Family-Friendly Festivals on Cape Cod

Holidays
Warm up for the holiday season with a Seaside
Christmas in Orleans. During the 昀椀rst weekend
of December, expect to see the streets of
Orleans crowded with Santas on a spirited 5k
run at the annual Santa Stampede.
Clydesdales, festive 昀氀oats and bagpipers
The Mashpee Christmas Parade is all about
the lights. Floats, boats, and marching bands
illuminate the streets of Mashpee Commons
Falmouth
Christmas Parade
during this special night-time parade.
PAUL SCHARFF
are all part of the action at the Falmouth
Christmas Parade, celebrating over 60 years!
Also lighting up the night each holiday season
is Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums &
Gardens. Miles of twinkling lights adorn the
museum grounds and gardens, so bring your
camera for some Instagram-worthy shots.
Other fun includes a reindeer scavenger hunt,
MARISA ASHCRAFT
marshmallow roasting, and visits with Santa.
From magical gardens to magical trains,
the Polar Express on the Cape Cod Central
Railroad is a 1 ½ hour long family experience
that brings the classic children’s book The
Polar Express to life. Music and merriment
accompany you along this journey to the North
Pole, where Santa and his elves hand out gifts
Gardens Aglow at Heritage
Museums & Gardens
and cocoa. All aboard from Thanksgiving to
Christmas from the train’s Buzzards Bay depot.
Winter
The Yarmouth Winter Carnival transforms an
otherwise chilly weekend in the middle of February
into a reason to celebrate. There’s an outdoor iceskating rink, s’mores, crafts, and plenty of family
activities, alongside food trucks and local vendors.
We start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early here on
Cape Cod, with the highly anticipated Cape Cod St.
Cape Cod St. Patrick’s
Day Parade
Patrick’s Day Parade in early March. The parade
spans two miles, making it just long enough for
the tens of thousands of spectators who join in the
For a full line-up of festive holiday events on
Cape Cod, visit ChristmasonCapeCod.com.
spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Watch marching bands,
昀氀oats, Irish Step Dancers, Clydesdales, antique cars,
and bagpipe bands 昀椀ll the streets of Yarmouth. Be
sure to don your green!
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2024 » CAPE COD TRAVEL GUIDE
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