Christmas Events Happening on Cape Cod in 2020

With all the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, it might seem like Christmas on Cape Cod is canceled.

Rest assured, that isn't the case. Even though many of the events we look forward to each year will have to wait until 2021 and beyond, some events will go ahead this year, albeit with slightly different rules.

As long as you keep your social circles small, practice good hygiene and social distancing, and follow public health protocols, you can participate in some of these Christmas events on Cape Cod while keeping yourself and your family safe.

Here's a look at the events that appear to be going ahead this year.

Gardens Aglow

The Heritage Museum and Gardens will host its annual Christmas light festival in 2020. The event allows you to stroll through the grounds and look at the beautiful lights against the backdrop of a historic building in a Cape Cod winter. 

Gardens Aglow will also have scavenger hunts, fire pits, and appearances by Santa Claus, although you'll need a VIP ticket to access the latter two. Speaking of tickets, unlike in previous years, you'll need a reservation to attend the festival in 2020. As a result, you'll have to commit to a time and date when purchasing your tickets.

It won't be like it was in years past, but visiting the Gardens Aglow festival will provide some normalcy to a year that has been anything but ordinary.

Lights on Pilgrim Monument

Every November, Provincetown celebrates the upcoming Christmas season by lighting the Pilgrim Monument. This lighting commemorates the period the Pilgrims spent in the area in 1620 before eventually moving on to Plymouth.

When the Monument lights up in November, a ceremony accompanies it, with music, entertainment, and food available in the surrounding park. The lighting attracts visitors from all over the Cape and is a highly anticipated event.

Unfortunately, there won't be a lighting ceremony at the Pilgrim Monument this year. The park is too small to accommodate the crowds, so organizers lit the Monument privately.

The good news is that you can now visit the Pilgrim Monument to see what it's all about. It's not the same as most years, but the tower is still a sight to behold when covered with lights. 

The Polar Express Train

You might be a little surprised to learn that the Polar Express Train plans to depart from Buzzards Bay this holiday season despite the global pandemic.

All of the necessary safety precautions are in place on the train, including increased onboard sanitation, reduced capacity, mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, and plexiglass barriers. The Polar Express is probably one of the safest places you can visit this Christmas because of the protocols they have to protect staff and passengers.

You'll have to book your access to the train in advance, and it'll cost between $39 and $99, depending on passenger age, class of ticket, and time of day.

Kids look forward to Christmas time more than anyone else, so having the opportunity to take your children on the Polar Express despite the pandemic is a nice option to have.

Hyannis Village Holiday Stroll

Although the cancelation of large scale events is commonplace in 2020, Main Street in Hyannis still plans to host its annual Village Holiday Stroll. The event will run the entire day on December 5 and bring live music and outdoor dining to town. 

The Hyannis Village Holiday Stroll won't have as much going on in 2020 as in previous years. There won't be a boat parade, tree lighting, or craft area. The carol singing is a no-go, and many of the other activities are unable to go ahead. 

However, you can still see Santa, have an outdoor cocktail, and pick up some gifts at a local shop. The entire event will incorporate social distancing and have the necessary protocols in effect, so it's worth checking out if you're craving a bit of time in the community.

Canceled Events

Despite some events going ahead this year, it's worth mentioning that many of the season's most anticipated festivities won't occur in 2020.

For starters, you won't experience the Mashpee Christmas Parade, Carols on the Green in Eastham, or Chatham Christmas Stroll Weekend this winter. 

Other cancelations include the Seaside Christmas in Orleans and Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll. Any event that gathers large crowds and makes distancing impossible will have to wait until next year. 

Still, Christmas will come to Cape Cod in 2020, and missing out on a few events won't change that. 

Whether you're new to Cape Cod, a long-time resident, or someone looking at relocating to this beautiful part of the world, you can still celebrate Christmas this year. The events that are going ahead on the Cape will help make your holiday season enjoyable.