Many people flock to Cape Cod for sea and surf, but just as many think the holiday season is the most wonderful time of year! Make Woods Hole your home base to experience all the Cape and Islands have to offer for a quintessential Cape Cod holiday. Cape Cod and its holiday festivities will be “making spirits bright” all December long! Read on to find out more about all the holiday activities and things to do in December on Cape Cod for your next visit!
Visit Falmouth and Woods Hole
The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce presents Holidays by the Sea Weekend this year from December 2nd-4th. The weekend kicks off Friday night with caroling at Waterfront Park, right here in Woods Hole on Water Street just steps from the Woods Hole Inn. The fun continues on Saturday at noon with the 11th Annual Jingle Jog 5K & Kid’s Elf Run, and the evening will feature an array of activities when Main Street closes to automobile traffic for the Holiday Stroll in Falmouth Village. The shops will be open for special evening hours prior to the Annual Lighting of the Green which features holiday music from the Falmouth Brass Band. Americana at its best! The festivities continue with the 59th Annual Christmas Parade, which steps off from Dillingham Avenue on Sunday, December 4th at noon. Known as Southeastern Massachusetts’ largest holiday parade, thousands of spectators pack the parade route each year to take in decorated floats, marching bands from all over the region, costumed characters, and majestic Clydesdales followed by Santa himself. This year’s theme is “Holiday Traditions” and is not to be missed!
Nothing says Christmas like an old-fashioned holiday bazaar, and the Renaissance Fair is Woods Hole’s one-of-a-kind version that doesn’t disappoint. This time-honored tradition will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Community Hall on Water Street, just steps from the Inn. Boasting an array of vendors and artisans offering hand-made wares such as pottery, apparel, jewelry, jams and jellies, and art of various media, the event also features singing, children’s games, lunch and baked goods, and a holiday wreath sale. Shop like a local while supporting the Cape Cod art community. Win-win.
Take a trip to yesteryear and check out Holidays at Highfield at the 1878 restored estate of the Beebe family. This beautiful property features a gift gallery and elaborate decorations, on weekends beginning November 25th through December 11th. For something totally different, don’t miss the 10th Annual Winter Striptacular happening December 14th-18th at the Coonamessett Ballroom located here in Falmouth featuring irreverent entertainment by Cape Cod’s premier burlesque group.
The village of Woods Hole will be hosting its Holiday Stroll Sunday, December 17th. Santa arrives at 11 AM in style like a true Cape Codder…by boat! Join him and his elves at the Woods Hole Aquarium sharing their Holiday cheer plus more fun activities throughout the day! Activities include fresh eggnog at the Woods Hole Market, drink mimosas while you shop at Inlet and end it with a festive “Santa & Elves” themed party at the Captain Kidd!
Visit Sandwich
If you’re looking to venture beyond Falmouth, then be sure to check out Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens, located in Sandwich, Cape Cod’s oldest town. The expansive grounds are illuminated from November 25-December 23rd, please get your tickets early! The tour also includes festive indoor holiday decor and numerous activities around the grounds and galleries. While you’re there, be sure to take in Sandwich Glass Museum’s 13th Annual Glassblower’s Christmas, which runs from November 18th- December 30th.
Visit the Islands or Lower Cape
For an Island experience, head to the Steamship Authority Ferry Terminal just steps from the Inn, followed by a short boat ride for Christmas in Edgartown, December 8th-11th. Take a drive to Hyannis where you can pick up either the Steamship or the Hyline ferry for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, which runs from December 2nd – December 4th. Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims first landed in Provincetown, and their 1620 arrival is celebrated each year starting Thanksgiving week with the annual Lighting of Pilgrim Monument, one of Provincetown’s most photographed landmarks. This year’s lighting took place on November 11th. Visit PTown to see this iconic symbol of hope and new beginnings that will be illuminated until early January.
We hope you are able to jingle all the way to Woods Hole to experience the holiday season… Enjoy our delicious breakfast each morning and wander off to enjoy the Cape Cod festivities!