Christmas on Cape Cod 2012

From Provincetown to Falmouth, and every town in between, visitors can delight in a myriad of special events as the Cape’s finest establishments and attractions have come together in the spirit of Christmas to present an entire month of holiday cheer and special offers, all designed to start new traditions or revive cherished Christmas memories. The Cape Cod Chamber also is rolling out a special “Christmas on Cape Cod Passport”, which will encourage people to shop locally and provide the opportunity to win $9,000 in prizes.

Santa will be making several appearances spreading holiday cheer for the Christmas season! To list a few:

Cape Cod Mall (11/16/12 to 12/24/12) Visitors will have a chance to visit with Santa and his helpers as they share their wishes from their own Christmas lists. Receive a photo with Santa for a festive holiday memory while visiting.

Patriot Square (12/1/12 at 1pm): Santa arrives by helicopter into Dennis Patriot Square.Bring your children out to watch Santa fly into Dennis. recieve free Candy Canes and have your photo taken with Santa for $2 by Orleans Camera

Breakfast with Santa (2/1/12 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m). Seating with the family favorite “Breakfast with Santa” at the British Beer Company

 Santa on Main Street, Hyannis (12/1/12 at 12noon): Santa will be arriving by antique fire truck in front of Rockland Trust. There will be free activities up and down Main Street ranging from sending Christmas cards to the troops at Harley Davidson to the Cookie Stroll Contest to bands playing, carolers caroling, an international food sampling and a free magic show.

Christmas Harbor Boat Parade (12/1/12 at 4 p.m., weather permitting): Everyone will gather at the Hyannis harbor to enjoy the beautifully decorated boat parade. See the boats enter the harbor as harbor businesses and homes light up to welcome Santa. There will be free parking at Bismore Park, plus food, drinks and music. At 5:40 Santa makes an appearance to meet with the children and is surrounded by a selection of lively activities

49th Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade (12/2/12 at 12noon): Parade steps off at noontime at the Falmouth Mall and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. Known as Southeastern Massachusetts’ largest holiday parade featuring theme decorated floats, marching bands, live animals, costumed characters and Santa Claus! For more info.

The Polar Express aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad – a magical journey along the Cape’s countryside based on the popular holiday book and movie. Children, encouraged to come in their pajamas, will delight in hearing the story, enjoying cocoa and treats, and meeting the cast of characters from the story, including Santa. Trains will depart the Buzzards Bay and Hyannis stations with multiple trips every weekend (schedules).

Illumination Ceremony at Drummer Boy Park, Brewster (11/30/12 at 4pm): Luminaries, music and caroling, tree and windmill lighting, blacksmith demo, treat for kids and adults. For more info

Nantucket Christmas Stroll (11/30/12 to 12/2/12 ): Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to a waiting horse and carriage. They parade up Main Street and across Centre Street to the historic Jared Coffin House where they meet with eagerly awaiting children. Children of all ages are entertained by the Magical Talking Tree at the top of Main Street, while carolers in period costume, student choirs and Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances add to the joyful festivities.  For all Nantucket events
Sandwich Glass Museums Glassblowers' Christmas (11/19/12- to 12/30/12): Hundreds of unique glass ornaments will adorn trees made by some of the regions finest glass artists . For more info.

Among the festive events on the holiday calendar at www.christmasoncapecod.com, are the Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll. Holly Folly Weekend in Provincetown, the Cape Cod Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert, A Seaside Christmas in Orleans, , the Chatham Christmas Stroll, Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, and much more.

Inns and resorts throughout the Cape are also offering value-added accommodations packages. Many include dinner gift certificates at nearby restaurants, passes to holiday events, and seasonal amenities like champagne, mulled cider and Christmas cookies.

The Chamber is also unveiling the brand new “Christmas on Cape Cod Passport”. The passport is available for download at www.ChristmasonCapeCod.com or www.CapeCodChamber.org , or at participating hotels, motels and B&Bs. Passport holders can have their passport stamped when they visit participating businesses. At each business they visit, they will be entered to win a gift card of $500, $250 or $100 (offer varies per business). Once a passport holder accumulates at least five stamps, they will be eligible to win the grand prize -- Christmas in July – a two- night getaway at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, with other amenities included.  Participating businesses in the Christmas on Cape Cod Passport include Roberto Coin and Hot Diggity in Mashpee Commons; Tree’s Place; Focalpoint Studio; Addison Art Gallery and Adlumia in Orleans; Puritan Cape Cod and Alberto’s Ristorante in Hyannis; Harbor Hotel in Provincetown; J. McLaughlin in Osterville; and The Cape Cod Beach Chair Company in Harwich.  “On Cape Cod, we like to say we put the ‘sea’ in season’s greetings,” said Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber. “Our holiday traditions are very much tied to our maritime heritage – with lighthouses decked in holiday greens and Santa Claus arriving by boat in many communities. December on Cape Cod is like no other place on earth!”