What’s Happening Cape Cod — January Edition
We’ve rounded up a variety of local events and activities to kick off the New Year. This month, we highlight New Year’s Eve celebrations, First Day hikes and a few cool ways to dive into 2025!
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
First Light Provincetown
Tuesday, December 31
Ring in the New Year on the tip of the Cape with First Light Provincetown, which features fine art, performances, delicious fare and festive shopping experiences. The biggest event of the week is the fireworks celebration from MacMillan Pier at dusk on Tuesday, December 31. The best views for the fireworks are on the beach by the pier, or you can watch from nearby bars, clubs and restaurant that have decks and indoor seating. Other events include the Lite Bright Bike Ride on New Year’s Eve and the Annual Provincetown Polar Bear Plunge at noon (see below) on New Year’s Day!
First Night Chatham
Tuesday, December 31
Noon-10 p.m.
A town-wide, family-friendly event and honored tradition. Now in its 33rd year, the annual New Year’s celebration features more than 70 performances and events, including a town photo, musical performances, Noise Parade, and a dazzling display of fireworks over Veterans Field. This year's theme: Celebrate together. For updated information, visit First Night Chatham and also follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2025
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
Harwich Elementary School's annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge
10 a.m.
Gather your family and friends to kick the winter blues with a mood-enhancing dip at Red River Beach in Harwich! Donations will be split between The Grateful Mug and the Harwich PTO. For more information, visit HES New Year’s Day Polar Plunge.
Yarmouth Polar Plunge
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
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.
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.
