Christmas Lights and Events in Cape Cod 2024

You won't find big crowds and noisy celebrations here. However, Cape Cod is charming at Christmas time. Its small towns look especially cozy when illuminated with twinkling lights. Quaint shops, art galleries, bookstores, and antique stores offer plenty of gift ideas. Take a walk around Heritage Gardens or along the coast, watch a small-town Christmas parade, and don't forget to stop by one of the famous Cape Cod lighthouses.

Gardens Aglow (November 29–December 23, 2024, on selected dates)

Every holiday season, Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich dress up in thousands of twinkling lights. Gardens Aglow exhibit features more than nine miles of Christmas glow throughout the Heritage Gardens. The exhibit is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The annual Heritage Gardens celebration has become a treasured Cape Cod tradition. In addition to spectacular light displays, there are many activities throughout the gardens, such as marshmallow roasting over an open fire, a reindeer scavenger hunt, a model train display, and visits with Santa Claus at the Outdoor Stage. Cape Cod Donuts, games, and holiday music at the Parade Field are also available.

Holidays at Highfield (November 22–December 15, 2024)

Highfield Hall is a historic 19th-century estate and gardens that is famous for its art exhibits and concerts. Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year in the estate when Highfield Hall transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Natural woodland themes as well as elegant vintage and modern decorations will definitely make an impression. Stop by the Gift Gallery with artisan gifts for all tastes and ages and a craft room with many activities. Admission is $15 for members, $20 for non-members, and children & military get in for free. Highfield Hall is open from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Giants (late November–December)

The Giants is the annual exhibit of giant lighted sculptures created by the Cape Cod artist Michael Magyar. The unusual lighted display can be viewed along Route 6A in Sandwich, MA, as well as other Cape Cod towns such as Dennis, MA. More than two dozen giant sculptures are on display during the whole holiday season. Magyar also has a glass studio and gallery on Route 6A in East Sandwich.

The Lobster Pot Tree (November 30, 2024)

The Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree is a Provincetown Christmas tradition, which dates back to 2004, when a local artist, Julian Popko, created the installation on Lopes Square to honor the hard-working local lobstermen. Every year, around Thanksgiving, the locals gather to sing carols, drink hot cocoa, and witness the “tree” being switched on. The Christmas Tree, made out of over 100 lobster traps, is Provincetown’s landmark. It's adorned with 3,000+ LED lights and colorful buoys.