Cape Cod is associated with summer holiday getaways so it is easy to forget that it is bordered by one of the country’s most important historical areas. Plymouth, Massachusetts is on the Cape Cod border making the Cape a wonderful home base for a Thanksgiving getaway. Along with the historic ties, Cape Cod also has all the food, lights, decor, and exercise you need for your Thanksgiving weekend.
Celebrate Just Like the First Thanksgiving
Plimoth Patuxet is the oldest town in New England. Remember that Plymouth, Massachusetts is the location of the very first Thanksgiving dinner. The Plimoth Patuxet museum is a recreation of that first English settlement. You simply cannot get any closer to experiencing and learning about the history and traditions of this holiday. Visit the Historic Patuxet Homesite to learn about the native people who lived on the land before the English arrived. See a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower. The museum is open daily until the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
Plimoth Patuxet has fun and educational events on and near Thanksgiving Day.
- New England Harvest Feast: Listen to centuries old psalms and songs while dining on a meal crafted with carefully curated historical recipes. Offered on select Saturdays in October and November as well as the day before and day after Thanksgiving. This meal is offered for $84.95 for non-members of the museum.
- “The Story of Thanksgiving” Dinner: President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a National Holiday in 1863. This plated meal is based on the menu that was served at the Harvard Club after that declaration. A museum educator and historical performer will offer remarks during the meal. Offered multiple times on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, this meal is offered for $127.95 for non-members of the museum.
- Thanksgiving Day Homestyle Buffet: This buffet has all the classics you crave for your Thanksgiving dinner. Offered multiple times on Thanksgiving Day, this meal is offered for $97.95 for non-members of the museum.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at a Cape Cod Restaurant
Let someone else cook and clean up! Some of the best restaurants on Cape Cod will be open and serving dinner on Thanksgiving. Advance reservations are highly recommended so be sure to book early.
Dennis Port
- The Pelham House Resort offers a cocktail hour and grand buffet all with a view of Nantucket Sound. Cost is $155/person and reservations are required.
Brewster
- The Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club has an expansive Thanksgiving-To-Go option. Order by November 9, 2025, and pick-up between 12 pm and 4 pm on Thanksgiving Day. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without being surrounded by other diners.
Sandwich
- The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa has planned a special Thanksgiving Day menu for $51.95/person. They can even make everything gluten-free. Seating is limited and reservations are available by phone.
Hyannis/Mid-Cape
- The Brazilian Grill is a family-owned restaurant in Hyannis. They are best known for their Brazilian barbecue served tableside. Thanksgiving Day reservations are available on OpenTable.
- The Roadhouse supports local farmers while creating comfort cuisine. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Chatham
- Pate’s Restaurant started as a hamburger and ice cream stand in 1957. It has since been upgraded to a classy spot to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Yarmouth Port
- The Old Yarmouth Inn typically opens holiday reservations in mid-October. Watch their site closely to grab a spot before this popular place fills up.
- Leonessa is an Italian-inspired kitchen and bar in Yarmouth Port. Reservations are available on Thanksgiving Day via OpenTable. They have not listed a special holiday menu so be certain to enjoy Leonessa’s Own Steak Au Poivre.
Provincetown
- The Pointe Restaurant is located in the Crown Pointe Hotel and Spa in Provincetown. They are known as a pier to plate restaurant.
Look for Holiday Lights All Over the Cape
- Provincetown starts the celebration the night before Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 26 from 3 pm to 5:15 pm the area around the Pilgrim Monument turns into a festival atmosphere. Bring your dancing shoes because there will be a DJ, cash bar, and local food. The evening culminates with the annual lighting of the monument.
- The Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich are lit with twinkling lights for the holiday season. Gardens Aglow starts on November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. Extend your Cape Cod Thanksgiving getaway and visit this beloved event one evening that weekend. Along with the lights and many photo opportunities, attendees will find a reindeer scavenger hunt, a model train display, roasted marshmallows, and donuts from the Cape Cod Donuts truck. The fun continues inside. Do not miss the 1913 Ford Model T in the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. The still operating 1908 Looff carousel is enhanced by winter scenes from the American Art and Carousel Gallery Currier and Ives collection. Advance tickets are recommended as walk-up ticket sales are not guaranteed.
- Of course, many homes, restaurants, and businesses will also start decorating around Thanksgiving. You are sure to find lots of dazzling displays all over Cape Cod.
Purchase New Holiday Decorations
Christmas is right around the corner and this is the perfect time to get something new to decorate your home. Celebrate your Christmas with a memory of your Cape Cod Thanksgiving.
- The 16th Annual Glassbowers’ Christmas opens at the Sandwich Glass Museum on November 14, 2025. The beautiful works of Cape Cod artists will be on display on an indoor forest of trees. Stroll through to find a new addition for your Christmas tree. Admission to the show is free. If you wish to also tour the museum you will need a separate admission ticket.
- Christmas Joy of Cape Cod is a family-owned shop with Christmas and Cape Cod themed collectibles. Do not be surprised if Santa Claus makes a visit over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Compete in One (or More) of Three 5K Options
When you run a race on Thanksgiving morning, you can eat a third helping (everyone eats two helpings on Thanksgiving) without any guilt. The races are done long before it is time to eat and you will start the day refreshed and invigorated.
- The 21st Annual Chatham Turkey Trot 5K Run will be held at 8 am on Thanksgiving morning. The race supports the Lower Cape Outreach Council and is held in Chatham.
- The Thanksgiving Sandwich 5K will be held at 8 am on Thanksgiving morning. The race supports the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation, Inc. and Sandwich and Bourne Food pantries. The race is held in Sandwich.
The 25th Annual Andrea Holden Thanksgiving 5K Road Race will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 39, 2025. The run supports the health and wellness of children in the local community and is held in Dennis. This is your chance to run two races in one week.
