Christmas is a festive time of year on Cape Cod, as various events turn the region into a must-visit location over the holidays. If you book a vacation rental in the weeks leading up to the big day, you’ll have access to numerous Christmas strolls that make it easier to track down the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

In short, a holiday stroll is a night when local businesses stay open late and offer sales. Other events, like Santa Claus appearances, caroling, food trucks, tree lightings, and nightly entertainment, typically accompany the stroll, turning these evenings into popular events for locals and visitors.

Most Cape Cod towns have a Christmas stroll sometime in the weeks leading up to the holidays. Here’s a look at some of the Holiday strolls that have already been announced for 2022.

Harwich Port Christmas Stroll

The first major Christmas stroll on Cape Cod in 2022 will be the Annual Christmas in Harwich Weekend. This event runs from December 2 to 4, with most attractions appearing on the Friday and Saturday.

December 2 will be the busiest of the three days, starting with caroling and a tree lighting in Doane Park at 5:30 PM. From there, Santa will arrive on a fire truck at 6:15, and kids can visit with him at the Harwich Chamber Porch. Local businesses on Main Street will remain open throughout these events, so you can score a deal while you’re out.

The festivities continue on Saturday, December 3, with a holiday market at The 204 Sisson and a concert at the same venue later in the evening. There’s also the Trolley to Christmas Town event on this date, where your kids can ride a trolley from the Harwich Chamber of Commerce to the Tern Inn, where Santa will be waiting to read the Polar Express. The trolley also runs on Sunday, December 4.

Hyannis Holiday Stroll

Hyannis might be your best option if you only visit one holiday stroll in 2022. December 3, 2022, will be packed with activity on Main Street in Hyannis, in an event that begins at 9:00 AM and lasts well into the evening.

Activities to check out during the day include a breakfast with Santa Claus, craft stations, a horse and buggy, hot chocolate booths, face painting, and a petting zoo. There will also be multiple bands playing at various stages in the area and visits with Santa. Merchants throughout the downtown area will be open, too.

After 4:00 PM, Santa’s Boat Parade will come floating into Bismore Park in Hyannis Harbor, and a tree lighting will take place to finish the night off in style. Those who are here for the shopping will have access to over 120 shops that will stay open late, giving you time to complete your holiday shopping in Hyannis.

Christmas By the Sea Strolls Weekend in Chatham

Chatham has one of the Cape’s most popular Christmas strolls. It’s a multiday event that runs from December 9-11, 2022, and will feature music, food, and holiday cheer.

Everything begins on Friday, December 9 at 5:45 PM, with a light parade between Carmine’s Pizza and Kate Gould Park and a tree lighting that will follow. Main Street will be full of carolers, festive characters, and entertainment, and all downtown shops and restaurants will stay open late.

Saturday, December 10, will feature breakfast with Santa at 8:30 AM, and all the downtown merchants will be open throughout the day. The same carolers, musicians, and performers will be there for most of the day, as well. There’s also a Sea Holiday Gala at 7:00 PM, with all proceeds going to the Chatham Children’s Fund. The breakfast and gala are ticketed events.

Shops will also be open on Sunday, December 11, so even if you miss out on the first two days of the Christmas By the Sea Stroll, you can check it out on the final day.

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll

The Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll takes place on December 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The event isn’t as large as the options in Harwich, Chatham, and Hyannis, but it still features trolley rides, live music, holiday treats, and plenty of live entertainment throughout the afternoon. There’s also a tree lighting ceremony at 4:00 on the Village Green.

Local businesses along route 6A will be participating in the event, so you can expect to find great deals at various retailers. Overall, the Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll is a low-key event that provides a few hours of free entertainment for your family.

Dennis Village and West Dennis Strolls

Dennis has a couple of holiday strolls taking place on the December 10 and 11 weekend in different locations.

First, on the Nantucket Sound side of town, the 9th Annual West Dennis Holiday Stroll will take place on Saturday, December 10. This event will feature great food and shopping at local retailers along Main Street, and a raffle draw will be part of the festivities, as well.

Then, Dennis Village will host a holiday stroll on the Cape Cod Bay side of town the following day. This event features music, food, and sales by local merchants in the area surrounding Dennis Village Green on Main Street.

Visiting the Cape During the Holidays

This list is only a small sample of the various events on Cape Cod during the 2022 holiday season. If you’re interested in visiting the Cape this winter, getting there as close to Christmas as possible opens you up to all kinds of possibilities, especially if you’re bringing children to this magical part of the country.