Seasonal & Holidays
12 Days Of Cheer In Barnstable: Making This A December To Remember
Celebrate the season all month long with local lights, cozy stops, markets and hometown holiday charm.
The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Barnstable. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.
From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Barnstable feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.
1. Capture holiday photos with Santa at Cape Cod Mall.
The Santa Photo Experience returns to Cape Cod Mall, giving families a chance to stop by the Dining Pavilion for festive pictures through Dec. 24. Walk-ups are welcome until closing each day, though reservations help keep the wait manageable during busier weekends. Sessions are booked in 15-minute windows with multiple families scheduled per block, so arrive on time to ensure a smooth visit.
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2. Shop artisan gifts at the Cape Cod Christmas Market.
The Cape Cod Christmas Market brings seasonal cheer to Mashpee Commons with local artisans, gourmet treats and live entertainment across select weekends through mid-December. Hosted at the Naukabout Beer Garden (about 20 minutes away from Barnstable), the market features handmade ornaments, winter décor and one-of-a-kind gifts that make holiday shopping feel special. Admission is free, and families can enjoy carolers, kid-friendly activities and photo-worthy décor throughout the space.
3. Tour local neighborhoods decked out in holiday lights.
Driving or walking through Cape Cod’s neighborhoods is a simple way to soak up the season, with residents across the region decorating their homes in creative, colorful displays. Many streets feature twinkling lights, wreaths and winter scenes that brighten quiet December nights. Each neighborhood brings its own style, from classic white lights to playful, whimsical setups. No tickets or reservations required — just follow the glow and enjoy the ride.
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4. Wander the illuminated pathways at Gardens Aglow.
Held on select evenings through December, Gardens Aglow transforms Heritage Museums & Gardens into a sparkling outdoor experience filled with lights, decorated pathways and family-friendly activities. Located about 20 minutes from Hyannis, visitors can explore the grounds, toast marshmallows, search for reindeer-themed clues or warm up with treats from Lilly’s Café and local vendors. Indoors, Santa greets families from the 1913 Ford Model T, while the antique carousel and winter art displays add more festive charm. Timed tickets are required.
5. Climb aboard for The Polar Express™ Train Ride in Buzzards Bay.
The Polar Express™ Train Ride brings the beloved story to life with a 90-minute journey departing from 70 Main Street in Buzzards Bay (roughly 30 minutes away from Barnstable). Passengers enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a live reading of the book as dancing chefs and costumed staff recreate scenes from the film. After the train reaches the “North Pole,” Santa and his elves step aboard to hand out keepsake sleigh bells to each child. Guests are encouraged to arrive 45–60 minutes early for parking and ticket pickup, with boarding beginning 30 minutes before departure.
6. Escape the cold at the Fins Up! Indoor Water Park.
Located inside Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod, the Fins Up! Indoor Water Park offers a warm break from winter with slides, a lazy river and family-friendly splash areas. Day-pass visitors can rent towels on-site, and resort guests receive a discount code for water park admission. Height requirements apply for the larger slides to ensure a safe experience for younger swimmers. The park is open daily with varying weekday and weekend hours, making it easy to plan a midwinter escape.
7. Lace up for public skating at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center.
The Hyannis Youth & Community Center hosts public skating sessions throughout December, offering visitors a classic winter outing on the ice. Admission varies by age group, with discounted rates for seniors and military/veterans, and tickets are available at the rental booth. Skate rentals ($6 per pair) and sharpening services ($7 per pair) are offered on-site for added convenience. Public skating dates are posted monthly, so check the schedule ahead of time to plan an upcoming session.
8. Browse holiday ornaments and glass art at the Sandwich Glass Museum.
The Sandwich Glass Museum celebrates the season with Glassblowers’ Christmas, a festive display featuring handcrafted ornaments and winter décor available through Dec. 30. Visitors can watch glassblowing demonstrations each hour, explore exhibits highlighting the region’s glassmaking history and shop trees adorned with colorful artisan pieces. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with holiday closures on major December dates.
9. Warm up with specialty drinks at Great Awakening Coffee House.
Great Awakening Coffee House offers a cozy spot to slow down amid the holiday rush, with a menu ranging from craft espresso drinks to chai, matcha and richly made hot chocolate. Guests can settle in with a house-made breakfast sandwich, quiche or pastry while enjoying the shop’s friendly, community-focused atmosphere. Coffee lovers will appreciate how their thoughtful sourcing, roasting and brewing give each cup a little more character.
10. Dine on Northern Italian classics at Alberto’s Ristorante.
Located in downtown Hyannis, Alberto’s Ristorante has served handmade pastas and Northern Italian dishes since 1984, offering a warm setting for winter dinners or holiday celebrations. The menu emphasizes fresh ingredients and in-house preparation, from soups to desserts. Guests can choose between elegant dining rooms or the more relaxed lounge, which features live jazz piano on weekend evenings. Serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m., Alberto’s is a dependable choice for a seasonal meal.
11. Enjoy wine tastings and winter charm at Cape Cod Winery.
About 30 minutes away in East Falmouth, Cape Cod Winery offers a cozy retreat for winter weekends, with wine flights and glasses served in a peaceful setting just minutes from the shoreline. The family-run vineyard has deep agricultural roots, with land that once operated as one of the area’s early strawberry farms. Guests often meet members of the Orlandella family during tastings, adding a personal touch to the experience. Seasonal hours vary, with weekend afternoon tastings offered through the winter months.
