Excited for the holidays in Barnstable? Our guide has all the events you need to know! From Barnstable die-hards to casual visitors, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal splendor.
One highlight of the season is Gardens Aglow, where the vibrant lights transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. With live music and festive treats, this event offers a warm community atmosphere. Another unique event to experience is First Night Chatham, celebrated with artistic performances and fireworks that bring joyous energy to the town. And the Brewster Baptist Holiday Fair is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local artisans and homemade goodies. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Barnstable
- First Night Chatham (Chatham)
- Gardens Aglow (Sandwich)
- The Polar Express Train Ride (Bourne)
- Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll (Chatham)
- Holly Folly Weekend (Provincetown)
- Holidays at Highfield Hall (Falmouth)
- Brewster Baptist Holiday Fair (Brewster)
- Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll (Yarmouth Port)
- A Different Drummer Holiday Craft Fair (Harwich)
- Cranberry Fair (Harwich)
See these and even more events listed below!
Barnstable Holiday Light Displays
Gardens Aglow
What to Expect:
Extensive outdoor light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
Gardens Aglow is a holiday event featuring extensive light displays throughout the gardens, festive seasonal decor, and various fun activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery, the American Art & Carousel Gallery, and enjoy lighted gardens, seasonal treats, and interactive experiences.
Where: Sandwich | More Info: Gardens Aglow
Barnstable Holiday Markets and Shopping
Brewster Baptist Holiday Fair
What to Expect:
Unique, handcrafted items and charitable support.
Description:
The Brewster Baptist Holiday Fair offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, baked goods, and unique treasures. Proceeds support local charities, providing essential services to the community.
Where: Brewster | More Info: Brewster Baptist Holiday Fair
A Different Drummer Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Blended mix of outstanding craftspeople and artists.
Description:
A Different Drummer Holiday Craft Fair features over 40 select craftspeople and artists from Cape Cod and New England, showcasing a variety of handcrafted items including home decor, lotions, soaps, artwork, quilts, jewelry, photography, candles, and wood planters.
Where: Harwich | More Info: A Different Drummer Holiday Craft Fair
Shop Sandwich First Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and artisanal goods from local vendors.
Description:
The Shop Sandwich First Holiday Market is a premier shopping event in Sandwich, Cape Cod, featuring a diverse array of local vendors selling unique gifts, seasonal items, and artisanal goods.
Where: Sagamore | More Info: Shop Sandwich First Holiday Market
Cranberry Fair
What to Expect:
Live music performances by diverse bands.
Description:
The Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring over 150 local crafters, food trucks, and live music performances. Enjoy a diverse range of artisanal goods, from pottery to jewelry, and experience the eclectic music lineup.
Where: Harwich | More Info: Cranberry Fair
Barnstable Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holly Folly Weekend
What to Expect:
Iconic performers and queer community events.
Description:
Holly Folly Weekend is a vibrant LGBTQ+ holiday celebration in Provincetown, featuring performance art, fine dining, and holiday shopping at unique shops and galleries along Commercial Street.
Where: Provincetown | More Info: Holly Folly Weekend
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday train ride with festive entertainment.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a festive holiday event where passengers embark on a round-trip journey to the North Pole, led by a merry-making cast. The train ride features a reading of the classic children's book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, golden ticket punch, dancing chefs, and Christmas carols. Each child receives a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket, along with delicious hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread cookies.
Where: Bourne | More Info: The Polar Express Train Ride
First Night Chatham
What to Expect:
Family-friendly arts celebration with diverse indoor and outdoor performances.
Description:
First Night Chatham is a family-friendly, alcohol-free town-wide celebration of the arts featuring over 70 performances and events, including a Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse, Noise Parade, and Veterans Field Fireworks.
Where: Chatham | More Info: First Night Chatham
Barnstable Other Holiday Activities
Holidays at Highfield Hall
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with expanded activities and artisan gifts.
Description:
Highfield Hall & Gardens presents its 18th annual Holidays at Highfield exhibition, featuring spectacular decorations, seasonal activities, and festive music. The event includes a Gift Gallery with artisan gifts for all ages and special activities in the craft room.
Where: Falmouth | More Info: Holidays at Highfield Hall
Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with trolley rides and live music.
Description:
Join the Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll on December 8, 2024, for a festive afternoon along Route 6A. Enjoy trolley rides, live music, entertainment, and delicious holiday treats. The event culminates with a tree lighting ceremony and caroling at the Village Green.
Where: Yarmouth Port | More Info: Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll
Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll
What to Expect:
Holiday activities in a quintessential New England seaside village.
Description:
Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll is a festive event in Chatham, Massachusetts, featuring holiday activities and events throughout the town. Enjoy strolls, holiday shopping, and cozy getaways amidst the picturesque seaside village.
Where: Chatham | More Info: Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Yarmouth (4 miles)
- New Bedford (33 miles)
- Middleborough (34 miles)
- Taunton (43 miles)
- Fall River (44 miles)