Winter Magic in Provincetown: Events & Festive Traditions
As the chill of winter settles over Cape Cod, Provincetown lights up with its signature warmth and charm. December isn’t about slowing down it’s about celebrating community, creativity, and a little coastal sparkle.
Shop Local, Stay Merry
Provincetown’s shopping season kicks off right after Thanksgiving with a town-wide celebration of local artistry and holiday cheer. Wander through independently owned boutiques filled with unique, one-of-a-kind gifts art, apparel, home décor, and treasures you will only find in Provincetown.
At the heart of it all is The Canteen Holiday Market located at 255 Commercial Street, open every weekend from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Over 25 local vendors gather to showcase their crafts, from handmade jewelry and ornaments to leather goods and pet accessories. Between shopping sprees, warm up by the bonfire, enjoy local bites, sip something festive, and listen to live music. And yes Santa might make an appearance, too.
December 5-7: Holly Folly
Provincetown transforms into a winter wonderland for Holly Folly, the town’s beloved holiday festival. Expect a full weekend of events: the Holly Folly Gallery Stroll, Jingle Bell Run & Brunch, sing-alongs, drag bingo, and dance parties that carry the cheer late into the night.
On Saturday December 6, don’t miss Souper Saturday at Tin Pan Alley located at 269 Commercial Street. Hosted by the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP). For just $8, you can sample hearty soups from more than two dozen local restaurants all to support SKIP’s mission of providing over 26,000 meals to residents each season. It’s a true taste of Provincetown s community spirit.
End the day with a festive performance by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus at the Provincetown Town Hall.
Holly Folly Weekend, 2025 Annual Holly Folly Jingle Bell Fun Run & Brunch Fundraiser, Souper Saturday, Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP), Boston Gay Men's Chorus
December 12-13: Music That Warms the Soul
The Outer Cape Chorale comes to Town Hall on December 12 & 13, filling the grand space with the voices of more than 120 local singers. Their annual winter concert is free to attend (donations welcome) and always draws a crowd ready to be inspired by the power of community through song.
December 26 - January 1: First Light Provincetown
Provincetown closes out the year with First Light weekend, with a celebration that features fireworks over MacMillan Pier on New Year’s Eve, and the exhilarating Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. Many restaurants and galleries stay open year-round, so there’s no shortage of cozy spots to toast to 2026 by the sea.
First Light weekend, Polar Bear Plunge
Looking Ahead: Out of Hibernation Weekend
While winter in Provincetown is peaceful, the energy ramps up again in early March with Out of Hibernation Weekend, hosted by the Provincetown Bears. The event welcomes everyone to shake off the winter blues with lively parties, local dining, and plenty of reasons to reconnect before spring.
Out of Hibernation by Northeast Ursamen
A Season of Light, Warmth, and Community
Whether you are hunting for unique holiday gifts, enjoying world-class performances, or simply soaking in the small-town charm, Provincetown shines bright all winter long. From Holly Folly to First Light and beyond, there’s no better place to celebrate the season than at the tip of Cape Cod.