As you spend some time on Cape Cod in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you might begin looking for gifts for friends and family. After all, it’s possible to find one-of-a-kind items that your loved ones are sure to appreciate as you explore this part of the world.
Multiple holiday markets will take place on the Cape in December 2022, many of which offer the rare opportunity to buy artisan crafts and unique artwork. Some of these markets are also accompanied by live entertainment, so you can make a day of it.
You’ll find holiday markets throughout Cape Cod, so you can check them out no matter where you book a vacation rental. Here’s a look at some markets you can visit in 2022.
First Congressional Church of Falmouth
The First Congressional Church of Falmouth will host its Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 3, at Falmouth Village Green. This event runs between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM and will have handmade clothing and other gifts available for purchase, in addition to Christmas decorations and baked goods. You can also purchase buy during this event and take advantage of the on-site children’s activities.
Then, starting at 6:00 PM, the Village Green will host its annual tree lighting. There will be Christmas carolers in the park from 6:00-7:00 and again from 7:30-8:00 PM, giving you the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the company of some locals.
Hyannis Harbor
The Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll is a massive event taking place throughout the day on December 3. It features the highly-anticipated Santa’s Boat Parade and numerous shopping opportunities at vendors on Main Street.
While attending this event, you’ll come across several holiday markets if you wander to Bismore Park at any point during the day. These markets will also have vendors at other locations overlooking the harbor.
The Gingerbread Lane & Artist Market at the HyArts Artist Shanties is one option. This sale runs between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and allows you to buy art and crafts while enjoying some live music. All the huts will be decorated like gingerbread houses, adding to the atmosphere.
Love Local Fest – Holiday Edition runs on the same day between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at various points around the harbor. This event will feature over 100 local vendors, a kids’ zone, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. You can check both of these events out while vacationing in Hyannis to ensure you get your hands on some local gifts.
Downtown Provincetown
Holly Folly is an annual LGBTQ+ holiday-themed festival in downtown Provincetown that will run from December 2-4, 2022. The event features pub crawls, dance parties, the Jingle Bell Run, a champagne brunch with Santa, and a few holiday markets to check out throughout the weekend.
Canteen’s Holiday Market will take place on all three days of the festival between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. This event is like a cross between a beach bar and a European-style market, as the venue’s back porch will have libations and unique gifts to take home with you.
The Holly Folly Gallery Stroll will also run from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM on December 2 and 3. Local art galleries will be open throughout the stroll, so you can pick up some artwork in a fun and festive atmosphere.
The Artisan Fair at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House is a one-day market on Saturday, December 3. You’ll find items like stained glass, woodwork, paintings, clothing, and silver during the sale, making it an excellent spot to stop for holiday gifts.
Heading to Provincetown before the holidays is one way to ensure you have access to some of the best Christmas markets on Cape Cod.
Historic Highfield
It’ll take some planning to attend because you have to pre-register, but Highfield Hall & Gardens will host its 16th annual Holiday Exhibition between November 25 and December 11. The event runs every Thursday through Sunday during that time, giving you plenty of opportunities to check it out.
Once at Highfield Hall, you’ll see that the entire venue is decorated for Christmas, with each room depicting a holiday scene. The on-site Gift Gallery also features artisan crafts and clothing for the whole family. Tickets are $10, but they include access to activities and a visit with Santa.
Cultural Center of Cape Cod
The Bass River Artisan Winter Market will run on various dates between December 8 and 17 at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth, ensuring you have plenty of time to give it a visit. It’s free to attend this market, but organizers ask that you bring a new, unwrapped toy and a non-perishable food item for the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church to donate to families in need.
The market features artwork, crafts, woodworking exhibitions, and a silent auction and is one of the Cape’s most highly-anticipated winter events.
Christmas Shopping on Cape Cod
Doing some Christmas shopping while taking a winter vacation on the Cape is always a great idea because of the quality of the goods you’ll find. These events feature crafts and artwork created on the Cape, so you won’t find them anywhere else.
These holiday markets are another reason Cape Cod is a year-round holiday destination.
