Tree lighting ceremonies, lively carolers, festively decorated storefronts and one-of-a kind Christmas traditions welcome visitors to kick off the holiday season on Cape Cod—aglow with plenty of cheer this most wonderful time of year. Here's a guide to just some of the enchanting village strolls happening in towns across Cape Cod this December.
UPPER CAPE
Falmouth Village Stroll (Saturday, December 6)
Celebrate a festive evening with family and friends at the Falmouth Village Stroll as the already charming downtown is beautifully transformed into a pedestrian-only winter wonderland. Find treasures big and small in the bustling shops and eateries, then gather on the town green for the annual countdown and dazzling display of lights, Santa’s grand entrance, and joyous community caroling.
Mashpee Commons Holiday Stroll (Saturday, December 13)
Bring on the merriment at the Mashpee Commons Holiday Stroll, where holiday gift inspo and Yuletide shopping destinations abound. Leave the wrapping to the merchants of Mashpee while you enjoy in-store gourmet delights, holiday carolers, a Brass Band performance, and take pics with the big guy. Enter the holiday photo contest and attend the illuminated Christmas Parade after dark following the stroll.
Sandwich Village Stroll (Sunday, December 7)
Create a new family tradition at the Sandwich Village Stroll in Cape Cod’s oldest town. It’s merrymaking all day for creatures big and small, with holiday-themed crafts and games, seasonal treats, and live entertainment. Explore the outdoor Holiday Makers Market showcasing local artisans and crafts, snap a photo with Santa, and put a giant bow on the day with the Santa Parade and official lighting of the Glasstown Tree.
MID-CAPE
Hyannis Holiday Main Street Stroll (Saturday, December 6)
Come one, come all to the Hyannis Holiday Main Street Stroll for an afternoon of festive treats, live music, and games on the Village Green. Pony rides, a petting zoo, and Santa’s arrival by antique fire truck light up the holiday spirit meter even before you’ve voted for your favorite cookie in the Cookie Stroll. The party continues with Love Local Fest at Aselton Park and a procession of festively illuminated and decorated boats at Harbor Boat Parade at dusk.
Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll (Sunday, December 7)
Holiday your heart out at the Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll, brimming with all things merry and bright, and Fa la la la to the enchanting sounds of a Bell Choir Quartet and lively Brass band as you tour this joyful stroll. Hop aboard the trolley and take a ride through a winter wonderland featuring a holiday photo bus, winter petting zoo, magic shows, balloon artistry, and face painting amidst strolling jugglers and carolers celebrating the season.
Dennis Village Stroll (Sunday, December 14)
Jingle all the way to snap a selfie with Buddy the Elf and Santa at Corporation Beach on your way to the Dennis Village Stroll for a festive afternoon on the Village Green. A quartet of strolling Victorian carolers, trolley rides, crafts with Mrs. Claus, and storytelling with St. Nick set the stage for lasting memories. Wrap up the day with a stop at the pop-up holiday gift show at Cape Cod Museum of Art.
LOWER CAPE
Harwich Port Stroll (Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7)
Capture the Christmas spirit at the Harwich Port Stroll that gets underway with the annual tree lighting in Doane Park, with carols sung by the Harwich elementary school chorus and local community voices. The sights and sounds of the season continue with nativity scene displays, live piano music, and a Harwich Town band concert. Visit with Santa after he rides in on a fire truck, stop at the children’s cookie decorating table, and help spread joy with a family donation to Homeless for the Holidays.
Chatham Christmas Stroll (Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14)
Celebrate a New England Noel at the Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll that kicks off with a light parade escorting none other than St. Nick himself to the celebrated tree lighting at The Triangle. The merriment continues with complimentary old-fashioned horse and carriage rides up and down Main, visits with Santa, and open houses at the holiday festively adorned boutiques hosting holiday strollers with hot cocoa, prizes, raffles, and goodies to-go.
OUTER CAPE
Wellfleet Winter Stroll (Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7)
This lively holiday stroll kicks off Friday, December 5 with the Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-Along. The Wellfleet Preservation Hall’s Holiday Bazaar Craft Fair will be happening all weekend, featuring local vendors, fire pits, music, food and a cocktail bar. Don't forget to stroll downtown Wellfleet's participating shops and galleries to collect stamps on your holiday punch card for a chance to win raffle prizes!
Holly Folly Gallery Stroll (Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6)
Let the festivities commence with the oh-so-colorful Holly Folly Gallery Stroll in Provincetown--a special two-day, holiday-edition event designed to delight. Peruse Ptown’s high concentration of art galleries and bring home unique, one-of-a-kind finds to deck the halls at home and discover the perfect gift for that special someone on your list. Make time to pop over to The Canteen Holiday Market, a cozy gathering spot to enjoy holiday cheer and buy handcrafted goods from local artisans.
Discover more one-of-a-kind holiday experiences that make Cape Cod truly magical here!