Fall on Cape Cod brings a special charm with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and unique holiday traditions, making it an ideal destination for Thanksgiving. With its historical significance as the birthplace of Thanksgiving, Cape Cod offers a range of festive activities, seasonal markets, and culinary delights. From local shopping and light displays to local dining and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. With our recommendations, here’s how to make the most of Thanksgiving on Cape Cod and create cherished holiday memories.
Cape Cod’s Iconic Holiday Traditions
Thanksgiving weekend on Cape Cod is filled with opportunities to enjoy timeless traditions and soak up the holiday atmosphere. There’s no shortage of ways to kick off the holiday season:
- Pilgrim Monument Lighting: Provincetown’s famous Pilgrim Monument lights up for the season, honoring the Pilgrims’ arrival in America and symbolizing the spirit of Thanksgiving. This brilliant display draws in both locals and tourists for a shared moment of reflection and gratitude, making it a special way to start the holiday season on Cape Cod and a beautiful reminder of Thanksgiving’s roots.
- Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade: Known as “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth holds a renowned Thanksgiving parade the weekend before Thanksgiving that combines historical homage with modern festivities. Celebrating Plymouth’s rich heritage, it’s a must-see for anyone in the area and offers visitors a sense of connection to the legacy of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
Holiday Shopping and Artisan Markets
Thanksgiving on Cape Cod marks the beginning of holiday shopping season, and it’s a great time to get a head start on your list while supporting local artisans and businesses:
- Shop Local: Cape Cod’s holiday markets and pop-up events are perfect for finding thoughtful gifts and decor, with everything from handcrafted ornaments to one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, and artwork by local artisans. Strolling through these markets, you’ll find items that can make holiday gifts truly personal and memorable.
- Visit Specialty Food Shops and Bakeries: For those hosting or attending Thanksgiving gatherings, Cape Cod’s specialty shops have everything you need for a gourmet touch. Cheese and wine shops offer delicious options for holiday appetizers, while bakeries specialize in holiday pies and desserts. Pre-ordering is highly recommended, as the Thanksgiving rush can lead to long lines at these popular shops.
- Hire a Personal Shopper: For a more strategic approach and avoiding the Black Friday crowds, consider hiring a personal shopper from Simplified. Our holiday concierge services can help you locate those hard-to-find items and help tackle your holiday gift list with ease, leaving you more time to relish Thanksgiving.
Find the Perfect Christmas Tree
A cherished holiday tradition for families is selecting a Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving, and Cape Cod has some fantastic local tree farms. Picking out your tree can be a full holiday experience, complete with hot cider and holiday music:
- Tree Farms and Markets: Wander through rows of evergreens of all shapes and sizes to find the tree that’s perfect for your home. Many farms offer both cut-your-own and pre-cut trees, as well as fresh holiday wreaths and garlands to bring even more festive spirit into your home.
Before you go and to help ensure your tree stays fresh and beautiful through the holiday season, read our guide to picking the perfect Christmas tree.
Enjoy Holiday Light Displays
Cape Cod’s towns welcome the holiday season with festive lights and decorations, turning their streets, parks, and public spaces into sparkling winter wonderlands. Strolling through these displays has become a seasonal favorite:
- Festive Light Tours: Town centers and residential neighborhoods across Cape Cod put on incredible light displays, some synchronized to music and others featuring creative holiday themes. For those looking to make a night of it, booking a holiday lights tour is an excellent way to ensure you don’t miss the best spots. Simplified can arrange a custom tour so you can relax and enjoy the lights in the comfort of a chauffeured vehicle.
With beautiful holiday lights all around, Cape Cod is an ideal place for some seasonal photography. We recommend taking photos during twilight, just before it gets completely dark, for the best results. Whether capturing family moments or snapping scenic shots, these light displays add to the magic of Thanksgiving on Cape Cod.
Thanksgiving Dinner and Local Flavors
Dining on Cape Cod for Thanksgiving is a treat, with plenty of options to savor local, seasonal flavors. From markets offering fresh ingredients to restaurants preparing Thanksgiving feasts, you’re sure to find something to satisfy every craving:
- Local Ingredients and Markets: Cape Cod’s local markets, bakeries, and gourmet shops offer a range of items to help you create a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh produce, artisanal breads, or gourmet sides, these markets provide everything you need to craft a delicious, locally inspired dinner. Planning to attend or host a gathering? Stop by Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth to pick up a thoughtful host gift or stock up on local wines to delight your guests throughout the holiday weekend.
- Dining Out: For those who’d rather leave the cooking to the experts, many Cape Cod restaurants serve Thanksgiving dinner. With seasonal specials, you can indulge in everything from classic Thanksgiving dishes to innovative autumn-inspired plates. It’s an excellent way to enjoy Cape Cod’s culinary scene without the stress of meal preparation. Reservations are recommended, as Thanksgiving is a popular dining holiday.
If you’re in charge of Thanksgiving dinner and to help you make this as stress-free as possible, we’ve created this meal planning guide and a final Thanksgiving preparation checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything and are stocked up on fresh ingredients and holiday essentials.
Get Outside: Turkey Trots, Parks, and Beach Walks
Thanksgiving on Cape Cod wouldn’t be complete without some outdoor activities to balance out the holiday feast. Cape Cod’s natural beauty makes it easy to enjoy the season’s crisp air and stunning landscapes:
- Turkey Trots: Start Thanksgiving morning with a Turkey Trot, a fun and festive way to get moving before your big meal. Many local Turkey Trots support charity, offering a wonderful way to give back while enjoying the holiday spirit. These events are family-friendly and perfect for all ages.
- Nature Walks and Beach Strolls: Cape Cod’s parks, beaches, and trails offer peaceful and picturesque backdrops for a post-dinner walk or hike. The scenic coastlines are especially stunning this time of year, making for a rejuvenating way to spend Thanksgiving weekend. Favorite spots like Sandy Neck Beach and Nickerson State Park are beautiful and serene places to explore with family and friends.
Make Thanksgiving on Cape Cod Easy and Effortless
Thanksgiving should be a time for relaxation, celebration, and making meaningful memories. Simplified can take the work off your plate and elevate your holidays with a personal concierge, allowing you to truly enjoy the day with your loved ones. We’re here to help with all the details, big or small, to ensure a smooth holiday and make the start to this season magical for you.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.