After seeing many events canceled in 2020 because of the CoViD-19 pandemic, Cape Cod is coming alive again for the 2021 holiday season, starting with some Thanksgiving festivities.
Traditionally, the Thanksgiving weekend is when the holidays begin on the Cape, and 2021 will feature some wonderful dinners and events you can plan your vacation around.
Getting away for a few days before the holiday season comes into full force is a great way to prepare for the chaos that December often brings, and these celebrations on Cape Cod ensure you can make the most of your trip.
Here’s a look at some 2021 Thanksgiving events on Cape Cod and throughout its surrounding area.
Thanksgiving Dinners to Attend
If you’re spending Thanksgiving on Cape Cod, finding a spot serving a turkey dinner will likely become a priority. Fortunately, you’ll have multiple options from which to choose.
One of the most popular Thanksgiving dinners on the Cape is at the Chatham Bars Inn, which offers a grand buffet between 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM. This meal has six seating times throughout the day, so no matter when you like to eat your turkey, there’s an option for you.
In addition to a roasted turkey, this meal features sushi, prime rib, chilled seafood, caviar, smoked fish, crab cakes, and sides, giving you all kinds of options. At $178 per adult and $65 per child, this meal is pricey, but it has the best selection you’ll find anywhere and is worth the money if you’re seeking variety.
Yarmouth House is a fine dining establishment with a casual atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner. The three-course meal available at this restaurant is served between noon and 6:00 PM and comes with a starter, your choice of turkey, ham, or lamb, and a dessert. Thanksgiving at Yarmouth House costs between $27 and $38 per person, depending on what you choose to eat, making it an affordable alternative.
If you’re staying at a vacation rental, eating Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant isn’t necessary, so it’s nice to know you can order a takeaway dinner through PB Boulangerie Bistro.
You’ll need to place your order in advance, but the restaurant will prepare a full meal, including an 18-20 pound organic turkey, vegetables, potatoes, stuffing, salad, gravy, cranberry sauce, and dessert. Everything will be cooked and ready to eat, ensuring your dinner goes off without a hitch.
Dinner from PB Boulangerie Bistro costs $380 but is large enough to serve 9+ people, so it’s worth the cost when traveling with friends or family.
Alternatively, you can pick up a turkey and all the fixings at a local grocery store or market and make your entire meal from scratch at your vacation rental.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration in Plymouth
Those spending a week or more in the Cape Cod area around Thanksgiving might consider heading to Plymouth for the day on Saturday, November 20, for America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, which ranks as the top Thanksgiving parade in the entire country.
It all gets started with the opening ceremonies at 9:30 AM at Plymouth Rock before the parade roams along the city’s historic waterfront.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade takes you through American history, as it has floats and participants representing every century of the country’s history from the Pilgrim era to the present day. It’s definitely worth checking out, and since it’s the weekend before Thanksgiving, it won’t interfere with your dinner plans.
In addition to the parade, there’s a concert series featuring Friday and Saturday night shows, a beer and wine garden, and numerous waterfront activities. America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration is an event all to itself, and it’s easily accessible from Cape Cod.
The Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown
The Pilgrim Monument’s Annual Lighting takes place every November 11, and although there won’t be an in-person event in 2021, you can still check out the lights while you’re on the Cape.
That’s because the monument’s more than 3,000 lights will stay on until January 6, giving you plenty of opportunities to visit Provincetown for a look.
If you happen to visit Provincetown on November 27, you can also attend the Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree, which has become another local tradition. This event takes place at Lopes Square at 5:30 PM and is an enjoyable way to spend an evening in the community.
Selecting the Perfect Vacation Rental
Choosing a Cape Cod vacation rental for Thanksgiving is highly recommended because of its flexibility. After all, leftovers are some of the best things about Thanksgiving dinner, and your vacation rental will have everything you need to keep your remaining food fresh and heat it up the next day.
The Cape also has many great ways to spend your time around Thanksgiving that will ensure you enjoy yourself. If you’re looking for a quick getaway at the end of November, Cape Cod has you covered.
