What’s Happening Cape Cod
We’ve rounded up a mix of local events and winter traditions to kick off the New Year. From First Day hikes and icy polar plunges to orchids in bloom and classical music, January offers plenty of ways to welcome 2025 on Cape Cod.
First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2026
January 1
6:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This fourth annual regional celebration features free events across Cape Cod, including a range of opportunities for families, children, residents and visitors to explore nature on the first day of the new year. Spearheaded by Barnstable Land Trust, and representing 16 organizations across Cape Cod, First Day Hikes highlight 18 events throughout the day including sunrise hikes, nature walks, educational programs, a photography excursion, a geocaching training course, bonfires and family events.
The day-long festival also spotlights the recently launched Cape-wide Conservation Community Calendar which invites visitors and residents alike to explore nature programs year-round with just one click!
Polar Plunges – Chill Out for Good Causes
Yarmouth Polar Plunge
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Smugglers Beach
Join the Friends of Yarmouth Council on Aging and welcome 2025 from Nantucket Sound at Smugglers Beach in South Yarmouth. Proceeds benefit the Yarmouth Senior Center. Cost to participate: $25. Reserve your spot by visiting Yarmouth Polar Plunge.
27th Annual Monument Beach Polar Plunge
Noon
Get freezin’ for a reason at the annual New Year’s Day Polar Swim that benefits the Bourne Food Pantry. Cost to participate: $25. Click here to register.
10th Annual Provincetown Polar Bear Plunge
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Run, splash and plunge into the waters of Provincetown Harbor to benefit the Center for Coastal Studies. Cost to participate: $60 (includes registration, T-shirt and endless fun!). Warm drinks and chili at Harbor Lounge follow the icy swim. Johnson Street Parking lot, 14 Johnson St. To register, visit Provincetown Polar Bear Plunge.
Cape and Islands Orchid Society Show
Jan. 24 & 25
9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday; 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday
Emerald Resort & Hyport Conference Center, Hyannis
Brighten your winter with the stunning Cape and Islands Orchid Society Annual Show, a vibrant celebration of orchid beauty. Wander among hundreds of blooming orchids in dazzling displays, meet expert growers and shop a wide variety of orchids and supplies from local and regional vendors. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to orchid growing, this event offers something for all plant lovers — plus educational exhibits and opportunities to learn more about orchid culture. Admission is $10 (children under 12 $5; group rates available).
Passport to Vienna – Cape Symphony
Jan. 24 & 25
4 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday
Take a musical journey to the heart of Austria with Passport to Vienna, a Cape Symphony Masterpiece Series concert at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. Featuring Schoenberg’s expressive Chamber Symphony No. 2, Mozart’s elegant Piano Concerto No. 23 performed by acclaimed pianist Awadagin Pratt, and Beethoven’s exhilarating Symphony No. 7, this program celebrates the rich musical legacy of Vienna. Click here for tickets.
