Although you may think of Cape Cod as primarily a summer destination spot, if you are willing to overlook a little snow and cold weather, it really is a four-seasons vacation destination, and a Cape Cod Christmas journey will help you rediscover the holiday spirit that you may have left behind, offering holiday lights, charming seasonal festivals, and the opportunity to perhaps enjoy a white Christmas, something our visitors from warmer states are always eager to experience. We at Pretty Picky Properties have created this guide to Christmas in Cape Cod, ensuring that Christmas will once more be your favorite holiday, especially when you choose our holiday hideaways to bring comfort and joy.
Shopping for the Holidays
Christmas shopping is one of those holiday experiences that will bring both the gift giver and the recipient the greatest of joys, and the shops and events listed below may be where your favorite shopping moments take place.
- Harvest of Barnstable, 89 Willow Street in Yarmouth Port – Whether you are looking for a holiday gift for friends and family or are seeking a few decorations to add festive spirit to your Pretty Picky Properties holiday haven.
- 1856 Country Store, 555 Main Street in Centerville – Patronized by First Ladies and all the regular people, the 1856 Country Store is one of our favorite gift shops, adding a retro flair to your thoroughly modern shopping experiences.
- Annual Glassblowers Christmas, 129 Main Street in Sandwich – The Sandwich Glass Museum offers a holiday market throughout the month of December. This is the perfect spot to pick up handmade ornaments while enjoying glass blowing shows that will blow your mind.
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Can you even consider it Christmas if you don’t check out the tree-lighting ceremonies that enhance the holiday? Pretty much every town and village on Cape Cod offers their own special event—the Holiday Windmill Lighting at Drummer Boy Park in Brewster is one of our favorites. We like to do things a little differently on Cape Cod during Christmas, and this ceremony that also encompasses the lighting of a traditional tree is the perfect example. Built in the 18th century and moved to its present location in Drummer Park in 1974, the Higgins Farm Windmill gets dressed in festive lights in a ceremony that includes Santa’s arrival and Christmas music performed by the Eddy Elementary School Choir.
More Ways to Shine
In addition to the variety of Christmas tree lightings that will take place throughout the Cape, visitors can experience the softer shine of Gardens Aglow at the Heritage Museums and Gardens and the unique appeal of the Giants, both located in the historic town of Sandwich. The Giants are a series of giant lighted sculptures created by local artist Michael Magyar that will be found along Route 6A, and the lighted gardens of the Heritage Museums and Gardens add a soft joy to your celebrations accompanied by period decorations in the museum. Both will start to glow after Thanksgiving has ended.
Polar Express Train Ride
The magic of Christmas appears in the Polar Express Train Ride begins its journey from Buzzard’s Bay in Bourne, courtesy of the Cape Cod Central Railroad. Offering a 90-minute journey to the North Pole and including dancing chefs and waiters, Christmas carols, and Santa Claus and his elves passing out the first gift of the season, this fantastical experience will ensure that your tiniest travelers will believe in the season a little longer.
Christmas by the Sea Stroll Weekend
Generally held the second week in December, the Christmas by the Sea Stroll Weekend is Chatham’s beautiful holiday festival, appearing as if a Christmas card photo has come to life. Offering hot chocolate to help visitors keep warm, a holly trolley that takes guests along the cheerfully lighted streets, and the opportunity to visit Santa’s workshop and meet the jolly old elf himself, this event is sure to make you feel warm, cozy, and as if you are living in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
We Love a Parade
As the rest of the world seems to have turned away from the simple charm of a holiday parade, we on Cape Cod stick close to our treasured traditions and offer a variety of parades throughout the Cape, including the state’s largest parade in Falmouth. Offering seasonal floats, characters in costume, and the beauty of Clydesdale’s marching along the route, if you are here during this parade (usually held the first week in December) we encourage you to join in the fun. Another memorable parade is the illuminated boat procession that takes place in Hyannis Harbor, also taking place the beginning of December.
Celebrating Christmas in Cape Cod with Pretty Picky Properties
The best moments of your Cape Cod Christmas, however, may be the ones you enjoy in the warmth and comfort of our Pretty Picky Properties. Hang your stockings from the mantels over the fireplaces in our living rooms, watch your favorite Christmas movies on state of the art televisions, and sip hot cocoa as you stare out onto the snow-covered landscape. Every holiday moment will be your favorite when you choose our holiday escapes for your home sweet Christmas home. Reserve your favorite today!