If you need to pick up a gift for someone special, stop by the Holiday Sale and Small Works Exhibition in Chatham. The event, held at the Creative Arts Center, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. www.capecodcreativearts.org; 508-945-3583
THROUGH DECEMBER 18
Representing one of the biggest holiday events the Cape has to offer, Sandwich's Holly Days is a month-long celebration of all things Sandwich and all things winter. From events like Shop Sandwich to tree lightings to museum open houses, concerts, and even a pancake dinner with Santa, Holly Days has it all. www.sandwichchamber.com; 508-833-9755
DECEMBER 4
The Atwood House Museum in Chatham hosts the 12th Annual Festival of Trees, presented by the Chatham Garden Club. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can place bids on holiday-theme tabletop trees during a silent auction or shop for wreaths and other decorations. www.chathamgardenclub.org; 508-945-1727
DECEMBER 4-JANUARY 2
Is your holiday schedule packed with family visits, shopping, wrapping presents, and shoveling snow? Hyannis' Cape Codder Resort and Spa has a solution. Their month-long event, the Eighth Annual Enchanted Village features a display of over 100,000 lights, a Santa's village, and, if the weather holds, a bonfire every night through the dawn of 2010. Visit www.capecodderresort.com or call 508-771-3000 for more information.
DECEMBER 4-6
The Brewster Sea of Lights is a wonderful way to get geared up for the holidays. This free winter holiday prelude has music, food, raffles, a tree lighting, a band concert, and other delights to get the family in the holiday mood. www.brewsterfortheholidays.org; 508-237-1617
DECEMBER 6
Nantucket is particularly enchanting during the holiday season, when New England's finest traditions come alive for the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, which is part of Nantucket Noel a month-long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.The Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend is a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to the island via a Coast Guard vessel and ride up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage. For more information, please call 508-228-1700.
DECEMBER 5-13
Come see the style and fashion of a bygone era at the Daniel Webster Estate in Marshfield. The Fifth Annual Victorian Christmas Designer Show House features period-accurate bedrooms and other Victorian-inspired designs in this 1880 mansion. Shows run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 8 and 10. www.danielwebsterestate.org; 781-834-0548
DECEMBER 5
Help less fortunate children during this holiday season at the Eastham Holiday Festival and Toy Drive. Bring along an unwrapped gift in lieu of an admission fee and have the kids tell Santa what's on their wish lists from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.easthamchamber.com; 508-240-7211
DECEMBER 5-6
If your looking for a way to simplify your holiday, stop by Country Christmas at Green Briar Jam Kitchen in Sandwich for a sampling of some old-fashioned treats. Try the famous jams made from fresh fruit and their mulled cider, and get some fresh ideas for decorating your home. Go to www.thorntonburgess.org or call 508-888-6870 for more information.
DECEMBER 11-12
The Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Chatham Merchants Association turn the town into a winter wonderland for the Chatham Christmas Stroll. The weekend event includes a tree lighting ceremony, where kids are invited to decorate the tree with homemade ornaments. A tour of Chatham inns, a cookie sale, and a hearth warming at the Atwood House Museum are also on the schedule. For a full schedule, go to www.chathaminfo.com or call 508-945-5199.
DECEMBER11
An inspiring walk through Donaroma's Nursery, Christmas in Edgartown: Evening of Enchantment features thousands of decorative twinkling lights. Trails of luminaries guide your way through exhibits and seasonal vignettes. Mariko serves up her delicious roasted chestnuts. The decorated town Christmas trees shine from around the pergola. Live music by the West Tisbury bell choir, Jennifer Kish & Bob Schellhammer; refreshments and candles glowing in the spirit of celebration in the Garden Store. Call 508-939-0199 or visit www.edgartownboardoftrade.com
DECEMBER 12
There's nothing quite like a hot bowl of New England clam chowder to warm you from the inside out. Come to Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard for the 25th Annual Chowder Contest and sample the best of one of the most iconic dishes from the region. Island restaurants present their spins on this traditional soup from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Mini Park on Main Street. www.mvy.com; 508-939-0199
DECEMBER 12-14
Come to Martha's Vineyard for a weekend-long celebration of all things holiday with Christmas in Edgartown. With museum tours, a parade, a visit from Santa, an arts and crafts show, a wreath-making workshop, and scores of other events, this is a great way for islanders to begin the holiday season. www.edgartownboardoftrade.com; 508-939-0199
DECEMBER 13
Join in the spirit of giving by attending West Falmouth Library's 33rd Annual Holiday House Tour and Boutique. The tour, which is the library's major fundraiser of the year, features insightful trips through exquisite Falmouth homes. www.westfalmouthlibaray.org; 508-548-4709