35-$40. Information: artsonthecape.org/,Clueless cabaret characters spin a hilarious holiday show.

Nov. 30

“FACB: Holiday Edition!” in South Yarmouth

7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth.$25. Information: 508-394-7100, culturalcenter.orgAn irreverent, unforgettable evening with writer-performer/storyteller Christine Ernst.

Dec. 1-3

Holly Folly in Provincetown

Holly Folly, described by organizers as the nation’s original LGBTQ+ Holiday Celebration," began in 1997 as a way for "chosen family" to gather and celebrate the holidays with performance art, dining and holiday shopping. There is also a Jingle Bell Run and Champagne Brunch (a Santa run in bathing suits), dance parties, sing-alongs, and drag bingo. More info: ptown.org/calendars/holly-folly/.

Dec. 1

Windmill Lighting in Brewster

3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main St., Brewster.Free. Information: brewsterhistoricalsociety.org/Christmas tree and windmill lighting, with caroling and cocoa.

Hyannis Village Holiday Kickoff and Stroll

5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, Main Street kick-off with live entertainment. 7 p.m.: annual harbor boat lighting, with sing-along on the Village Green.11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2, Main Street Stroll. 4 p.m.: Santa arrives with the Harbor Boat Parade.Free event. Information: 508-775-7982; hyannisholiday.info/

Sandwich Community Carol Sing

7 p.m. Dec. 1, on the steps of First Church Sandwich, 136 Main St.Free. Information: capecodchamber.orgFollowed by refreshments at Dan’l Webster Inn.

'A Cape Cod Christmas' film screening, Woods Hole

7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Clapp Auditorium, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL St., Woods Hole.$20. Information: 508-495-3456. Tickets: woodsholefilmfestival.org/A reprise of John Stimpson’s holiday film, shot in Falmouth during 2020-21.

Dec. 2

Winter Open House at Cahoon in Cotuit

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at Cahoon Museum of American Art, 4676 Falmouth Road, Cotuit.Free admission all day. Information: 508-428-7581, cahoonmusem.org/Exhibits, holiday art projects, delicious seasonal treats.

Christmas in Cotuit

Daylong events, beginning 10 a.m. Dec. 2 at venues throughout the village.Free. Information and full schedule: .Gift basket sale, craft fair, fire station open house, Santa at the town dock at 3:45 p.m.

Dec. 2

10th Annual Love Local Fest: Holiday Edition, Hyannis

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 2, Hyannis Village Green

Get an early start on holiday shopping as 120 local makers display wares for sale.

Dec. 1-3Christmas in Harwich Weekend Festival

Fireworks, 6 p.m. Dec. 2, Wequassett Resort & Golf Club, 2173 Route 28, Harwich, wequassett.com

Noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 in Harwich Center.Free event. Information: harwichcc.comHoliday parade at noon, interactive Charles Dickens-themed Stroll from Pilgrim Masonic Lodge to Brooks Park, with vendor and food trucks,

Cape Symphony 'Holiday on the Cape'

With six performances over three days, Dec. 1-3, Cape Symphony presents a holiday concert for those aged 6 and older. Joe Marchio is guest conductor; Patrice Tiedemann is the vocalist and the Cape Symphony Dance Company, led by Michelle Chwastiak, will perform. There is also a singalong. Details, including a collection to help veterans: capesymphony.org/

60th Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade

Noon, Dec. 3, from Dillingham Avenue and Davis Straits, Route 28, down Main Street to Village Green.Free. Information: 508-548-8500; info@falmouthchamber.comFloats, marching bands, live animals, colorful costumes and Santa!

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, along Route 6A from Harvest of Barnstable to Fire Station.Free event, rain or shine. Information: 508-778-1008Trolley rides, visits with Santa, and holiday treats. 4:15 p.m.: tree lighting, Village Green.

Dec. 8

Holidays in Osterville

5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 and from 11 a.m. Dec. 9, throughout Osterville Village.Free. Information: 508-428-6327, ostervillevillage.com/ Dec. 8: Santa rides in a decorated golf cart parade through the village, 5:30 p.m. On Dec.9: Village dog parade steps off, 11 a.m. Plus crèche display, carols, music and decorated trees.

Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll

Daily, Dec. 8-10, town-wide in Chatham.Free event. Information: chathaminfo.com/Light parade and annual tree lighting with Santa on Dec. 8. Entertainment, shops and holiday cheer.

Dec. 9Wreath Sale, West Barnstable

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Meetinghouse Farm, 2135 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable.Free event. Information: Jeanne@jmpesq.comBeautiful holiday wreaths to decorate every door or mantel.

18th Annual Cookie Stroll, South Yarmouth

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 9, in historic Bass River, South Yarmouth.$25. Information and tickets: eventbrite.com

Walk or take the free trolley, sample cookies, enjoy lunch and music at venues along the way. You may catch Santa riding his boat along the Bass River or stopping by the Yacht Club

Annual Christmas Parade in Mashpee

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, in Mashpee Commons, 22 Steeple St.Free event. Information: mashpeechamber.com/Santa joins the fun at the annual Mashpee Commons holiday parade.

Dec. 10Dennis Village Stroll

Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10, at Dennis Village Green and along Route 6A, Dennis Village.Noon to 3 p.m.: Holiday Open House at the 18th-century Josiah Dennis Manse Museum, 61 Whig St., Dennis Village.Free. Information: 508- 428-6327, dennischamber.com/

Also in Dennis, visit the family-friendly West Dennis Stroll from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 16, starting out at Holly's Deli, 882 Main St., West Dennis.

And from 6 to 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve, come by the Capt. Baker Donut Shop at 485 Main St. in West Dennis to watch the annual doughnut drop from the second floor! There will be undropped cinnamon cider doughnut and cider for those who attend.

Dec. 18

A 'Charlie Brown Christmas' Album ― Live in Cotuit

6 p.m. Dec. 18 on the Main Stage, Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road (Route 28)Free. Bring a grocery store gift card of at least $10 for donation to Housing Assistance Corporation's Angel House shelter. Information: artsonthecape.org/Cape musicians perform the familiar soundtrack from this classic holiday film.

Dec. 21

Winter Solstice at Meetinghouse Farm, West Barnstable

Silent Night" sung by candlelight at the Meetinghouse Farm at the "Winter Solstice observance in 2017.
Silent Night" sung by candlelight at the Meetinghouse Farm at the "Winter Solstice observance in 2017.

6 p.m. Dec. 21, at 2135 Meetinghouse Way (Route 149), West Barnstable.Free. Information: meetinghousefarm.com/ Celebrate the longest night with poetry, meditation and sharing, followed by an outdoor bonfire to celebrate the coming season of light.

Dec. 30

First Light Provincetown 2023

Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, events and New Year’s entertainment at town-wide venues across Provincetown.Free outdoor fun, indoor venue prices vary. Information: ptown.org/Nightly entertainment, annual Light Bright Bike Ride, Polar Bear Plunge, fireworks off MacMillan Pier at dusk Dec. 31.

Dec. 31

First Night Chatham

Chatham First Night fireworks light up the sky over Veterans Field in the 2013 version of the annual fireworks.
Chatham First Night fireworks light up the sky over Veterans Field in the 2013 version of the annual fireworks.

1 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31, at venues town-wide.

$5 to $25. Information: firstnightchatham.com/

More than 70 indoor and outdoor performances and events throughout town, with 10 p.m. fireworks display at Veterans Field. This year's theme is "Where the stars shine."

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod is hosting scores of holiday celebrations this winter