11/20, 12PM, Holiday Fashion Show and Luncheon, Clancy’s Restaurant – Kick off the holiday season with a festive fashion show, presented by the Purple Poppy taking place on November 20th, at Clancy’s Restaurant in Dennisport at 12 noon. It’s more than a fashion show, you won’t want to miss it. This is where fashion meets philanthropy. Proceeds from this event will benefit Colorful Kidz, a local nonprofit that creates bedroom makeovers and places to dream for children in need on Cape Cod. You’ll enjoy a display of fashion trends that will leave you inspired for the season ahead. Indulge in our signature cocktail, enjoy lunch on the Swan River in Dennisport, participate in the silent auction, and shopping for the holidays and gift giving. Delight in an afternoon out with friends, family and coworkers combining fun with the experience of giving.
11/21 – 11/23, 2024 Holiday Showcase & Winter Marketplace, Cultural Center of Cape Cod – The Garden Club of Hyannis will transform the Cultural Center into a holiday wonderland with amazing fresh floral arrangements, beautiful tablescapes, wreaths, swags, container plants, artwork, furnishings, and accents. And while you enjoy, shop the Winter Market, which will offer over 2000 artistically handcrafted holiday items for sale. Ticket proceeds benefit the Garden Club’s scholarship fund and the Cultural Center. One ticket is good for admission on your choice of day. Purchase tickets here.
11/21, 12PM, 6th Annual Taking Care of Cape Cod Summit, The 204, Harwich – Join the Cape Cod Anti-Litter Coalition, CARE for the Cape and Islands, and Center for Coastal Studies for a summit focused on tangible ways to reduce waste and engage in environmental stewardship for individuals, businesses, municipalities, and organizations. This year’s theme is “Stemming the Tide of Wastefulness.” $35; reserve your spot here.
11/21, 5PM, History on Tap – Shipwrecks of Cape Cod, CC Maritime Museum – Author Don Wilding will explore some of the most notorious shipwreck disasters and the heroic, and sometimes tragic, rescue efforts of the U.S. Lifesaving Service and Coast Guard, from his books, “Shipwrecks of Cape Cod” and “Cape Cod and The Portland Gale of 1898.” Follow up his talk with a look at the Museum’s new exhibit, The Menace of Cape Cod: A Hazard to Navigation. $5 – reserve your spot here.
11/22 – 12/15, 18th Annual Holidays at Highfield – Highfield Hall & Gardens is “Decking the Hall” for the 18th Annual Holidays at Highfield running for four consecutive weekends. This year’s theme is “Timeless Tales, A Literary Journey.” There is something for everyone! Enjoy an artisan gift gallery, crafts for all ages, a pictorial scavenger hunt for children, and an outdoor story walk featuring holiday and winter themed books. On Saturdays and Sundays, there will be story reading for children, and everyone’s favorite Snow Queen and Snow Princesses will make regular appearances. Tickets are $20; pre-registration is suggested. Find out more here.
11/22, 6PM, Mad Science – Up, Up, & Away, Fri, Harwich Community Center – This popular event introduces kids to the principles of air pressure and flight. You’ll see a hot air balloon rise into the air, flying toilet paper, and even get the chance to watch a hovercraft in action! This is a FREE drop-in event – but seating is limited, so please arrive on time.
11/22 – 11/24, America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration, Plymouth Waterfront – A three day celebration of the history of the US, including America’s only historically accurate chronological parade. The schedule is loaded with markets, family activities, and live entertainment, and the parade draws regional and national attention, along with thousands of visitors. To plan your pre Thanksgiving visit to Plymouth – and for the most strategic ways to see the parade – click here.
11/22 & 11/23, All Things Holiday Market, Scenic Roots, Sandwich – Shop from artisans and curated vendors in the greenhouse. Pre-register to join workshops, stroll the garden center to choose your fresh tree, wreath or holiday decor, take a selfie in the holiday inspired photo booth area, and sample local treats. Find out more here.
11/23, 9AM, 17th Annual Holiday Shopping Fair, Chatham Community Center – Over 45 vendors – admission is free!
11/23 & 11/24, 30th Annual Upper Cape Tech Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair – American made professional arts and craft fair – hosted by the PTO.
11/23, Eastham Taste of Turnip Day, Town-Wide – 30-plus local food establishments will serve up daily specials featuring Eastham Turnip ~ turnip appetizers to turnip soups, turnip sides to turnip entrees, perhaps even turnip ice cream! Plus, you can turn up for fun, turn up for tunes, and turn up for tours at businesses all around town! For participating restaurants and a schedule of events, click here.
11/23, 5:30PM, Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree, Sat, Lopes Square, Provincetown – Ring in the holiday season with this Outer Cape tradition, started in 2004 by artist Julian Popko who wanted to design a holiday celebration that recognized the hard-working local lobstermen. This “tree” is made of real lobster traps, and makes a great Cape Cod photo op once lit.
11/24, 9AM, Harvest Market, Wellfleet Preservation Hall – Shop local produce and goods at the Annual Harvest Market. More info here.
11/27, 3PM, Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument – Commemorate the Pilgrims’ arrival in Provincetown, see the illumination of the Monument to kick off the holiday season. Before the lighting, there’ll be a DJ spinning tunes, a cash bar, and a bake sale for sweets and hot chocolate. The lights go on at 5 PM sharp. FInd out more here.
11/28, 8AM, 40th Annual Chatham Turkey Trot – This scenic 3.1-mile run or walk winds through Chatham, Massachusetts, offering breathtaking scenery while benefiting the Lower Cape Outreach Council. Sign up here!
11/28, 8AM, Thanksgiving Sandwich 5K, Stop & Shop, Sandwich – Start the morning with a brisk run or walk to benefit the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation. No race day registration is available – you must register before Thursday. Do that here.
11/29, 11AM, Reptiles Rock, Fri, CC Museum of Natural History – This unique presentation includes a mini zoo set-up with 10 to 14 smaller animals such as bugs, frogs, snakes and lizards to look at. Plus, there’s a fun and informative presentation by a Rainforest Reptile herpetologist with 4 larger animals including a large red or yellow foot tortoise (S. America), a large monitor or tegu lizard (Africa or S. America), a 9 to 10 ft. boa or python (S. America or Myanmar/Burma) and of course, the American alligator (USA). There will be opportunities for volunteers to come up and assist throughout, and after the program, everyone will have the opportunity to handle one of these amazing reptiles! Tickets are $20 and space is limited; get yours here.
11/29, 3:30PM, Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mashpee Commons – The lighting will take place by the tree in the Siena plaza, and will feature complimentary treats & hot chocolate, caroling, and an appearance by Santa. Save the date!
11/29, 4:30PM, Annual OIA Tree Lighting, Orleans – 4:30 pm Gather at Snow Library / 4:45 pm Start Strolling with Academy of Performing Arts strollers / For those not strolling – Join us at Depot Sq. at 4:45 pm with Washashore Music / 5:15 pm Gather at Depot Square / 5:30 pm Tree Lighting. Click here for more information.
11/29 & 11/30, 4:30PM, Services of Advent Lessons & Carols, Church of the Transfiguration – Embrace the spirit of the season with candlelit services of Advent Lessons and Carols—uplifting readings, prayers, and carols performed by Gloriæ Dei Cantores at the Church of the Transfiguration—a cherished tradition for over thirty years. Doors will open one hour before the service; no tickets required.
11/29 – 12/14, 2024 Spectacle of Trees, Guyer Barn, Hyannis – This much-anticipated holiday event features trees decorated by local non-profits – with not just tinsel and ornaments, but fantastic gifts! These trees feature incredible items like TV’s, sports tickets, gift cards, artwork, and even vacations. When you visit or check out the event online, you’ll have the chance to donate “Tree Bucks.” Each Tree Buck you drop into an organization’s box earns that non-profit $10. If you’re one of the lucky winners at the end, you’ll take home the beautifully adorned tree along with its treasures. And the best part? Even if you don’t win, your support ensures that the non-profit receives 100% of your donation! For more details, and to view online, click here.
THE HYARTS ARTIST SHANTIES Check out two shanty locations, at Harbor Overlook and Bismore Park. Meet Cape Cod artists and artisans working and selling their handmade, hand designed or hand crafted items. There is no fee to browse and of course if purchases are made it is a fabulous way to shop local and support the creative community. Artists frequently open early and stay late, and rotate weekly!
NOVEMBER SPECIAL EVENT: Sweetacular Soiree on Gingerbread Lane at the Harbor Overlook Friday & Saturday, November 29 – 30, 2024: 11:00am – 3:00pm
GARDENS AGLOW AT HERITAGE MUSEUMS AND GARDENS runs for 21 nights: November 29 – December 1; December 4 – December 8; December 10 – 15, December 17 – 23. Get tickets here.
11/30, 8AM, Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus – Reservations required for Breakfast at Orleans Yacht Club. Santa arrives at 8:15 am to Cove Road Town Landing escorted by Orleans Harbormaster Team. Click here for more information.
11/30, Small Business Saturday, Orleans – The start of the most important season for our small businesses. Horse & Carriage Rides 1 pm – 4 pm begin/end in front of 44 Main Street. Click here for more information.
11/30, 5PM, Music Bingo to Support the Police Unity Tour, Eagles Nest, Dennis Highlands – Enjoy a fun night of music bingo playing for great prizes and a buffet dinner, all to raise funds for the Police Unity Tour, which is an annual 300-mile bicycle ride from NJ to Washington, D.C. that supports the Law Enforcement Memorial and National Law Enforcement Museum. Reps from departments around the Cape who have lost officers in the line of duty ride every year. $50 includes dinner, donation, & games. More here.
11/30, 9AM, Shark Holiday Story, Shark Center, Chatham – For little ones who are fascinated by sharks – bring them to enjoy a Sharky Christmas themed holiday story with a fun activity and sing along! This program is geared towards children 3 to 6 and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $5. Find out more here.
12/1, 1PM, Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop, Hart Farm, Dennisport – An hour long class where you’ll learn basic bow making, then decorate your very own holiday wreath to take home and enjoy! $60 includes all materials. Register here.
12/1, 4PM, Christmas Gala, Cape Cod Irish Village at the Emerald Resort – Enjoy a three-course Italian dinner, live music, and a silent auction, all to benefit the Cape Cod Ambassadors – a local nonprofit dedicated to loving, supporting, and empowering the foster children of the Cape. $25 per person includes dinner. Purchase tickets here.
12/4, 6PM, Barnstable Village Winter Stroll – Bring your family to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season in the village, including the tree lighting on the courthouse lawn. More here.
12/6 – 12/8, Holiday on the Cape w/The Cape Symphony, Barnstable High School – This season’s holiday program features the classics you know and love combined with special guests the Cape Symphony Dance Company, Chatham Chorale, and Broadway sensation Scarlett Strallen. Highlights include music from The Polar Express, Handel’s Messiah and another stellar performance from our own Cape Symphony Dance Company. Get tickets early – these shows are popular! Order yours here.
12/6 – 12/8, Falmouth Holidays By the Sea Weekend/Christmas Parade – A holiday tradition that will feature the 13th Annual Jingle Jog or GhELF Run, the lighting of the Village Green, boutique shopping, entertainment, fun family activities, holiday decorations, AND – the biggest small-town Christmas parade in all of Southeast New England. Don’t miss it – the schedule is here.
12/6 – 12/8, Nantucket Holiday Stroll Weekend – Festivities will include a visit by Santa Claus, Santa’s Village Marketplace, live entertainment, craft shows, tours, and local specials. Check the schedule for the weekend here.
12/6 & 12/7, 22nd Annual Performance of The Nutcracker, Sandwich High School – Sandwich Dance Academy presents this holiday tradition filled with joy and wonder! Tickets are $25; buy them at the door. Performance times are 7 PM on Friday and 3 PM on Saturday.
12/6, Holiday Shopping Stroll, Orleans – Orleans open until 8 pm. Shopping, Art Galleries, Live Music, Dining. Click here for more information.
12/7, 11AM, 11th Annual Love Live Local Holiday Fest, Hyannis Village Green – Over 120 of your favorite local makers will have tons of holiday gift offerings during this much loved event! This is part of Hyannis Stroll Weekend, which is set for Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th – get the full schedule of events here!
12/7, Santa Stampede, Orleans – 8:30 am Registration Table opens / 9:30 am FREE Fun Run for kids / 10:00 am 5k STARTS / 11:00 am After Party by The Barley Neck – Included in Runner Registration / Not Running? – Purchase After Party Ticket for $10 / 12:00 pm Awards. Click here for more information.
12/7 & 12/8, Annual Taylor Bray Farm Holiday Festival – Celebrate the holidays on the farm! Enjoy delicious homemade baked goods, wreaths, swags, centerpieces and other crafts, all made by farm volunteers. Taylor-Bray Farm calendars, activity books, t-shirts and grocery bags will be available. On the grounds, purchase a beautiful Christmas tree – many sizes to choose from – take a tractor drawn hayride, and of course, visit the animals! More here.
12/7, 11AM, Merry Market, Tree Lighting w/Santa, & Fireworks, Wequassett Resort & Golf Club – Make a festive day of it at the Wequassett! Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at the Merry Market, then at 5 PM enjoy the tree lighting with Santa and fireworks. Open to the public; free admission. More here.
12/8, 10AM, The Last Best Craft Fair, Sandwich Middle High School – Over 50 amazing vendors! Free admission.
12/8, 12PM, 61st Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade – This well loved parade is organized under the theme of “Sights and Sounds of the Holidays.” It departs from Dillingham Avenue and Davis Straits and proceeds along Main Street to the Village Green. It will feature decorated floats, marching bands, costumed characters and Santa Claus!
12/8, 12PM, Sandwich Village Stroll, Sandwich Village – Enjoy a holiday makers market showcasing local artisans, and vendors with unique holiday gifts, live entertainment – Enjoy performances from some of your favorite local performers, hot drinks and tasty treats from local cafes and restaurants, holiday-themed crafts and games, take a festive photo with Santa, and end the day with the Santa Parade through Sandwich Village, leading to the countdown to the Lighting of the Glasstown Tree at 5 PM. A free, family-friendly event. More details are here.
12/8, 1PM, Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll, Route 6A/Village Green – Route 6A will be magically transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual Christmas Stroll! Trolley rides,holiday tunes from the Brass Band, face painting, magic shows, a holiday photo bus, photos with Santa, a winter petting zoo, and more – followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 4:15! Rain or Shine.
12/14, 2/15, 3/17 & 6/14, Boat America Course, Orleans Police Station – The “Boat America” boating safety courses are scheduled for the following Saturdays, from 9:00AM to 4:30PM at the Orleans Police Station 99 Eldredge Parkway Orleans. Learn all about: Legal Requirements of Boating, Nautical Rules of the Road, Boat & Paddlecraft Handling & Safety, Basic Navigation and Trailering. Fee: $45 for course materials. Registration required, email: [email protected]. Presented by the US Coast Guard Auxilary Nauset Flotilla 11-06.
