Christmas on Cape Cod

There’s no place like New England during the holiday season. I would bet that even Dorothy would have clipped her red shoes to the Northeast if she had read this blog post. If you have ever been to New England after thanksgiving, you know exactly the reason! White lights flicker against wood shingles as evergreen wreaths boast themselves proudly on trailered boats. Front door decor is borderline editorial, but it’s just another Christmas season for those that live here.

We’ve made it a tradition in our family to frequent one New England town during the holiday season. It is a great way to gather, enjoy and soak in the charms that each season allows. This year, we chose the charming and coastal, Cape Cod. Less than 2 hours from Boston, it was an accessible choice. You can take plane, train or automobile to get to this coastal treasure trove.

For those whom are unaware, Cape Cod is a community on the southeast tip of Massachusetts. Each town has its own personality, but together they blend to create a historic ombre. While each town has a Christmas stroll or celebration, we joined in for the Hyannis celebration Dec 1 -2.

While this coming weekend has past, I wanted to share my itinerary with you so you may join in on the fun for years to come and see what is happening this coming weekend! In Cape Cod, there is something to do and stay for everyone! Here are our recommendations for lodging, eating, drinking, and doing 🙂

Where to stay

Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa – Sandwich, MA

We stayed at the Daniel Webster Inn and Spa in Sandwich, MA. This inn is a historic landmark with all the amenities to make your stay cozy. With a variety of rooms sprawling from the two main wings of the main hotel, it is easy to see why it is a great option for weddings and large parties.

Our room was detached from the main hotel, in the old inn keepers quarters. This is a great option for weddings as well – with two floors (and four private suites total)  it makes the perfect charming space to get ready with family. I can just imagine the gorgeous photos of the roaring fireplace as the bride is getting her hair done! So lovely.

Along with private suites, the inn has amazing working wifi (a must!) and two restaurants. We loved breakfast in the glass dining room, the morning light was just magical! Additionally, there was ample parking for all visitors. Overall, it was a quaint and cozy.  & We couldn’t have asked for better hospitality. From the dining to the spa, we really didn’t have to leave the property all weekend. Of course, we did, but if I had more time I would have spent a full day at the inn! make your reservations here

Cape Codder Resort & Spa – Hyannis, MA (great for kids)

John Carver Inn & Spa – Plymouth, MA

Where to Eat

Daily Paper – Hyannis, MA (breakfast)

Kandy Korner – Hyannis, MA (snack 😉

Common Ground – Hyannis, MA (lunch or dinner)

Beth’s Cafe – Sandwich, MA (coffee or breakfast)

Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa  – Sandwich, MA (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner served)

Marshland Restaurant & Bakery – Sandwich, MA (breakfast)

Portside Tavern – Hyannis, MA (dinner)

The Tavern at the inn Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa – Sandwich, MA

Lambert’s – Hyannis, MA (grab some soup to go!)

What to Do

Kandy Korner – Hyannis, MA (watch Candy canes made!)

We stopped here after brunch at the Daily Paper to see what all the fuss was about. Along with a charming novelty store, the place functions as a candy shop where we watched and learned how candy canes were made.

Gardens Aglow, Heritage Museums & Gardens – Sandwich, MA (Nov 23-Dec 30)

This was by far one of the most magical parts of the weekend. Heritage Museums and Gardens is the largest public garden in Southern New England with over 100 acres of gardens and nature trails.

During this holiday event, the beautiful light displays are expansed throughout the garden. As you walk (please bring a stroller for kiddos!), you can enjoy carolers, hot chocolate, and roasted marshmallows. Along with magically lit gardens, the property has three galleries housing vintage automobiles, American folk art, and a Carousel. To see dates, availability, and where to get your tickets click here

Sandwich Glass Museum – Sandwich, MA 

We loved this museum right around the corner from the Dan’l Webster Inn. A charming little museum dedicated to local glass artisans, there are live glass blowing exhibits on the hour. We loved the live exhibition and there was a Q&A at the end where all our questions were answered! The seasonal exhibit of the stained glass village really took our breath away. An entire room was filled with stained glass houses a glow. It felt like we were stepping into the set of the most charming miniature movie.

Mashpee Commons – Mashpee, MA 

Get all your holiday shopping down at this charming mecca of New England style stores! Including an L. L. Bean, Talbots, Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, and Seabags (pictured here!).

Boat parade – Hyannis, MA 

Head down to the Hyannis harbor to get a glimpse of locals dressing up their boats for this fun parade! Santa arrives by boat at the end to the parade for all those on the nice list!

Cape Cod Beer – Hyannis, MA “A Very Merry Market”

Come and enjoy a beer with the locals at Cape Cod Brewery. Dogs welcome. We went here to enjoy their seasonal “A Very Merry Market” where local artisans had booths to show off their many talents.

Walk Down Main St in Hyannis

Walk down near the harbor and enjoy food, drink and of course a little shopping!

Beach Plum Spa – Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa Sandwich, MA

just steps outside your hotel room you will find the lovely beach plum spa. Open to guests as well as the public, the spa has a intimate interior. Offering everything from massages to facials to pedicures, the spa might seem cozy but do not be fooled- it has all capabilities to make your weekend magical. They customize packages to fit your needs, making it a great option for a bridal party or a girls weekend.

Enchanted Village at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa- Hyannis, MA

Step into Santa’s village at Cape Codder Resort with lights, the Cape Cod Surftone Carolers and bonfire nightly (weather permitting). Holiday lights go on at dusk.

Check out the Beach – Hyannis, MA 

take a quiet walk on the beach and enjoy the tranquility of the off season.

What’s going on this Weekend:

For a full schedule please see the website here. https://www.capecodchamber.org

Enchanted Village at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa- Hyannis, MA

Gardens Aglow, Heritage Museums & Gardens – Sandwich, MA (Nov 23-Dec 30)

Annual Glass Blower’s Christmas –Sandwich Glass Museum

Mashpee and Falmouth Christmas Parades

A kind thank you to @visitcapecod for sponsoring my post, and Dan’l Webster inn, and Gardens Aglow  for sponsoring my stay. Without your support, I could not bring you travel content. I cannot thank them enough for this magical opportunity. and Of course, thank you to my readers.

Happy holidays!

Marissa