7 Ways To Celebrate Christmas On The Cape

Christmas on the Cape - a magical time of year where the charming towns and villages of Cape Cod are transformed into winter wonderlands. The festive atmosphere is palpable, with twinkling lights, garlands of greenery, and the sound of carolers filling the crisp winter air. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there are countless ways to celebrate Christmas on the Cape. Here are seven ideas to get you in the holiday spirit:

1. Stroll Through a Festive Town

Cape Cod's towns are famous for their quaint, small-town charm, and at Christmas, they're even more delightful. Take a stroll through Falmouth's historic downtown, where you'll find beautifully decorated shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visit the Falmouth Christmas Tree, a majestic fir adorned with hundreds of lights and ornaments. Or, head to Chatham, where the town's Christmas Stroll is a beloved annual tradition. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and visits with Santa Claus.

Chatham's Christmas Stroll

• Date: First Friday in December
• Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Location: Downtown Chatham

2. Attend a Holiday Concert or Show

Cape Cod's cultural scene is thriving, and at Christmas, there's no shortage of spectacular shows and concerts. The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Pops Concert, featuring festive favorites and special guests. Or, catch a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Cape Playhouse in Dennis. For a more lighthearted take on the holiday season, don't miss the Cape Cod Theatre Company's production of "Elf: The Musical."

Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert

• Date: Early December
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Location: Barnstable Performing Arts Center

3. Go on a Holiday Lights Tour

Cape Cod's residents take their holiday decorating very seriously, and the results are truly breathtaking. Take a self-guided tour of the Cape's most festively decorated homes and neighborhoods. Start in Hyannis, where the Kennedy Compound is always a standout, then head to Osterville, where the streets are lined with beautifully decorated homes. Be sure to check out the lights displays in Chatham and Falmouth, too.

Hyannis Holiday Lights Tour

• Date: Throughout December
• Time: Dusk - 9:00 pm
• Location: Hyannis neighborhoods

4. Take a Sleigh Ride or Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Experience the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh ride or carriage tour through Cape Cod's picturesque winter landscapes. Several stables and tour operators offer these festive excursions, which often include hot cocoa and caroling. Take a romantic ride through the woods, or enjoy a fun family outing.

Cape Cod Sleigh Rides

• Date: Throughout December
• Time: Various
• Location: Various stables and tour operators

5. Visit Santa at a Local Museum or Attraction

Bring the kids to meet Santa Claus at one of Cape Cod's many museums and attractions. The Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth offers a swashbuckling holiday celebration, complete with a pirate-themed Christmas tree and a visit from Santa. Or, head to the Cape Cod Children's Museum in Mashpee, where Santa will be making appearances throughout December.

Whydah Pirate Museum's Pirate Christmas

• Date: Throughout December
• Time: Various
• Location: Whydah Pirate Museum

6. Go Ice Skating or Take a Winter Walk

Get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery on Cape Cod. Go ice skating at the Kennedy Rink in Hyannis, or take a leisurely winter walk through one of the Cape's many nature preserves and parks. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a great place to walk or bike, with its scenic views and festive decorations.

Kennedy Rink Ice Skating

• Date: Throughout December
• Time: Various
• Location: Kennedy Rink

7. Attend a Holiday Market or Craft Fair

Find unique gifts and treasures at one of Cape Cod's many holiday markets and craft fairs. The Cape Cod Craft Association's Holiday Market in Harwich features handmade crafts, jewelry, and decorations. Or, head to the Falmouth Holiday Market, where you'll find local artisans selling everything from pottery to textiles.

Cape Cod Craft Association's Holiday Market

• Date: Early December
• Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Location: Harwich Community Center

Whether you're a longtime Cape Cod resident or just visiting for the holidays, there's no shortage of festive fun to be had on the Cape. From strolling through charming towns to attending holiday concerts and shows, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So why not make Cape Cod your holiday destination this year?