Christmas on Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Nantucket gets a lion's share of attention not only from the public but also from the media as well because both groups flock there to attend the islands celebration of the Christmas holidays, especially the Christmas Stroll. But guess what, many of the 15 charming communities that dot Cape Cod also celebrate the holidays in a fashion comparable to that of Nantucket. And tourists crowds on Cape Cod during this time of year are practically nonexistant. The village of Osterville's Christmas Stroll is actually older than Nantucket's...and just as colorful. And many other communities there also offer Cape Cod Christmas Strolls. According to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce there's much to see and do here, even in winter. Many of the shops, restaurants, hostelries, and museums remain open with most offering seasonal discounts. They invite you to "visit countless historic sites and landmarks, each telling the proud role that Cape Cod has played in American history." Don't misses include the Heritage Museums and Gardens dazzling lighted holiday landscapes (Sandwich), the annual lighting of the Pilgrim Monument (Plymouth), Chatham's Festival of Trees, and the beautifully decorated shopping district of Provincetown. Pick up a copy of the CD "Christmas on Cape Cod", a delightful holiday musical celebration by
Baby & the Boomers (love the name). You'll find it in many shops. The tunes provide wonderful accompanyment as you wander about the Cape's magical shores and streets. Travel writer,
Laurie Kaiser, offers a well-written round-up of Cape Cod's holiday festivities that you might want to read as you plan your trip. I couldn't have written it better myself. And even though you'll probably feel like you have Cape Cod all to yourself, it's still wise to make reservations early, especially for weekends. Oh my, I can feel the wonderful, thrilling bite of an wintery ocean breeze tickling my face already. I am enticed by the idea of strolling about this winter wonderland, warm drink in hand, eyes bedazzled by everything I see. Or perhaps it's a crackling fireplace in any of a number of grand hostelries and quaint B & Bs that calls to me. I await its cozy warmth with my favorite book in hand. See you there! My thanks to Lois Kane (Kane Productions), the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Annabelle Inn, the Captains House, the Chatham Bars Inn, and the Crown Point Lodge for providing the beautiful pictures.
Sam Dalton