A very festive holiday lineup!
Cape Cod Life / November/December 2015 / Art & Entertainment, Food & Dining, People & Businesses, Recreation & Activities
Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications / Photographer: Charles Sternaimolo
A very festive holiday lineup!
Cape Cod Life / November/December 2015 / Art & Entertainment, Food & Dining, People & Businesses, Recreation & Activities
Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications / Photographer: Charles Sternaimolo
Season’s greetings!
The following is a list of 21 upcoming Holiday events on the Cape & Islands
CHRISTMAS AT THE SANDWICH GLASS MUSEUM
November 14 to December 30
Holiday festivities get underway at the Sandwich Glass Museum on Saturday, November 14, and run through December 30, as the museum presents its sixth annual Glassblowers’ Christmas. Hundreds of unique ornaments made by the region’s finest glass artists will adorn Christmas trees in the museum’s contemporary gallery. Even better—the ornaments are for sale. Located at 129 Main Street, the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NANTUCKET NOEL
November 27 through January 2
The holiday season on Nantucket is a magical time. Festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and community caroling. From December 4 to 6, the island hosts its traditional Christmas Stroll event. Don’t miss this quintessential yuletide experience as the downtown’s cobblestone roads are filled with illuminated fir trees, strolling minstrels, and a town crier. Santa arrives by boat on Friday, December 4, to kick-start this holiday tradition. The fun continues through January 2, and many shops remain open through the New Year. Learn more at nantucketchamber.org.
HERITAGE MUSEUMS HOSTS “GARDENS AGLOW”
Weekends—November 27 to December 27
Heritage Museums & Gardens’ annual “Gardens Aglow” event is a tradition not to be missed. Featuring nine miles of holiday lights illuminated throughout the gardens, a stunning model train exhibit, music and dance performances, arts, crafts and carousel rides, this month-long event in Sandwich offers something for every member of the family. Gardens Aglow kicks off Friday, November 27, and is held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, through December 27, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn more at heritagemuseumsandgardens.org.
CELEBRATE “A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS” IN EAST SANDWICH
November 28 to December 21
Stop by the Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, and 20-21, and sample a cup of mulled cider and other tasty items while perusing a variety of holiday gifts. Located at 6 Discovery Hill Road in East Sandwich, the Green Briar shop offers jams, jellies, relishes, books and nature-related items as well as games, puppets and toys. The center is open Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, from 12-4 p.m.
“A SEASIDE CHRISTMAS” IN ORLEANS
November 29 through December 31
Celebrate the season with visits from Santa, a tree lighting and caroling during Orleans’ Seaside Christmas. The month-long event includes activities from Sunday, November 29, through Thursday, December 31. The town-wide celebration includes discount shopping and holiday treats at shops, galleries and restaurants around Orleans. Learn more at orleanscapecod.org.
BREWSTER FOR THE HOLIDAYS
December 4 to 6
Brewster’s annual holiday celebration begins with an illumination ceremony at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 4, at Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main Street. The day’s activities include a sing-along, tours of the Windmill Village, warm cocoa and treats. The fun continues Saturday, December 5, as children can participate in a snowman contest with the chance to win a “kid friendly” gift card. Also on December 5, the Eddy Elementary School, 2298 Main Street, hosts a holiday arts and crafts show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IT’S “HOLLY FOLLY” WEEKEND
December 4 to 6
Provincetown rings in the season in its own unique way with the annual Holly Folly Weekend. Held Friday to Sunday, December 4-6, Holly Folly includes a Jingle Bell Run and Barefoot Champagne Brunch complete with a Speedo Run through the center of town. The Speedo Run is held Saturday, December 5, and steps off from Fanizzi’s at 9:30 a.m. Runners complete the one-mile route—some wearing their favorite speedo—to The Crown & Anchor, where a Barefoot Brunch Champagne is held. Other activities include dance parties, a sing-along, drag bingo, and plenty of shopping around town. Learn more at ptown.org.
HYANNIS’ “SPECTACLE OF TREES”
December 4-12
Stop by the JFK Hyannis Museum, 397 Main Street, and check out the unique decorations that comprise the 2015 “Spectacle of Trees.” A number of local non-profits, including the National Marine Life Center, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, and the Marstons Mills Public Library have decorated the trees—many with gifts on and beneath them. Visitors can view the trees Friday to Saturday, December 4-12, and support the organizations involved by donating “tree bucks,” which will enter them into a chance to win the trees. The more one donates, the greater the chance to win. All funds raised will go to local non-profits. Learn more at capecodcharitablefunraisers.com.
CAPE CODDER RESORT HOSTS “THE ENCHANTED VILLAGE”
December 4 to January 3
This holiday season, the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, 1225 Iyannough Road in Hyannis, will be transformed into an enchanted village featuring glittering lights, holiday displays, and a 32-foot tabletop Christmas Village with model trains, houses and more. Mr. Claus himself will even stop by on weekend evenings. The display is free and open to the public; however, donations of toys and non-perishable foods will be accepted. Learn more at capecodderresort.com.
NAUSET HIGH WINTER FESTIVAL
December 5
Hosted by Nauset High, 100 Cable Road, Eastham, this event, held Saturday, December 5, at 9 a.m., features performances from the school’s musical ensembles as well as a bake sale, craft fair, and tree sale. Funds raised will benefit the music department’s upcoming trip to Ireland. For more information, visit nausetschools.org.
EASTHAM HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
December 5
Sponsored by the Eastham Chamber of Commerce and Gift Barn, Eastham’s holiday festival is a great way to get in the holiday spirit on the Outer Cape. Held Saturday, December 5, this event draws hundreds of visitors each year and includes a visit with Santa at the Gift Barn, 4180A State Highway, North Eastham, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. From there, visitors can board a trolley to the Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge to create holiday crafts, have their faces painted, and more. For more information, visit easthamchamber.com.
FALMOUTH’S ANNUAL JINGLE JOG 5K & ELF RUN
December 5
Don your most festive holiday attire while running in the annual Jingle Jog 5K and Elf Run on Saturday, December 5. Open to children under 12, the Elf Run is a one-half mile course and the event begins at 9 a.m. The Jingle Jog kicks off at 9:30 a.m. from the Marina Park Band Shell on Scranton Avenue. Learn more at falmouthchamber.com.
FESTIVAL AT TAYLOR-BRAY FARM
December 5-6
Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouthport. The farm hosts a holiday festival Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The barn is filled with homemade baked goods, beach plum jelly, centerpieces and various other crafts, all made by volunteers. The farmhouse will be open to visitors and a hearth cooking demonstration will be offered. The farm is at 108 Bray Farm Road in North Yarmouthport. For more information, visit taylorbrayfarm.org.
SANTA AT THE CHATHAM FISH PIER
December 6
Don’t miss the chance to see Santa’s arrival at the Chatham Fish Pier. A Coast Guard vessel carrying Old Saint Nick will pull into the fish pier Sunday, December 6, at 1:30 p.m. Santa will then be escorted to the Chatham Community Center, 702 Main Street, for a visit with children. Learn more at chathaminfo.com.
SANDWICH HOLIDAY HOME TOURS
December 6
Sandwich’s Holiday Home Tours has become a favorite annual tradition. On Sunday, December 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., participants can tour historic B&Bs, inns, and private homes. Docents will be on site to present each home or building’s history and point out architectural details and unique furnishings. Learn more at sandwichchamber.org.
CHATHAM HOSTS CHRISTMAS STROLL
December 11-12
Celebrate the holiday season in scenic Chatham. Taken right from a Currier & Ives greeting card, Chatham’s Christmas Stroll commences Friday, December 11, at 5:45 p.m., with a parade and caroling along Main Street. A tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and a bell ringing performance follows. The festivities continue on Saturday, December 12, at 8:30 a.m., as the Wayside Inn, 512 Main Street, hosts a breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information on these events, visit Chathaminfo.com.
MASHPEE CHRISTMAS PARADE
December 12
This annual event in Mashpee has become a favorite among residents and visitors. The festivities on Saturday, December 12, include a parade, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and runs through Mashpee Commons and out to South Cape Village. For more information, visit mashpeechamberchristmasparade.com.
VIEW CHARMING HOMES IN WEST FALMOUTH
December 13
Tour a selection of local homes and do some holiday shopping along the way. Held Sunday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this tour includes visits to historic and contemporary homes in Falmouth. For more information, visit westfalmouthlibrary.org.
FIRST NIGHT—SANDWICH
December 31
On Thursday, December 31, Sandwich’s First Night festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include a parade, ice sculptures, children’s crafts, food vendors, and a grand finale countdown. This non-alcoholic event offers something for everyone. The festivities conclude at 10 p.m. Learn more at firstnightsandwich.com.
START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT—AT CHATHAM’S “FIRST NIGHT”
December 31
Chatham celebrates its 25th First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve. This “Silver Jubilee” celebration begins Thursday, December 31, at 12:30 p.m., and offers face-painting, horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade, and more! The evening ends with a fireworks display. For more information, visit firstnightchatham.com.