Not keen to join the holiday hordes at the airport this year? Cape Cod, that time-honored summer vacation destination, is a veritable vision of sugarplums when the winter holidays roll around. We’re talking train rides with Santa, a “glowing” garden a-twinkle with lights, plus holiday strolls and good old-fashioned community carol sings, not to mention Provincetown’s Holly Folly, the country’s largest and oldest LBGTQ+ holiday bash. Meanwhile, local hotels and resorts are hosting A-listers like Mrs. Claus to add some pizazz to their seasonal offerings. (And check out their rates — a steal compared to summertime pricing.) After sipping a hot toddy or two, you’ll swear you’re an extra in a Hallmark Christmas movie. So, don that reindeer- or dreidel-patterned onesie and c’mon down for some holiday cheer, Cape-style. (Layer it with an ugly sweater and you’ll really nail the dress code.)
A very merry train ride
Do your peeps love “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg? Be part of the story on a 90-minute ride from the Buzzards Bay train depot to “the North Pole” aboard Cape Cod Central Railway’s own officially licensed “THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.” Relive the magic of the classic tale with costumed performers, Santa and the elves, cocoa and cookies, plus a golden ticket and a keepsake sleigh bell. This event runs from Nov. 22 to Dec. 23; check their website for trip schedules. They offer both matinee and nighttime rides (it’s a more sparkly affair after dark.) Wear your jammies. From $64 adults; $54 ages 3-12; www.capetrain.com.
One very decorated lawn
Book this one immediately — Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens (https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/gardens-aglow/) always sells out. Wander through the dazzling light display in the gardens, roast marshmallows, go on a reindeer scavenger hunt, enjoy seasonal treats from Lilly’s Café and the Cape Cod Donuts truck, play with giant building blocks, stroll through lighted tunnels, and more. Indoors, visit with Santa in a 1913 Ford Model T amid Heritage Museum’s antique car display. For sheer cuteness, you can’t beat a ride on the c.1908 Looff carousel, and then take a moment to admire winter-themed works in the museum’s Currier & Ives collection. Gardens Aglow is currently scheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 1st, Dec. 4-8, Dec. 10-15, and Dec. 17-23. Adults (non-members), $25; ages 3-17, $15. Visit their Facebook and Instagram feeds for updates.
Hotel holiday happenings
The venerable Chatham Bars Inn (from $306-$378 per night; www.chathambarsinn.com) in Chatham brings the Holiday Vibe with a capital V this season, with 45,000 Christmas lights, 65 wreaths, ten indoor Christmas trees, four giant nutcrackers, and a partridge in a pear tree (well, maybe not a partridge, but they do have pear trees!)
Seasonal events, open to guests and visitors alike, include a series of wreath decorating workshops, led by the inn’s gardener; Teddy Bear Tea Parties for the little ones (ages 3-8); and gingerbread house-making (their pastry team bakes and assembles the houses, and you and your crew do the fun part — decorating. Bring on the spiced gumdrops!) On Dec. 28th, join their Hanukkah Party & Lighting of the Menorah, a family festival with games, songs, and homemade potato latkes. If you’d love to learn how to make your own ultimate eggnog or party-worthy hot cocoa, book a holiday mixology class. These events involve an extra fee, but there’s one that doesn’t: Cocoa & Carolers on the Bayview Terrace on Dec. 6th. Gather under the twinkly lights for a bonfire, cocoa, and live music. Of course, they offer special holiday menus, too.
We’ve seen Tony Danza at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club (from $327 per night; https://wequassett.com) in Harwich, but even his star-power is no match for (drumroll please) Madame Claus! She’s pouring champagne and serving fresh cruffins all season long at Mrs. Claus’ Cottage. She’ll also host a series of gingerbread house-decorating parties and three very merry Pajama Brunches. The Mrs. Claus Touch overnight package (from $495) includes an illuminated Christmas tree in your guest room, a Wequassett stocking filled with a sweet treat, complimentary coffee and pastries from The Sill (the property’s grab-and-go bakery), and a complimentary late checkout.
Kicking off the season: The resort’s grand tree lighting with a Very Special Guest (whose name rhymes with Manta Paws) on Dec. 7, concluding with fireworks over Harwich. A good reason to stay overnight: Watch — or participate in — the Cape Cod Holiday Baking Classic on Dec. 8th. Let’s see if all of those episodes of The Great British Baking Show taught you anything! It’s free to enter to competition; for those who just want to watch and eat, it’s $20 for kids 12 and under, and starts at $30 for adults. MasterChef finalist Anna Rossi will be one of the judges; the event supports The Family Pantry of Cape Cod.
A-strolling we will go
A Christmas stroll is definitely a thing down the Cape, and it’s a charming way to get into the spirit of the season. The Cape’s oldest town, Sandwich, is quaint as can be, especially during the Sandwich Village Stroll (www.sandwichchamber.com) on Saturday, Dec 8. Local businesses are decked out in holiday finery, a festive backdrop for strolling carolers, family activities, and seasonal treats. Make a weekend of it, and add your voice to the Community Carol Sing, held on the steps of First Church Sandwich on Friday, Dec 6th. “This event brings people together from all over New England. It’s like stepping back in time!” says Christine Ross, executive director of the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce.
While you’re in town, pop into the Sandwich Glass Museum (adults, $14; www.sandwichglassmuseum.org) for a peek at their enchanting grove of trees adorned with exquisite glass ornaments (Nov. 15- Dec. 30.) Ornaments are created by local and regional artists; there’s also a keepsake “2024″ version available for purchase. After dark, try to spot all of The Giants along Route 6A, two dozen illuminated roadside sculptures created by Michael Magyar.
All of Falmouth turns out for the Falmouth Holiday Stroll (www.falmouthvillageassociation.com) on Main Street, which is closed to traffic for the Dec. 7th event. The Village Green morphs into a Cape version of Whoville as folks show up for a community carol-sing, while shops stay open late (and ply shoppers with goodies) and — you knew this was coming — the Jolly Old Elf himself makes a guest appearance.
On Dec. 6-8th, Provincetown is even more colorful and fabulous than usual, thanks to Holly Folly, the country’s largest and oldest (since 1997) LGBTQ+ holiday celebration. Performance art, special shows, exquisite dining — it’s all here, and you can knock off that holiday gift list in short order at local boutiques and galleries. (We’ll take that cute red jacket from Cock N Bull Leather, Santa Baby!) Hot-ticket seasonal events include the Holly Folly Follies, a holiday version of the Provincetown Follies; a performance by the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus; and the Annual Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Run & Brunch. www.ptown.org.
The Chatham Christmas Stroll (www.chathamrotary.org) on Dec. 13-15, would melt the heart of the Grinchiest Grinch. Witness the lighting of a 26-foot-tall blue spruce at Sears Park, followed by carols sung by the Monomoy Regional Middle School Chorus, and the reading of a classic holiday story. Santa will roll in on a fire truck, leading the Light Parade. (Old Saint Nick will hold court at his workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to greet the little ones.) Add a brass band, a commemorative mug, and horse-and-carriage rides and you’ve got yourself a lovely, throwback holiday weekend.
For more ideas, visit www.capecodchamber.org.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com