Category: Happenings

Holiday Half Dozen on Cape Cod

Cape Cod Central Railroad offers magic this holiday season via the Polar Express.

by Jeff Shaw

The following information was compiled from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod Chronicle and Cape Cod Times. 

BOURNE – All aboard! Magic is in the air on the Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Polar Express, where passengers will sing carols over cookies and hot cocoa. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away for a festive trip to meet Santa. Trains depart out of the Buzzards Bay depot from late November through December.

BREWSTER – The Brewster Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the annual “Brewster for the Holidays.” The festivities include a month’s worth of celebrations throughout Brewster, ending on Dec. 23. The tree lighting at Drummer Boy Park kicks off the jolly-good time on Dec. 5. 

A sight to behold – Lobster Pot Tree – at the ‘tip of the world.’

CHATHAM — Christmas by the Sea returns on December 12-14, downtown Chatham transforms into a winter wonderland; you’ll find homemade cookies, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa Claus at the Kate Gould Park bandstand, a tree-lighting ceremony and festive promotions at local shops.

FALMOUTH – The Falmouth Holidays by the Sea weekend gets a rousing start with Christmas caroling at Waterfront Park on Water Street in Woods Hole Village on Friday, December 5 at dusk. Or take the trolley from Woods Hole Village to Falmouth’s historic Nobska Light to have your picture taken with Mrs. Claus as you are serenaded by The Brass Ring ensemble. There’s nothing quite like a rendition of “Jingle Bells’ as you watch the sun set over Vineyard Sound to get you in a festive mood.

Holidays by the Sea is THE theme in most Cape Cod towns this time of year.

HARWICH – The Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas In Harwich weekend gets underway on Friday, Dec. 5 with the Harwich Port Christmas Stroll and includes caroling, a tree lighting and the arrival of Santa. There will be events in East Harwich, Harwich Center and West Harwich on Saturday and more events on Sunday. 

PTOWN – There is quite possibly nothing more quintessential New England than a Christmas Tree made entirely out of lobster traps. Provincetown’s Lobster Pot Tree is made using over 100 of them – all borrowed from local lobstermen – and is accentuated by 3,000+ LED lights and colorful buoys. Visit Provincetown’s Lopes Square anytime during the holiday season to capture it for an Instagram-worthy post!

There is so much to do on Cape Cod during the holidays. Let it snow!

December 2, 2025

Catch the Holiday Spirit on Cape Cod

The lobster trap Christmas Tree in Provincetown. Photo credit: Ptown Tourism.

by Jeff Shaw

The holiday season is upon us! And Cape Cod is a wonderful place to experience authentic Christmas cheer, “where modern amenities and Victorian charm casually coexist.” (Boston Magazine)

So in an effort to spread some Christmas cheer, check out these holiday events on Cape Cod. You may just catch the holiday spirit!

Christmas by the Sea, Chatham

Christmas by the Sea weekend, December 13th – 15th, is full of events that have leapt right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The celebration kicks off on Friday night with a children’s light parade that escorts Santa down Main Street on a fire truck to the tree lighting ceremony at Sears Park (intersection of Seaview and Main Streets). 

Activities continue in shops up and down Main Street as well as free horse & carriage rides and visits with Santa in the Chamber Information booth (next to Yankee Ingenuity gift shop). Saturday brings plenty more events in the businesses around town, including a special movie screening for the little ones at the Chatham Orpheum Theater and Breakfast with Santa.

Christmas Parades, Falmouth, Hyannis & Mashpee

Christmas Carolers in Falmouth. Photo credit: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

Falmouth has one of the state’s largest Christmas parades (Sunday, December 8), featuring floats, costumed characters, marching bands, Clydesdales and plenty of Christmas cheer. 

Also that weekend is Hyannis’ highly anticipated harbor lighting and illuminated boat procession through Hyannis Harbor (December 7). 

Also, Mashpee’s Christmas “Season of Illumination” Parade on Saturday, December 14th is sure to dazzle as the Cape’s only nighttime walking parade featuring colorfully lit floats.

Gardens Aglow, Heritage Museum and Gardens, Sandwich

Gardens aglow! Photo credit: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich celebrates the season with over nine miles of holiday lights. Stroll through the illuminated grounds, while also taking time to pose with Santa in a 1914 Ford Model T, take a ride on a vintage carousel, roast marshmallows, and participate in a reindeer scavenger hunt. 

Drive through Sandwich and try to spot all of The Giants, over two dozen illuminated sculptures along 6A.

Polar Express, Cape Cod Central Railroad, Bourne & Hyannis

One of Santa’s little helpers. Photo credit: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

All aboard! Magic is in the air on the Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Polar Express, where passengers will sing carol over cookies and hot cocoa. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away for a festive trip to meet Santa. 

Trains depart out of the Buzzards Bay depot from late November through December.

Lobster Pot [Christmas] Tree, Provincetown

There is quite possibly nothing more quintessential New England than a Christmas Tree made entirely out of lobster traps. Provincetown’s Lobster Pot Tree is made using over 100 of them – all borrowed from local lobstermen – and is accentuated by 3,000+ LED lights and colorful buoys. Visit Provincetown’s Lopes Square anytime during the holiday season.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce also has their picks of ways to catch the holiday spirit on Cape Cod!

What is your favorite holiday event or activity on Cape Cod?

December 2, 2024

Iconic Events in Each Cape Cod Town Part 3: Iconic: Bourne, Dennis, Mashpee, Orleans, Sandwich, Wareham

by Jeff Shaw

Canal Day, Bourne

A cornhole tournament ($100 first place prize), 5K road race (9:15am), arts and crafts festival and food truck vendors is the line-up for Canal Day in Bourne on September 21, 2024. 

Enjoy a leisurely day along the Cape Cod Canal!

Antique Car Parade, Dennis

The 66th Annual Antique Car Parade will happen on August 25, 2024 in West Dennis. 

“Show off your prized wheels and join us for a cruise from Dennis Port to Dennis Village. The parade leaves West Dennis Beach at 11 am and winds through the villages of Dennis, ending at the Cape Playhouse where you can enjoy refreshments and visiting the car owners. There are many viewing areas along the way.”

Christmas Parade, Masphee

Mashpee Chamber of Commerce will once again support the 2024 Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14. Celebrate the magic of the holiday season from 5:30-6:30pm with this holiday tradition in Mashpee Commons thanks to sponsorship from local businesses. 

Celebrate Our Waters, Orleans

The Orleans Pond Coalition and the Town of Orleans will once again host the 14th annual Celebrate Our Waters Festival. The event occurs during the weekend of September 13-15.

Last year, the event featured over thirty free events highlighting the natural wonder, scenic beauty, and recreational pleasure of Orleans’ priceless waterways and the unique character of the community.  

Over this fun-filled weekend, people can paddle beautiful Arey’s Pond at sunset, take a morning yoga class at Nauset Beach, tour Town Cove by kayak, bike around town, walk scenic pond trails and even tour our sparkling new Wastewater Treatment Facility.

SandwichFest, Sandwich

The oldest Cape Cod town embraces its ‘tasty’ name with its 15th Annual Street Fair. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 5, 2024! 

Last year, the festival featured over 90 street vendors, local artists, craftsmen and retailers, children’s activities, food and more. Event hours are 10am-4pm along historic and picturesque Water Street/Downtown.

Sponsorship levels vary from Premier ($2,500) to Contributing ($50)

And don’t forget about the Gateway to Cape Cod, Wareham! Check out events in Wareham at Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce and Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce. 

May 1, 2024

Iconic Events in Every Cape Cod Town, Part 2 – Barnstable (Hyannis), Brewster, Harwich, Provincetown, Truro

by Jeff Shaw

Quick disclaimer; there are tons of annual and notable events in each Cape Cod town. This post is the second of a three-part series seeks to highlight one of many events that could very easily be swapped in for what follows. 

My goal is to actually attend each of these events this year, but as the old adage goes, the more the merrier. I hope to see you there!

Barnstable County Fair, Barnstable (Hyannis)

“There is a Fair in the Air,” the tagline reads and cheerful jingle sings. The weeklong Barnstable County Fair returns from July 22-28 at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds. 

“Sizzling entertainment, thrilling rides, fabulous food, animals, agriculture and the world’s largest Demolition Derby converge for seven days each July.  Named the “Best Local Event of 2022” by the Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable County Fair is a summer staple not to be missed.  We bring together an incomparable slate of entertainers, the best-of-the -best in fair food, an array of sizzling rides from Rockwell Amusements, and the world’s largest Demolition Derby.  

We match that with county fair hallmarks like 4H demos, petting zoos, livestock, and an impressive display of vegetables, crafts and Americana.  This is Cape Cod’s marquee summer event!”

Tickets are not yet on sale.

Brewster in Bloom, Brewster

The 38th Annual Brewster in Bloom returns May 3-5, 2024. The 3-day event features the town parade, Brewster Band spring concert, 5K and arts and crafts festival and excursion. The 2024 Parade theme is Enchantment Under the Sea [hopefully with a cameo from Michael J. Fox!].

There are also plant giveaways and raffles, a kids fest, chowder tasting, book signings, open houses (at the historic windmill, art galleries, Cobb House Museum, etc.) and garden design talks.

Cranberry Arts and Music Festival, Harwich

The Harwich Cranberry Festival will return on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024. The Festival seeks to entertain the public, sustain artists and musicians, provide voice to community organizations, and raise funds to support local youth. The Festival provides scholarships to Harwich students graduating from high school as well as support local activities to benefit youth and families.

A related program is weekly Thursday concerts throughout the summer. Dubbed “Cranfest in the Courtyard,” begins the week after the Fourth of July, with tickets are $25 per show or $160 for a season pass.

Provincetown Carnival, Provincetown

The town at the end of Cape Cod has so many cool and fun annual events picking one is not fair. So let’s go with an oldie, but a goodie, the weeklong Provincetown Carnival!

Created by the Provincetown Business Guild in 1978, Carnival is Ptown’s original summer celebration of community, expression, and creativity. The festival attracts tens of thousands of guests from all over the world to enjoy parties, events, costume contests and the celebrated Carnival parade down Commercial Street. The 2024 theme is Renaissance X Revolution. 

It should not be missed!

Truro Treasures, Truro

The understated Truro Treasures [which is so Truro by the way] returns Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. The three-day festival includes Antique Car Show, Grape Stomp, Treasure Hunt, Harbor to Beach 5K, Rock the Block and more! 

I mean, where else on the Cape can you find a Grape Stomp?!

April 25, 2024

Iconic Events in Every Cape Cod Town, Part 1 – Chatham, Eastham, Falmouth, Wellfeet, Yarmouth

by Jeff Shaw

Quick disclaimer; there are tons of annual and notable events in each Cape Cod town. This three-part series seeks to highlight one of many notable events that could very easily be swapped in for what follows. 

My goal is to actually attend each of these events this year, but as the old adage goes, the more the merrier. I hope to see you there!

Fourth of July Parade, Chatham

“One of the oldest town parades in the United States,” reads the event website homepage. While most people agree the [unofficial] summer season kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July in Chatham may as well mark the [official] start. The Chatham Fourth of July Parade is an absolute gem of an annual event. 

First, the public is encouraged to submit ideas for the annual parade theme to the Parade Committee. Second, best practices to build a “winning float” are actually listed on the website, including a video with five tips! And of course, a baker’s dozen worth of awards are made annually, including most patriotic, funniest, best family entry, best youth entry, etc.

As for onlookers, be sure to place your blanket or chair along the parade route by sunrise on parade day!

A Taste of Turnip Day, Eastham

It has been a few years, but I had to see for myself what the town of Eastham and turnips have in common. And sure enough, a full gymnasium full of vendors, exhibits and games confirmed the fact that indeed, Eastham is the turnip capital of [the world?!] Cape Cod!

Last year, over thirty local restaurants and food trucks served specials featuring Eastham turnips; soups, sides, entrees and even ice cream! A local celebrity, Bob Seay of GHB News, even delivered the Blessing of the Turnips. 

Falmouth Road Race

Save the date, August 18, 2024, for the 52nd running of the Falmouth Road Race!

The race website homepage reads: The Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has become one of the premier running events of the summer season.

Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. The creation of the FRR At-Home Edition allows you to experience Falmouth from your hometown. You can walk or run 7 miles in 7 days beginning August 12th. 

The nonprofit Falmouth Road Race organization is committed to promoting health and fitness through community programs and philanthropic giving.

Wellfleet Oysterfest

Hosted by the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce, Oysterfest is a two-day, family-friendly festival that celebrates the town’s famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions and brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of hometown flavor and fun.

There is something for everyone at OysterFest: local cuisine, a fine art and craft fair, educational lectures, culinary programs, children’s activities, eco-tours, live music, a road race, and the annual Oyster Shuck-Off competition.

Yarmouth Sand Sculpure Trail

For a decade and a half, the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the annual Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail. The trail is one of Yarmouth’s biggest attractions, featuring three dozen or so family-friendly sand sculptures. The trail is usually available for viewing from Memorial Day until mid-October. But beware, some sand sculptures are not completed until mid-June.

Sand sculpture trail maps are available and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite!

March 14, 2024