Things To Do on Cape in December

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already well into the month of December and, as always there’s a lot to be done. Christmas shopping for the family and the friends, some co-workers too maybe. There are parties to attend, Yankee Swaps and Secret Santa’s to prepare for, cookies to eat and eggnog to drink.

It’s a busy time.

However, we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you of some of the other things happening on Cape Cod this month. Events and activities that make this time of the year one of the best times to be here.

Call it an early Christmas present.

Stop by Gardens Aglow

Gardens Aglow, a popular holiday family tradition, transforms the grounds of Heritage Museums and Gardens with more than twelve miles of holiday lights. Enjoy marshmallow-roasting, a reindeer scavenger hunt, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a classic Model T, take carousel rides, taste holiday treats at Magnolia Café, and more.

Take a look at the expanded model train display made of natural materials with scale replicas of well-known bridges, visit with baby animals (baby goats, piglets, chickens and chicks, bunnies, and more), and enjoy live music, fire pits, and of course all the lights.

Participate in a Local Holiday Charity

This is one of those things that warms your heart and reminds you that Christmas is a nice time of year when we consider the happiness of others. There are a number of ways to look out for your fellow man this year, drop a couple bucks in a Salvation Army bucket of consider any number of local organizations, including:

Operation Santa Claus – The Cape Cod Military Support Foundation hosts a Holiday Party each year where between up to 900 local children receive toys, can choose a gift for their parents, and enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, food and pictures with Santa.

Give Where You Live – The Cape Cod United Way’s annual Give Where You Live Campaign is underway again in partnership with Cape Cod Broadcasting’s Ocean 104.7 and Cape Classical 107.5. The effort empowers you to improve the lives of our neighbors in need.

Christmas Wishes – Cape Country 104 and 99.9 The Q are once again teaming up with one of the region’s oldest social service agencies, Child & Family Services, to host the annual Christmas Wishes holiday drive as a way for people to sponsor local families in need this holiday season.

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod – The holidays this time of year are as much about the food as anything else, and when times are tough it can be difficult to afford a quality meal, let alone putting together a spread worthy of the occasion. The Family Pantry is here to help. They collect toys for disadvantaged children as well, last year helping more than 1,000 local kids have a brighter Christmas.

Visit the Enchanted Village

A visit to the Enchanted Village at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis is free and open to the public, featuring thousands of lights, Santa’s Village, snowmen, and a nightly bonfire as well as a 32-foot table top Christmas village with model trains, collectible houses and villagers.

Children are greeted by Santa and his elf, encouraged to share their Christmas wishes and serenaded by a rotating array of carolers and musical acts. This year’s performers include the Cape Cod Surftones and the Regency Brass Ensemble. Hot chocolate is on sale in the café and marshmallows are available to roast over the open bonfire, beginning each evening at 7 PM.

While the event is free to all, visitors are encouraged bring a gift card, new toy, or non-perishable food item, with all contributions going to benefit Independence House in Hyannis.

Spend Some Time with Saint Nick

This one may be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. I you have children (or grandchildren, or nieces or nephews, etc.) and you celebrate Christmas then you must take them to see the big guy in the red suit. This can be as simple or extravagant as you want to make it.

That guy at the mall is an easy pick, no real hassle there, or there is the one at Mashpee Commons. There is the Santa at Heritage’s Gardens Aglow who will meet you inside an antique car, the Santa at the Enchanted Village is a favorite to be sure. If you pick one of them it can be part of an extended evening of holiday memories. Top of the line would likely be the Cape Cod Central Railroad, which will take you to on an old-time adventure to “Christmas Town” where he awaits.

Sandwich Holly Days

Holly Days is a month long event that transforms the community into a winter wonderland to bring together friends, families and visitors for holiday festivities. The events are designed and created for the purpose of providing families the chance to be together and create unique memories. The events feature local residents as volunteers, businesses providing special offers and holiday themed activates, and private homes available to tour, wrapping up with First Night Sandwich.

See a Show/Concert

There is an endless supply of holiday entertainment available this month, from carolers to brass bands, and bells to orchestras. There are Christmas plays and pageants from one end of the Cape to the other. The Cape Symphony, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Tilden Arts Center, area schools, and local main streets are all offering some form of holiday entertainment this month.

First Night

All good things must come to an end and so too must December, all of 2017 in fact, and what better way to begin anew than with a Cape Cod First Night Celebration. This year, there are a few organized public events to choose from:

First Night Chatham – Chatham’s First Night Celebration is one of the Cape’s most popular events, focusing on family friendly fun. The theme for this year’s event will be “Oh Those 60s!” with activities focused on the 1960’s. Performers set to take the stage include local favorite Suede, The Crab Grass Bluegrass Band, Four Guys in Tuxes, and Beach Dawgs, a Beach Boys tribute band.

First Night Sandwich – This year, First Night Sandwich will be held December 31st from 4 to 9 pm. This New Year’s Eve non-alcoholic family festival of the arts and multicultural activities, musical presentations, and live performances is located in venues both inside and outside in and around Sandwich Village. There will be ice sculptures, lighted giants in the village and along Route 6A, children’s crafts, an enchanting fairy garden, jazz, blues, food vendors, storytelling, a Resolution Wall, Grand Finale Countdown with lighthouse, cannon fire, giant sparklers, and fireworks.

First Light Provincetown – A 5-day Celebration featuring theater, cabaret, comedy, jazz, live music, dance parties, film and galleries. Special events at public spaces and private venues across town offer an array of options for locals and the thousands of visitors that First Light draws in. New Year’s Day fireworks on the beach, the popular Polar Bear Plunge, Lite Brite Bike Ride, and ice skating round out the planned festivities.

By CapeCod.com Staff



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