The Christmas season is an exciting time on Cape Cod because there are so many events in the weeks leading up to the big day. If you visit the area in December, you won’t have to look far for a holiday event to enjoy.
In fact, some visitors plan their entire vacations around these events. Here’s a look at some of the Christmas fun you can expect on the Cape in December 2023.
Falmouth Holidays-by-the-Sea Weekend
The Falmouth Holidays-by-the-Sea Weekend runs from December 1-3 and has multiple events you can attend. On Friday, December 1, between 5:00 and 8:00 PM, you can head to Nobska Point to check out the Nobska Lighthouse Holiday Open House. This event will feature music by The Brass Ring Ensemble, hot chocolate, pictures with Mrs. Claus, and the chance to see inside the famous Nobska Lighthouse. Please note that there won’t be any on-site parking available, so you’ll have to take the trolley from Woods Hole to visit.
Also in Woods Hole on that same evening is a festive sing-along called Caroling in Woods Hole Village. This event starts at 5:30 and will continue well into the night.
Saturday, December 2, will be a busy day in Falmouth, featuring multiple events throughout the day. It all begins at Falmouth Harbor at 10:30 AM with Seafaring Santa Sails into Falmouth Harbor. At 3:00 PM, the 12th Annual GhELF Run starts at Falmouth Village Green, followed by the 12th Annual Jingle Jog 5K at 3:30. There’s also the Falmouth Village Holiday Stroll at 4:30 and the Lighting of the Village Green at 6:00 PM. This entire day will feature shopping opportunities, live music, festive performances, and plenty of fun, so arrive early and get involved.
Perhaps the most highly-anticipated event of the 2023 holiday season is the 60th Annual Falmouth Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. This event begins at noon on December 3 and is the largest Christmas parade in Southeast New England. We’ll want to show up early to ensure you find a spot along Main Street to view the action.
Christmas in Cotuit
There’s a small event in Cotuit on December 2, 2023, that’s worth your time if you book a vacation rental in the area. Christmas in Cotuit has Santa arriving at the Town Dock on a boat at 3:45 PM, although there will be other events taking place throughout the village all day long.
Eastham Holiday Festival
Saturday, December 2, is the date of the annual Eastham Holiday Festival at Orleans-Eastham Elks. This event runs from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM and features visits with Santa, holiday music, free refreshments, face painting, and a craft-making station. The festival is geared toward kids and provides a few hours of free entertainment for them.
Later that evening, Eastham will also host Carols on the Green at the Windmill Green. Local school choruses will lead the sing-along, which runs from 4:00-5:00 PM and features free hot chocolate and cookies.
Winter Wonderland Weekend in Hyannis
As you might expect, there’s plenty to do in Hyannis on December 1 and 2 in 2023. First, there’s the First Fridays Sip and Shop on Friday, December 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. During this event, you can grab a drink or two and visit some local retailers on Main Street, getting your holiday shopping done in a festive environment.
The fun continues on Saturday, December 2, with a family-friendly Main Street Stroll between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This event coincides with the Love Local Fest, which features pony rides, a petting zoo, appearances by Santa, and access to deals at 120 local retailers.
At 4:00 PM, the Hyannis Harbor Boat Parade will steal the show, illuminating the waterfront and giving you something you’ll remember for a long time.
Christmas in Harwich
Christmas in Harwich is a massive festival with events taking place all over town on the December 1-3 weekend. It all kicks off with the Annual Harwich Port Stroll on December 1, which features a tree lighting in Doane Park, a holiday stroll, visits with Santa at the Harwich Chamber of Commerce, a cookie sale, and a concert by the Harwich Town Band. These events run from 5:30 until about 8:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to check them out.
The fun continues on Saturday, December 2, with some events in Harwich Center. Activities include a holiday boutique at the Harwich Community Center, an interactive storytelling experience of A Christmas Carol that takes you to several Harwich locations, a holiday bazaar, and multiple concerts. It’s a full day of activities, starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until 9:30 PM.
There are some other events at the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club on December 2, as well, depending on your preferences. This venue will host a holiday market, a tree lighting, some caroling, and a visit by Santa. The night ends with a fireworks display at 6:00 PM, which you won’t want to miss.
On December 3, you won’t want to miss the holiday parade. This event starts at noon and travels between Harwich Elementary School and Monomoy High School. There will be another A Christmas Carol performance on December 3, as well.
Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll
The Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll is a relatively small event going from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 3. It includes trolley rides, entertainment, live music, a holiday stroll, and holiday treats before culminating with the tree lighting ceremony on the Village Green. While Yarmouth’s event is smaller than others in the area, it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon.
Brewster for the Holidays Family Party
Also, on Sunday, December 3, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host the Brewster for the Holidays Family Party. This event runs from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM and features visits with Santa, a holiday dance party, prizes, and Christmas treats. It’s free to attend the museum on this day, and you can visit the exhibits while you’re there. Organizers ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate.
Chatham’s Christmas By the Sea Stroll Weekend
The December 1-3 weekend is jam-packed on Cape Cod, but don’t worry if you visit a bit later because Chatham is hosting a large Christmas event between December 8 and 10. Chatham’s Christmas By the Sea Stroll Weekend starts on Friday, December 8, with a light parade, tree lighting, some caroling, and festive characters performing in the streets. The Christmas stroll lasts all weekend, as you can check out all the shops and restaurants in downtown Chatham and join in the festivities.
Make the Most of Your Cape Cod Vacation
Visiting the Cape around the holidays ensures you can partake in some of these events and make the most of your time here. You don’t have to come to Cape Cod in the summer to enjoy it; these events give you something to do on your winter getaway to this magical part of the country.
