Top 10 Things to Do on Cape Cod in December

December on Cape Cod is a seaside holiday: the tree lighting at Depot Square in Orleans, Seaside Christmas festivities with Santa's arrival, THE POLAR EXPRESS train ride from Hyannis, the Santa Stampede fun run, and gray seals hauled out at Nauset Beach.

A seaside holiday, complete with seals. Here is December in and around Orleans.

1. Tree lighting at Depot Square, Orleans. The whole town shows up and it is magical.
2. Seaside Christmas and Santa's arrival, Orleans. Ho ho ho, harbor style.
3. Special First Friday, downtown Orleans. Toast the holidays with the shops open late.
4. THE POLAR EXPRESS train ride, Hyannis. The Cape Cod Central Railroad's beloved pajama ride. It sells out fast; book early.
5. Santa Stampede fun run, Orleans. Merry miles through town in red suits.
6. Chatham Christmas Stroll. Jolly, historic, and postcard-pretty.
7. Holly Folly, Provincetown. So festive, in the way only Provincetown can be.
8. First Night Chatham. Ring in the new year on December 31, family-style.
9. Winter seal watching at Nauset Beach, Orleans. Seals galore haul out in the cold months, free and unforgettable.
10. Two fireplaces and a hot tub at Orleans Holiday House. The good life at the end of every December day.

And when a seaside holiday sounds right, come stay with us. The house sleeps 10, both fireplaces will be going, and Santa arrives by boat just down the road. Check your dates whenever you're ready.