Cape Cod Holiday and Seasonal Event Guide 2025

Cape Cod’s Thanksgiving and Christmas season in 2025 features a full calendar of parades, markets, community walks, and tree lightings from late November through mid-December. The events are spread across towns and offer family-friendly activities, opportunities for shopping, and festive entertainment.

Thanksgiving Events

• Chatham Turkey Trot: Held Thanksgiving morning (November 27), this popular community run supports local charities and begins at 8 am, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.​

• Pilgrim’s Progress Reenactment: Also on Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth (easily accessible from the Cape), costumed participants reenact the Pilgrims’ journey followed by a brief service and procession through town at 10 am.​

• Nantucket Atheneum’s Cold Turkey Plunge: Thanksgiving morning plunge at Children’s Beach supports the Nantucket Atheneum Weezie Library for Children.​

• Thanksgiving Eve Party at Cape Cod Beer: November 26, Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis hosts a casual party to kick off the holiday weekend with food, drinks, and live music.​

• Pilgrim Monument Lighting in Provincetown: November 26, the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument is illuminated to celebrate the Pilgrims’ first landing.​

Markets, Craft Fairs, and Tree Lightings

• Cape Cod Christmas Market at Mashpee Commons: Local artisans, food, and live performances on November 23, 29, 30, December 7, and 14. Market hours are 11am–2pm on the Village Green.​

• Falmouth Holidays By The Sea: A multi-day event in early December includes Santa’s arrival by boat, caroling, the lighting of the Falmouth Village Green, the Jingle Jog, and the Falmouth Christmas Parade.​

• Harwich Christmas in Harwich: Weekend of December 5–7, with Santa’s arrival, merchant open houses, trolley rides, and annual tree lightings in all seven Harwich villages, followed by a fireworks display.​

• Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll: December 7, community caroling, crafts, Santa’s workshop, and refreshments on Main Street, Yarmouth Port.​

• Chatham Christmas By The Sea: December 12–14 features the town’s signature Light Parade, tree-lighting ceremony, and Santa’s visit.​

• Mashpee Commons Tree Lighting: Held the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28), this celebration includes treats, caroling, Santa, and the tree lighting at Mashpee Commons.​

• Lobster Pot Christmas Tree (Provincetown): First illumination is November 29 at Lopes Square, with nightly lights through Christmas.​

Notable Craft Fairs

• Falmouth Christmas Fair (John Wesley United Methodist Church): November 14–15 features crafts, gifts, food, and a silent auction.​

• Bass River Arts Winter Market (South Yarmouth): Traditionally the weekend before Thanksgiving with handmade goods, holiday gifts, and local art.​

Cape Cod Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025 Events Table

For those interested in enjoying these festivities year-round as Cape Cod residents, contact the Guthrie Schofield Group for expert real estate services and market insights.