Story By DEBORAH G. SCANLON Photos by BRENDA M. SHARP

The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner and I can’t wait to share with you all of the wonderful places to visit to get into the holiday spirit season. Let’s start in Mashpee.

Visitors take advantage of the festive decorations for a photo op.

Starting on Sunday, November 26, and continuing through December 3, 10 and 17 at the Naukabout Beer Garden, there will be a Christmas market that promises to have plenty of goodies to help check off from your shopping list. Admission is free and the event will go from 11 AM to 3 PM. There will be artisan vendors with everything from handcrafted gifts and decorations to special one-of-a-kind ornaments and there will also be gourmet delights such as hot cocoa, cookies and cheese.

Additionally there will be live entertainment with performances from local musicians and carolers, and there will be a kids corner where the children can do crafts and meet Santa Claus! While you are busy exploring everything the Christmas market has to offer, you will also be able to enjoy the festive décor around the market.

Last, but certainly not least, the Cape Cod Christmas Market will be hosting a charity drive to support local families in need. Any nonperishable food items that you could donate would be very much appreciated. All of the donations will help the Saint Vincent dePaul Society at Parish of Christ the King in Mashpee.

Moving on to other events happening in Mashpee, let’s get into one of my holiday favorites…a big, festive parade!

That’s right, a parade! On Saturday, December 9, at 5:30 PM, the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2023 Christmas parade! I look forward to seeing everyone’s imaginations run wild with what they have planned for their floats!

Sandwich

Light up tulips lead the way to to Heritage’s windmill.

Moving on to Sandwich, let’s explore something the whole family can enjoy—Christmas lights! At Heritage Museums & Gardens, from November 24 to December 23, you will be able to see the wonder that is Gardens Aglow. The Gardens Aglow exhibit will feature thousands of twinkling lights, totaling more than nine miles of Christmas magic throughout the Heritage gardens. The exhibit will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 to 8:30 PM. There will also be marshmallow roasting, a reindeer scavenger hunt, a model train display and visits with Santa! You won’t want miss this one!

Falmouth

Falmouth Christmas Parade.

Let’s move on to Falmouth. On Thursday, December 9, at 11 AM, the Falmouth Historical Society will be hosting the Christmas antiques and craft market! If you’re still trying to check off a few things on your shopping list, you’ll be sure to find them here. When you arrive at the Christmas market, you will be able to shop for antiques and crafts and also hear storytellers, carolers and learn about Christmases of yesteryear with some special historic tours. There will also be some hands-on activities where you can create Christmas creations to take home. Lastly, the market will have several treats to enjoy with one of my favorite things—local food trucks! This event is a fundraiser that is supporting the Falmouth Historical Society’s education programs, so your contribution would be very much appreciated.

Clowning around for Christmas.

Just across the road is the Falmouth Village Green, a bright winter wonderland decked out for the season and perfect for an evening stroll through the twinkling lights.

I hope that I have provided you with some good ideas of where to visit to get into the holiday season to bring some joy and wonder into your life and your families. We have of late been living through some very trying and difficult times. I hope that the festivities that I have mentioned will bring a much-needed sparkle to your days and that you all have a very joyful and happy Christmas!