Christmas may almost be upon us, but it’s not too late to enjoy some holiday, and non-holiday, entertainment. Check out some of the happenings around the Cape this weekend!
December 16
Instrumental Christmas Concert – Community members are invited to enjoy a special concert of instrumental Christmas music at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of West Yarmouth Congregational Church, 383 Route 28. Saxophonist John Shaw and keyboarder Mark Borgmann will present classic holiday melodies and carols. Their familiar Christmas music will appeal to all ages. There will be a free-will offering at the conclusion of the concert with proceeds supporting the church’s ministry. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and refreshments will be available during intermission. The following Tuesday, Dec. 20, the church will host its third annual Vespers Service, beginning at 6 p.m. The brief service of candlelight, readings, music and prayer will be followed by a potluck supper. All members and friends in the community are welcome to join church members in these seasonal events.
“Magic of the Snowy Owl” – The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster continues its Nature Screen monthly film series with PBS’ original NATURE documentary, Magic of the Snowy Owl. A team of intrepid filmmakers provides an intimate look at the snowy owl, a bird made popular by Harry Potter’s faithful companion, Hedwig. Though “snowies” naturally stand out for their beauty, intelligence and charm, in their eerie, bleak arctic home, it is their determination and survival skills that are truly magical. Throughout the long months of the Arctic winter, life is difficult, if not impossible, for all but the toughest and most experienced of animals. Snowy owls are built for the challenge, their every sense and skill honed to take on their frozen world. And when the brief Arctic summer approaches, bringing light back to the tundra, they embark upon an even more daunting challenge than keeping themselves alive. They breed and attempt to raise young in one of the harshest environments on the planet. Once summer arrives, they will have just 82 days of sunlight to successfully raise a family of helpless owlets until they are ready and able to fly. Showings are continuous every 50 minutes from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with museum admission. For more information call: 508-896-3867, ext. 133.
The Polar Express Ride – If you haven’t had a chance to experience it yet, The Polar Express Train Ride comes to life this holiday season as the Cape Cod Central Railroad rolls out of the Buzzards Bay station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy up and enjoy our festively-decorated vintage train cars! Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from The Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read by the voice of actor Liam Neeson, as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book. With Buzzards Bay far, far away, only 30 minutes will have passed since the train left the station as The Polar Express magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train! As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat, Santa and his helper elf board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip. For times and admission prices, visit capetrain.com.
December 17
Free Coin & Currency Appraisals – Join in-house coin specialist Peter Dunne for this FREE event. Bring in up to 20 United States coins or currency and Peter will tell you all about them and give you their value. Come from 1-5 p.m. at the Harwich Antique Center, 10 Route 28, West Harwich. Call 508- 432-4220 or visit harwichantiquecenter.com for more information.
The Cape Cod Therapy Dogs – The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, in Brewster, is proud to present The Cape Cod Therapy Dogs with Gina Hayes at 1 p.m. Join this talented group of certified dogs and their owners in a celebration that involves the children in fun, active games aimed at strengthening the positive bonds between kids and their dogs. Come enjoy themed obstacle courses in a race between the children and the dogs. A treat for the whole family, like Santa and his Elves Winter Freeze Tag! Free with museum admission. For more information, call: 508-896-3867, ext. 133.
Solstice Singers presents Joyful’st Feast – The Solstice Singers ensemble returns to Woods Hole to present Joyful’st Feast on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18. Joining the singers are Ensemble Passacaglia instrumentalists, Vineyard Swordfish dancers, and Les Enfants du Soleil children’s chorus – all in colorful, period costumes. Through spirited singing and instrumental music in the style of the Renaissance, sprinkled with entertaining drama, poems, and dance – Joyful’st Feast is sure to enchant audiences of all ages during the holiday season. Both performances begin at 4 p.m. at the Community Hall, located at 68 Water Street, in Woods Hole. Tickets are $20 for adults ($17 in advance), $12 students, $1 for children under age 12. For more information, visit www.solsticesingers.org or email [email protected].
December 18
Gardens Aglow – A Treasured Holiday Tradition – This is the final weekend to enjoy Gardens Aglow, a treasured holiday family tradition which transforms Heritage into Winter Wonderland with more than 10 miles of holiday lights adorning the gardens and woodlands to create a twinkling wonderland. Throughout the grounds and buildings, enjoy festive holiday displays, family-friendly activities, marshmallow-roasting, music and special performances, visits with Santa Claus, and displays of model trains. The “Heritage Holiday Express” features two levels of model trains traveling through replicas of well-known bridges. One, suspended seven feet above the floor in the Special Exhibitions Gallery, will pass through the George Washington Bridge and Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, each made of natural elements such as moss, twigs, and branches gathered from the Heritage property. The other, at visitor level, will pass through a replica of the Sagamore Bridge, also made from natural elements. Festively decorated tablescapes assembled by some of the region’s best interior designers that showcase holiday table decorations from various regions of the country will be featured. Holiday-themed music and dance performances will take place in the Automobile Gallery. There is so much to see at this wonderful event, which is not to be missed! Skip the lines when you pre-purchase tickets at heritagemuseums.org/gardens-aglow.
Annual Cape Cod Enchanted Village – Free and open to the public! Be dazzled by thousands of lights, a Santa’s Village, animated reindeer stall and so much more at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. Santa will be visiting to hear children’s wishes, and the Cape Cod Surftone Carolers sing holiday from 4-7 p.m., through Dec. 31. Enjoy a nightly bonfire (weather permitting). Holiday lights go on at dusk. Please bring a gift card or new, unwrapped toy for the “Giving Tree.” Proceeds go to Independence House. For more information, visit capecodderresort.com/enchanted-village.php.
7th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas & Special Exhibit – Festive holidays in Sandwich begin at the Sandwich Glass Museum as the museum presents its “7th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas & Special Exhibit: Marble Mania from Agates to Zebras.” Hundreds of unique glass ornaments made by the region’s finest local and national glass artists will adorn Christmas trees in the Contemporary Gallery. The visitor will be transported into a magical display of color and childhood memories. In addition, the museum’s special exhibition “Marble Mania – From Agates to Zebras” will be housed in the Special Exhibition Gallery. For more information, visit sandwichglassmuseum.org.
By Ann Luongo
