Cape Holiday Events: Making Spirits Bright
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, towns across the Cape come alive with dazzling decorations, sparkling lights and festive celebrations. To celebrate this magical time of year, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite community events to help put you in the holiday spirit!
Love Local Fest—2023 Holiday Edition
December 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, December 3)
Discover a unique gift for everyone on your list while supporting the Cape’s small business community. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Hyannis Village Green and Harbor Overlook, the 10th annual Love Local Fest: Holiday Edition features locally made items from the Cape’s talented artists and makers. Enjoy holiday portraits, kids’ activities, and food and drinks from local eateries and breweries, while taking in the magic of the season. For more information, visit lovelivelocal.com
60th Annual Falmouth Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 3 at Noon
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Falmouth Christmas Parade and Falmouth Hospital! In honor of this special milestone, Cape Cod Healthcare will be a part of this festive holiday tradition—the largest parade of its kind in Southern New England. The parade’s theme this year is “Holidays Through the Decades,” and the CCHC Blood Mobile will be our featured parade float, decorated in the holiday spirit for this community event. Parade route begins at Dillingham Avenue and Davis Straights, and proceeds along Main Street and ends at Village Green. For more information, visit capecodchamber.org
Third Annual Amplify POC Holiday Vendor Market
December 8, 2-6 p.m.
A multi-cultural holiday event! Find the perfect present by perusing items from more than 30 vendors; take in the sounds of The Conspiracy of Noize; and enjoy delicious bites from Island Cafe & Grill and Duck Island Shellfish. Participate in a holiday photo session with Black Santa and savor an immersive multi-cultural holiday experience. The event is free to attend, but photo sessions must be booked in advance. 529 Main St., Hyannis (located in the former Wings retail store). For updated information, visit Amplify POC’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Holiday Strolls – First two weekends in December
Take in the festive holiday sights and sounds by strolling across the Cape! Below are a few highlights.
Mashpee Commons (Nov. 24-Dec. 23): The tree lighting on Nov. 24 kicked off a month-long holiday celebration. Throughout December, enjoy meet and greet in Santa’s Village, caroling and brass band performances. 22 Steeple St., Mashpee. Mashpeecommons.com
Christmas in Harwich Weekend Festival (Dec. 1-3): On Dec. 2, Harwich Center will be transformed into the Victorian world captured by Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The immersive experience will feature iconic characters walking the streets and engaging with visitors as part of a weekend-long holiday extravaganza. Harwichcc.com
Chatham’s Christmas by the Sea Stroll (Dec. 8 and 9): The tree lighting at the triangle on Main Street kicks off a weekend of holiday cheer: Horse and carriage rides, breakfast with Santa, a viewing of the “Elf” movie and Santa’s workshop. Chathaminfo.com
Osterville Christmas Stroll Weekend (Dec. 8-10): A dazzling display of lights, a wishing maze and live seasonal melodies. The highlight of the weekend: The adorable dog parade at 11 a.m. on Dec. 9! Capecodchamber.org
The Polar Express
Through Dec. 23
All aboard! This popular train ride brings the magic of the Polar Express to life. During a 90-minute round-trip adventure to the “North Pole,” characters on each train car lead lively entertainment—just like in the film! The experience includes a golden ticket, dancing chefs and waiters, Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies, and a reading of the classic book. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves board the train for pictures and gifts of souvenir sleigh bells. Be sure to wear your Christmas jammies for even more fun. Departs from 70 Main St., Buzzards Bay, capetrain.com
