Enchanted Village Opens at Cape Codder for 17th Season

HYANNIS – The Cape Codder Resort and Spa kicked off their 17th annual Enchanted Village last night.

A visit to the village 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.

“It was the brainchild of Bill Catania and he worked with John Sullivan starting with a Santa’s Workshop and some houses that they had built and every year they’ve built on,” said Joyce Groemmer, Director of marketing for the Catania hospitality group, “They’ve added more displays more topiary animals, lights, thousands of lights and kids really love it.”

Children are greeted by Santa and his elf, encouraged to share their Christmas wishes and serenated 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.

“We have the thousands upon thousands of lights, you will pass Santa on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 5 to 8:00 PM,” said Joyce Groemmer, “Anybody can come see Santa, take photos for free, obviously, so make sure you bring your cell phones it’s just a lot of fun.”

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.

Independence House, Cape Cod’s leading resource, counseling and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence.

Last year, 114 women with children and 48 teens and children in their programs benefited from the generous donations made by the Village’s visitors. The Resort hopes that each year will exceed the previous one’s donations.

“Independence House makes a positive difference in the lives of so many. We are happy that the donations received from last year’s Enchanted Village helped so many have a brighter holiday”, said Bill Catania, President of Catania Hospitality Group. “Our goal each year is to exceed the amount donated in the previous year.”

The Cape Codder Resort’s Enchanted Village runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through New Year’s, with Santa and live music through December 23rd.

For more information, call (508) 771-3000 or visit www.capecodderresort.com. The Cape Codder Resort & Spa is located at 1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis.