Bring the family to the Cape for New Year's eve! Leave the chaos of Boston behind and enjoy a family oriented New Year's Eve in Chatham. First Night Chatham is a family friendly, alcohol free New Year's Eve celebration focused on the arts. Centered on Main Street, First Night Chatham offers something for everyone – a circus, musicians, local artists, theater, opera, a giant bonfire, a clamorous noise parade, the Countdown Cod Drop, and a fantastic fireworks finale! This year marks the 22nd anniversary of this increasingly popular event and it promises to be fun. Visit the Chatham First Night site, http://www.firstnightchatham.com/ for details. Here's some information:

A new venue, the fabulous Orpheum Theater on Main Street, with afternoon and evening performances

13 new performers

57 entertainers

14 special events

New mobile-style web pages to make it easier to view the performers and schedules from your smartphone (see preview)

Cape Cod Opera’s final bow as the beloved performing group salutes the movies on December 30, the night before the night

The Tidewater is offering a special for families for the New Year's Weekend for only $69.99 per night for one night or $59.99 per night if staying 2 or more nights! The Tidewater is only 20 minutes from Chatham. We also have an oversized heated pool and hot tub to enjoy during free time. Call us at 508-775-6322 for more information.

I found another wonderful Christmas activity for those who still need help getting into the spirit or those who love to take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate Christmas: the Historic Bass River Holiday Cookie Stroll. Anything with the word "cookie" in it is appealing to me. This benefits the South Yarmouth Library and is held Saturday, December 14th, from 10:00 to 3:00pm.  The "ticket" is actually a cookbook with the recipes of all cookies served on this two-mile walking tour to eleven sites. The tour also includes an Open House at the South Yarmouth Library.. Free trolley transport will be available between groups of houses. All of the proceeds go to support the South Yarmouth Library. Cider and cranberry bread will be served at the library.   Tickets are limited.

 The cookbook comes with a festive drawstring bag for collecting cookies along the way. My bag, of course, would be empty since I would be eating them along the way. Tickets are $15. Children under 12 are free, but only ticket holders receive cookies.  Tickets necessary and limited. 508-394-1739, http://www.cultural-center.org/

Stay at the Tidewater Inn with rates starting at $59.99 per night. Call us at 508-775-6322 for more information.

Most think of the Cape during the summer beach months but there's a lot going on during the winter. The Cape is a perfect place to get into the real Christmas spirit by visiting the many unique small towns and their festive walks, strolls, and festivals. Almost every town on the Cape has its own traditions and activities. Most of the strolls or walks are the first weekend in December so start making your plans to get away from the routine and the commercialism that is so prevalent and have some "old fashioned" fun on the Cape.  The Tidewater Inn is offering a special starting at $59.99 for our standard rooms.  Call us at 508-775-6322 for information or reservations.

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than a concert by Cape Symphony.

Barnstable Performing Arts Center, from 12/06/13 4:00pm

For More Info: 508-362-1111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting http://www.capesymphony.org/

Conductor: Jung-Ho Pak
Annie Moses Band & The Chatham Chorale
There will be a 4pm performance and an 8pm performance
Big orchestra. Big choir. Big surprises. Great fun! Our super-sized celebration also features the Annie Moses Band (straight from Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry!), bringing amazing classical, jazz, pop, and bluegrass sounds to their original music and the holiday classics you love.

One of my favorite activities is the Hyannis Main Street Stroll...Santa arrives by boat with a boat parade with festively decorated boats! How Cape Cod!Hyannis Main Street Stroll and Harbor Lighting/Boat Parade Hyannis Village, from 12/07/13 For More Info: www.hyannis.com 9-10 am, Breakfast with Santa at The British Beer Company; 11 am -3 p.m.Main Street village stroll with music and holiday activities.
At 4 p.m., everyone will gather at the Ocean Street Docks to enjoy the beautifully decorated boat parade. At 5:40, Santa makes an appearance to meet with the children and is surrounded by a selection of lively activities!

Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, from 11/29/13 to 12/22/13
For More Info: www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
Stroll the gardens and grounds glowing with holiday lights, watch musical performances, ride the holiday carousel, visit Santa in the Model T, enjoy drop-in crafts, and shop the Museum Store! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.

Holly Folly Weekend in Provincetown, 12/6-12/8/13

For More Info: 508-487-2313 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting http://ptown.org/HollyFolly.asp

Caroling, cabaret, lighting contest, Inn Stroll, and the Holly Folly Shop Hop! The 1st annual Santa Speedo Run will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7th from Fanizzi's to the Crown & Anchor (proceeds go to the Cape Cod EMS & Firefighters Cancer Relief Fund). And at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Boston Gay Men's Chorus performs a special holiday concert at Town Hall - a great Holly Folly tradition and the perfect kick-off to the holiday season.  

8th Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, from 12/07/13,6:00pm
For More Info: www.mashpeechamber.com
This lively parade, which includes several floats, marching bands and carolers, begins at the Mashpee Library and travels through Mashpee Commons and ends at South Cape Village.
 
A Seaside Christmas in Orleans Orleans, Cape Cod, from 11/30/13 to 12/31/13
For More Info: http://orleanscapecod.org/a-seaside-christmas-in-orleans/
Visit shops and galleries meet visitors from the North Pole while enjoying live music, holiday refreshments, demonstrations, amazing sales, personal service and gifts from around the world. Highlights also include Annual Christmas Stroll and Tree Lighting on the Village Green and Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus

Falmouth Holiday by the Sea Weekend
Falmouth, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13
 For More Info: www.falmouthchamber.com
The crisp snap of seasonal glitter starts with the Holidays by the Sea Weekend in Falmouth. Begin the festive weekend by singing carols at Nobska Lighthouse as the winter’s sun sets over Vineyard Sound. Greet Santa as he arrives by boat at beautiful Falmouth Harbor. Join in the caroling at the lighting of the Village Green, enjoy the hospitality of merchants as you stroll down decorated Main Street before and after the lighting. Get ready for the biggest small-town Christmas parade in all of Southeast New England on Sunday!

Brewster for the Holidays, Brewster, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13
For More Info: www.brewsterfortheholidays.com
A traditional Cape Cod holiday celebration recreated from years past and sponsored by Brewster businesses for all of Brewster to enjoy! Look for "Brewster For the Holidays" flags at participating businesses. Shops, restaurants, inns, museums and galleries will be glowing to welcome shoppers to experience their unique holiday spirit

Yarmouthport Christmas Stroll
Route 6A, Yarmouthport, from 12/08/13

For More Info: 508-362-3021 
http://www.hsoy.org/events.htm

Visit the museums, bed and breakfasts, inns and businesses along the Old Kings Highway as they welcome you with holiday decorations, tasty treats, and music of the season. Carolyn Ray’s Miniature Room Boxes will again be on display at the Bangs Hallet House. Children can have a FREE photo taken with Santa Claus on the porch of the Bangs Hallet house (courtesy of Walgreens). Festivities end with the tree-lighting on the Village Common at 4:15 p.m.

 

39th Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend

Nantucket Island, from 12/06/13 to 12/08/13

For More Info:
www.nantucketchamber.org

A holiday tradition on Nantucket Island, now in its 39th year! Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf for a festive parade, while carolers in period costume, bell ringers and student choirs perform on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances throughout the weekend — including the popular annual Christmas House tour on Friday evening — add to the joyful festivities.

A Canal Christmas:
Sandwich, from 12/02/13 to 12/11/13
For More Info: www.capecodcanalchamber.org
Craft fairs, Open Houses, Sing-Alongs, Tree Lightings, Concerts, Exhibits, Holiday Shopping, Golf Scrambles, Santa Visits and much more!
 

Country Christmas Open House Weekends

Thornton W. Burgess Society Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich
Open house during the first three weekends in December where one can enjoy decorations inspired by a country home of a bygone era. Taste a sampling of delicious Jam Kitchen products and a cup of mulled cider. Browse among a variety of great holiday gift ideas in the Green Briar shop, offering jams, jellies, relishes, books and an abundance of nature-related items. 508-888-6870 or www.thorntonburgess.org

Sandwich Glass Museum’s 4th Annual Glassblowers’ Christmas

Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main Street,Sandwich, MA 02563, from 11/19/13 to 12/30/13 9:30am - 5:00pm

www.sandwichglassmuseum.org

Hundreds of glass ornaments made by region's finest local and national glass artists adorn Christmas trees-a magical display of dazzling color and childhood memories. Special Exhibit: Christmas Creches promotes study and understanding of art, culture and religion and Christmas story itself. In partnership with the Cape Cod Creche Society. CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY.

Chatham Christmas Stroll, Main Street, Chatham,
Chatham, from 12/13/13 to 12/15/13
 For More Info: www.chathaminfo.com
 Highlights on Friday include a parade and caroling down Main Street, followed by the tree lighting ceremony, bell ringers and more. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate, hop on the hayride and marvel at the lights & decorations as you stop to visit Chatham's unique shops. Kick off Saturday at a special breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then hop on the Chatham Bars Inn trolley to see the gingerbread house display and decorations. Afterwards, enjoy festive shopping around town, visit the Lighthouse, and take the Historic Inn Tour on Sunday!

Wellfleet Holiday Stroll

Wellfleet, from 12/14/13 to 12/15/13

For More Info: www.DiscoverWellfleet.com

Several local restaurants and stores will be participating throughout the weekend! Preservation Hall is hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day - 30 vendors will be offering locally made items, from leather works, pottery, jewelry, knit ware, baby gear, artwork and prepared foods. The Wellfleet Historical Society will host a Holiday House Tour on Saturday. Also on Saturday at 4 p.m., there will be a tree-lighting ceremony and carol singing by local musician Denya Levine n the Wellfleet Town Lawn!

This is one of my favorites:
Historic Bass River Holiday Cookie Strollwww.tidewatercapecod.com

Bass River, South Yarmouth, from 12/14/13 10:00am - 3:00pm

For More Info: (508) 394-2983 

The "ticket" is actually a cookbook with the recipes of all cookies served on this two-mile walking tour to eleven sites. The tour also includes an Open House at the South Yarmouth Library.. Free trolley transport will be available between groups of houses. All of the proceeds go to support the South Yarmouth Library.Cider and cranberry bread will be served at the library, where visitors will see a display about the Attles.Tickets are $15.00. Children under 12 are free, but only ticket holders receive cookies. Tickets are limited.

Train to Christmas Town

Buzzards Bay/ Hyannis, from 11/15/13 to 12/30/13

www.capetrain.com

Get the first, and best, view of Santa and his special helper friends as your train rolls into the North Pole. Travel in our premium Upper Dome seating and enjoy the view from large glass-dome windows. Elevated to 16 feet above track level, guests in our Upper Dome seats not only get the first views while experiencing the ultimate in train travel comfort. Trains will depart from the Buzzards Bay station.

 

This list was made with the help of the Cape Cod Chamber website. Visit their new Christmas website for Cape-wide events and activities celebrating the holiday season! www.ChristmasonCapeCod.com.

This is just the beginning...there much more going on, so come to the Cape, visit our small towns and get into the real Christmas spirit. We'd love to have you stay at the Tidewater Inn. Call us at 508-775-322 or visit our manager's special age.http://www.tidewatercapecod.com/html/manager.asp

Old Mother West Wind's Christmas Craft Fair

Want to get into the "old fashioned" Christmas spirit and buy some gifts at the same time. Visit the Green Brier Nature Center in Sandwich for their Old Mother West Wind's Christmas Craft Fair. It takes place this Saturday, November 23rd, from 10-4 at Green Briar! Find something special for the holidays among their quality handmade wreaths, gifts and decorations. Enjoy some home-baked goods, mulled cider and a cup of  homemade clam chowder or chili. Browse in the Gift Shop to stock up for the holidays (don't forget the cranberry sauce!). Always a fun day! All the proceeds benefit the educational programs of the Thornton W. Burgess Society!http://www.thorntonburgess.org/GreenBriarNatureCenter.htm

Don't forget our low rates at the Tidewater starting at $59.99 on weekends. Give us a call at 508-775-6322 for a reservation or information.

Get into the Holiday spirit on Cape Cod with "Gardens Aglow" at the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich. The grounds and gardens are a aglitter in with festive lights. The museums will feature decorated Christmas trees and a gingerbread exhibit. Once again Santa will visit from the North Pole for photo opportunities in the Model T and drop-in craft activities will be offered. The Museum Store will be open with special gifts for everyone on your list, and Blossoms Café will offer delicious treats and a place to warm yourself.  Dress warmly and stroll the gardens to enjoy the lights!
This begins Thanksgiving weekend. For specific dates and more detailed information, please visit their website: http://www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/

The Tidewater is only 20 minutes from Heritage Museum, and our rates start at $59.99 per night if staying 2 nights or more. Call us at 508-775-6322

T

Family Fun Package at the Tidewater

Bring the family to the Cape during the off season for an affordable and fun break from the routine. Spend quality time with the kids around our indoor heated pool and then a night of bowling and fun at Ryan Family Amusement. Come back to the hotel and order a large pizza with 2 toppings. This is all for the low price of $225 inclusive of taxes! The Tidewater Inn is perfect for families with its oversized heated pool, hot tub, diner and beautiful landscaped picnic area with a playground overlooking Mill Pond. There's always a lot to do for the kids and now we're adding the Family Fun Package. This package is a partnership between the Tidewater Inn and Ryan Family Amusements. The package includes the following:

2 nights stay for 2 adults and 2 children at the Tidewater
8 games of bowling
4 shoe rentals
40 game room tokens for Ryan Family Amusements.
one large pizza with 2 toppings delivered to your room.

It's a great  deal! Call us at 508-775-6322 to book or for more information. This package is valid until  March 30, 2014, including school vacation week!ryanfamily.com

Brewster in Bloom

Enjoy the thousands of flowers planted along the roadsides to mark the return of spring to Brewster!  April 26 - 28th, Brewster celebrates with "Brewster in Bloom Festival". The 27^th Annual Brewster in Bloom will present the Kami Lyle Trio, sponsored by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, at Drummer Boy Park on Sunday, April 28^th from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. The concert is free and attendees should bring their own chair, and even a picnic! Depending on the temperature, this will be presented under the tent or from the gazebo. There's also a myriad of other activities including an antique and collectible fair, 5K fun run, juried arts and crafts show, Kid's fair, square dance and ending with a parade.  Most of the activities take place on Saturday. For more information and a list of activities check out their website, .
http://www.brewster-capecod.com/brewsterblooms/

The Tidewater is extending a special starting a $69.99 for Friday and Saturday night (add $10 for our water view rooms).  Call us at 508-775-6322 for reservations or information.

April School Vacation at the Tidewater Inn.

April School Vacation for Massachusetts schools is here and, hopefully, spring has finally arrived. The Tidewater is an affordable option for Cape Cod and perfect for families with its oversized indoor pool, picnic area, playground and breakfast diner. Vacation week marks the official opening for most of the businesses that closed during the off season. Favorite waterfront restaurants, mini golf, ice cream shops and many others will be opening for the season. This week is a very popular time for the Cape. The weather is usually mild, the hotel rates are still low, and there's much to do on the Cape. There's many child oriented activities during vacation week and the Cape is geared to family fun.
Cape Cod Children's Museum has a full week of fun and educational activities for kids. Visit their website,
http://www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org/

Cape Cod Musuem of Natural History is a wonderful place to visit with the family and offers a program for kids Monday through Friday at 1pm during school vacation week. http://www.ccmnh.org/

The Wellfleet Wildlife Sanctuary is another wonderful way to spend the day with the children during vacation week. It's a 1,100 acre retreat that showcases the Cape's diverse habitats, beaches, woods, salt marshes and ponds. They offer bird walks led by a naturalist, educational programs, and guided tours of the Cape Cod National Seashore. There are even evening lectures and camping facilities. During vacation they offer additional children's activities. Check out their website, www.massaudubon.org/ for more information. The trails are open every day from 8am to dusk and the Nature Center is open 8:30 to 5pm daily. 508-349-2615.

The right whales are returning to the Cape and the Whale Watch out of Provincetown has already started. Spend the day exploring the National  Seashore and enjoy some of the scenic vistas along the way or hike one of the scenic trails and proceed to Provincetown and the whale watch. After the whale watch enjoy dinner in one of the many wonderful resaurants that Provincetown has to offer. This is one of my favorite ways to spend the day on the Cape.

And of course, all of the mini golfs open for the season during this week. Two of the largest, Pirates Cove and Skull Island, are in Yarmouth. There's lots more to do...bike trail, hiking, walks on the beach...this is just a sampling. At the end of the day just relax in our hot tub while the kids enjoy the pool.

Our breakfast diner, Helen's Diner, will be open all week so that you can enjoy a hearty home style breakfast before beginning your day. Our special for the week is $69.99, Sunday - Thursday and $79.99 Friday and Saturday in our standard rooms. Waterview rooms are $10 extra per night. Give us a call at 508-775-6322 if you have any questions.

Cape Cod and Islands Orchid Show

As my regular customers know, I love orchids and have several blooming throughout the year in the lobby. So I am excited to hear that the Cape Cod and Islands Orchid Society is hosting its 24rd annual Orchid Show at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis on January 12th and 13th from 9am to 5pm. What a respite from winter! It's a perfect weekend for garden and orchid lovers to visit the Cape.

For more information, visit http://www.caios.org/.

The Tidewater is only about a mile from the show and is offering it's Manager's Special price of $49.99 for Sunday - Thursday and $59.99 for Friday and Saturday. Visit our website, http://www.tidewatercapecod.com/ or call us as 508-775-6322. It's not too late for a quick trip to the Cape...it's a beautiful weekend!