🐚 Thanksgiving on the Lower Cape — Just the Essentials

Short, Sweet & Full of Gratitude

Author

Arthur Radtke
November 27, 2025

Together with

Hey — here’s where my head really was this week

There’s a particular quiet that settles over the Lower Cape this time of year—a soft pause between the last leaves letting go and the first long exhale of winter. Thanksgiving on the Cape never arrives with spectacle; it arrives with warmth. With the familiar glow of kitchen lights along Route 6A, with neighbors waving a little longer than usual, with the kind of gratitude that comes from knowing this place—this small corner of sand and pine—is home.

This week, we’re sending you a lighter, cartailed edition of Celebrate Lower Cape. No long reads, no deep dives—just the essential events happening from November 27 to December 3. Life gets busy, ovens get crowded, families overlap, and we didn’t want to miss the chance to show up for you, even in a condensed way.

So, before you scroll, from all of us here: Happy Thanksgiving. May your table be full, your travels safe, and your weekend touched by the kind of small Cape moments that stay with you long after the dishes are done.

On to the events.

— Arthur ☕

Now let me show you what the Cape revealed this week — in homes, in kitchens, and in quiet corners of town.

🦃 Thursday • NOVEMBER 27, 2025

🧘‍♀️ Thanksgiving Day Donation Class with Nancy Covell
Gratitude-filled Align/Flow class supporting Lower Cape Outreach Council.
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM • Orleans Yoga, Orleans • $28

🥗 Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Wequassett Resort
A generous Thanksgiving feast overlooking Pleasant Bay.
11:00 AM • twenty-eight Atlantic, Wequassett Resort, Harwich • $0–$160

🎅 Chatham Turkey Trot 2025 Run/Walk
Chatham’s beloved Thanksgiving 5K tradition supporting local causes.
Time Not Listed • Oyster Pond Parking Lot, Chatham • From $20

❓ Trivia Night at Jake Rooney’s
A fun, casual Thanksgiving warm-up with locals.
6:30 PM • Jake Rooney’s, Harwich • Free

🌕 Sound Healing & Salt Therapy Experience
Crystal bowl sound healing inside Orleans’ Himalayan salt cave.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM • Oceanair Himalayan Salt Cave, Orleans • $45

🎄 Friday • NOVEMBER 28, 2025 

  • 🥞 Second Serving Brunch 2025
    Post-Thanksgiving brunch buffet with healthy, creative dishes.
    7:00 AM • twenty-eight Atlantic, Wequassett Resort, Harwich • $0–$35

  • 🦉 Wild About Wildlife!
    Meet Bella the Barn Owl and learn about Cape wildlife.
    11:00 AM – 12:00 PM • CCMNH, Brewster • Free/Not Listed

  • 🧀 Cape Cod Charcuterie Demo
    Live charcuterie demonstration at Snow’s.
    11:00 AM – 1:00 PM • Snow’s Home & Garden, Orleans • Free

  • 🦩 Oyster Découpage Christmas Ornaments (SOLD OUT)
    Create three decorative oyster-shell ornaments.
    1:00 PM – 2:30 PM • Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham • Sold Out

  • 🎄 Dickens Carolers
    Classic Dickens-style holiday caroling at Snow’s.
    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Snow’s Home & Garden, Orleans • Free

  • 🎷 A Taste of Jazz: Live at twenty-eight Atlantic
    World-class jazz paired with upscale dining.
    5:30 PM – 8:00 PM • Wequassett Resort, Harwich • Not Listed

  • 🌟 Advent Lessons & Carols with Gloriæ Dei Cantores
    A candlelit service of readings & music.
    4:30 PM • Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans • Free
    (Reordered below in correct position — see next item.)

  • 🕯️ Candlelit Stroll to Depot Square
    Festive walk from Snow Library to the lighting.
    4:30 PM – 5:15 PM • Snow Library → Depot Square, Orleans • Free

  • 👖 Sandbar Denim – Sip & Sale
    Exclusive shopping event with drinks & discounts.
    Open Until 8:00 PM • Sandbar Denim, Orleans • 20% Off + Tote
    (Positioned here because start time not listed.)

  • 🛍️ Downtown Shopping Stroll
    Extended hours, specials & festive energy.
    4:00 PM – 8:00 PM • Downtown Orleans Shops, Orleans • Free

  • 🎄 Holiday Wreath Decorating (SOLD OUT)
    Guided wreath-making workshop.
    4:30 PM – 6:30 PM • Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham • Sold Out

  • 🌲 Holiday Tree Lighting
    Orleans’ annual community tree lighting.
    5:30 PM • Depot Square, Orleans • Free

  • 🎷 Live Music in the South Lounge with Rick Costa
    Light jazz by the fire in the South Lounge.
    5:30 PM – 8:30 PM • Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham • Free/Not Listed

  • 🎸 Grab Brothers Band
    High-energy local favorite band.
    6:00 PM • The Squire, Chatham • Free/Not Listed

  • 🎶 Sarah Swain and the Oh Boys!
    Rockabilly & Cape classics from a beloved band.
    6:00 PM – 9:00 PM • Hog Island Brewery, Orleans • Free

  • 🎭 She Loves Me
    A romantic comedy in a 1930s perfumery.
    7:30 PM • Cape Rep Theatre, Brewster • From $27

  • 🎭 Little Women – The Play
    Louisa May Alcott’s classic brought to the stage.
    7:30 PM • Chatham Drama Guild, Chatham • $25

  • 🎤 The Monica Rizzio Duo
    Cape-salted Americana from Monica Rizzio.
    8:30 PM – 10:30 PM • The Barley Neck, Orleans • Free/Not Listed

  • 🎤 Karaoke
    A lively Friday karaoke night with locals.
    8:00 PM • Jake Rooney’s, Harwich • Free
    (Repositioned above Monica Rizzio.)

  • 🎧 DJ Johnny Quest
    Late-night mixes & dance floor energy.
    10:00 PM • The Squire, Chatham • Free/Not Listed

  • 🎵 Tim Sweeney Live at Sparrow
    Live music after the tree lighting.
    After Tree Lighting (~6 PM onward) • The Sparrow Store, Orleans • Free

  • 🖼️ Guild of Harwich Artists Annual Ornament Sale
    Holiday miniature ornaments supporting local kids’ charities.
    5:00 PM – 8:00 PM • 551 Main Street, Harwich Port • Free
    (Placed correctly above 6 PM events.)

🎁 Saturday • NOVEMBER 29, 2025 

🎉 Sunday • NOVEMBER 30, 2025 

  • 🍳 Grateful to Gleeful: Holiday Breakfast
    Festive seasonal breakfast buffet with chef-attended stations and Pleasant Bay views.
    7:00 AM – 12:00 PM • twenty-eight Atlantic, Wequassett Resort, Harwich • From $21

  • 🦈 Walking in a Great White Wonderland
    Holiday lights exhibit, scavenger hunt, crafts & limited-edition shark trading card.
    10:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Shark Center Chatham, Chatham • Free/Not Listed

  • 🙏 Advent I – Eucharist Service
    Reverent Advent I Eucharist with sacred works by Byrd, Anerio & di Lasso.
    10:00 AM • Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans • Free

  • 🎄 Storewide Sale – 15% Off
    Final day of Snow’s Christmas Celebration weekend with 15% off storewide.
    Time Not Listed • Snow’s Home & Garden, Orleans

  • 🧸 Holiday Teddy Bear Tea Party
    Children build a teddy bear + crafts, games, treats & Santa’s Elves.
    1:30 PM – 3:00 PM • Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham • $85

  • 📚 Winter Book Sale
    Weekly winter sale hosted by the Brewster Ladies’ Library Association.
    1:00 PM – 3:30 PM • Brewster Ladies’ Library (Basement), Brewster • Free

  • 🎭 Little Women – The Play
    Classic story brought to life in a beloved holiday performance.
    2:00 PM • Chatham Drama Guild, Chatham • $25

  • 🎭 She Loves Me
    Romantic comedy set in a 1930s perfumery—sweet, witty & charming.
    2:00 PM • Cape Rep Theatre, Brewster • From $27

  • 🍯 Pottery Sale Take Down
    Annual pottery sale featuring works from Potter’s Guild artists.
    All Day • Brewster Ladies’ Library (Auditorium), Brewster • Free

  • 🎤 Don Barry
    Relaxed early-evening live set to close out the weekend.
    5:00 PM • Jake Rooney’s, Harwich • Free/Not Listed

  • 🎻 Rose Clancy Irish Sessions
    Traditional Irish tunes led by Rose Clancy—warm & lively.
    5:00 PM • The Squire, Chatham • Free/Not Listed

🌲 Monday • DECEMBER 1, 2025

  • 🧒 Preschool Explorers with Andrea Higgins
    Outdoor nature exploration for ages 2–5 with movement, discovery & wildlife observations.
    9:00 AM – 10:30 AM • Orleans Conservation Trust, Orleans • Free

  • 💌 Letters to Santa!
    Write & send letters to Santa with provided stationery; include a stamped envelope for a reply.
    All Day • Brewster Public Library (Children’s Room), Brewster • Free

  • 🧘‍♂️ Monday Mindfulness
    Beginner-friendly 4-session mindfulness series blending grounding practices & gentle teachings.
    1:00 PM – 2:30 PM • Center for the Spiritual Journey, Chatham • From $80

  • 🎷 Learning Series: All About Jazz — Session 2
    Part 2 of a 3-part series exploring the evolution of jazz from Armstrong to Coltrane.
    1:30 PM – 3:00 PM • Eldredge Public Library (Forgeron Hall), Chatham • $10 suggested donation

  • 📚 Book Club: Bear Boy
    Nature-focused book discussion held in the historic Mayo House—open to all.
    4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Mayo House, Chatham • Free

  • ❓ Cape Cod Trivia
    A lively Monday trivia night with Nic Chad—food, drinks & gift card prizes.
    7:00 PM – 8:00 PM • The Barley Neck, Orleans • Free/Not Listed

🎨 Tuesday • DECEMBER 2, 2025 

  • 🌿 Newbies in Nature
    Gentle guided walk for new parents; babies carried in slings/backpacks.
    8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Harwich Conservation Trust Trails, Harwich • Free

  • 🧒 Preschool Explorer Adventure
    Outdoor adventure for ages 2–5 exploring local preserves with Naturalist Andrea.
    9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Harwich Conservation Trust Trails, Harwich • Free

  • 📱 Device Advice: Drop-In Tech Help
    Tech assistance from the Cape Cod Tech Support Squad.
    10:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Snow Library, Orleans • Free/Not Listed

  • 💧 Loss of Spouse Grief Support
    Gentle support gathering facilitated by Maureen Keane-Bottino.
    10:30 AM – 11:45 AM • Brewster Ladies’ Library (Historic Room), Brewster • Free

  • 📚 Tuesday Storytime
    Songs, scarves & read-alouds for littles.
    10:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Brooks Free Library, Harwich • Free

  • 💪 Move to Live: Longer-Stronger-Younger (Online)
    Online senior fitness focused on strength & balance.
    11:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Brewster Public Library (Online), Brewster • Free

  • 🀄 Mah Jongg Tuesday Drop-In
    Drop-in play for beginners & advanced players.
    12:30 PM – 2:30 PM • Brewster Public Library (Community Room), Brewster • Free

  • 🎨 Canvassing Canva
    Intro to Canva with guided instruction from Circulation Supervisor Mike McCartney.
    1:00 PM – 2:00 PM • Eldredge Public Library, Chatham • Free

  • 🎨 Set Up: Faces and Places – The Art of Susan McDormand
    Setup for art exhibit featuring portraits & landscapes.
    1:00 PM – 6:30 PM • Brewster Ladies' Library (Auditorium), Brewster • Free

  • 📚 Scheming Wives & High-Stakes Hilarity — Author Talk with Sue Hincenbergs
    Online author talk on her darkly funny debut novel The Retirement Plan.
    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Online (Chatham) • Free

  • 📚 Virtual Speaker Series: Sue Hincenbergs
    Zoom discussion of The Retirement Plan (same author, different host).
    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Online (Brewster) • Free (Registration Required)

  • 🧒 Preschool Explorer Adventure (Afternoon)
    Afternoon outdoor session for ages 2–5.
    2:00 PM – 3:30 PM • Harwich Conservation Trust Trails, Harwich • Free

  • 📚 Book Discussion: Rental House
    First Tuesday Book Club discusses Weike Wang’s “Rental House.”
    3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Snow Library, Orleans • Free/Not Listed

  • 🎮 Magic: The Gathering Club — Teens
    Weekly MTG club for teens; Commander-style encouraged.
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM • Brooks Free Library, Harwich • Free

  • 🌿 Newbies in Nature (Afternoon)
    Gentle caregiver-and-baby guided nature walk.
    4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Harwich Conservation Trust Trails, Harwich • Free

  • 💻 Tech Drop-In
    Ask questions about devices, apps & digital basics.
    4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Brewster Ladies' Library (Reference Dept.), Brewster • Free

  • 🧘‍♀️ Mindful Yoga with Jenna
    Somatic, breath-centered evening yoga.
    4:30 PM – 5:30 PM • Center for the Spiritual Journey, Chatham • $20

  • 🍽️ Tapas Tuesdays
    Spanish-inspired night with tapas & wine specials.
    4:30 PM – 8:00 PM • The Barley Neck, Orleans • Free (Food/drink available)

  • 💍 Shrink It! — Teen Jewelry Workshop
    Create shrink-plastic custom jewelry pieces.
    4:30 PM – 5:15 PM • Brewster Public Library, Brewster • Free

  • 📖 Reading in the Kitchen
    Cookbook club where participants cook & share from a monthly title.
    5:15 PM – 6:30 PM • Eldredge Public Library (Rear Meeting Room), Chatham • Free

  • 🎨 Decoupage by the Sea: Oyster Shells with Ann Forget
    Create five coastal ornaments using oyster-shell découpage.
    6:00 PM • Harwich Community Center, Harwich • $20

🧭 Wednesday • DECEMBER 3, 2025

  • 🧒 Preschool Explorer Adventure
    Outdoor nature adventure for ages 2–5 with Naturalist Andrea Higgins.
    9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Harwich Conservation Trust Trails, Harwich • Free

  • 💼 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group — Second Act Careers
    Career-transition workshop for adults 50+; networking & guidance.
    9:30 AM – 11:30 AM • Online (Chatham) • Free

  • 🀄 Mah Jongg Wednesday Drop-In
    Weekly drop-in session for beginners & intermediate players.
    11:00 AM – 1:00 PM • Brewster Public Library (Conference Room), Brewster • Free

  • 🧶 Knit Lit
    Bring your needles, yarn & stories; friendly adult knitting circle.
    12:30 PM – 2:30 PM • Brooks Free Library, Harwich • Free

  • 📱 Tech Help Power Hours
    Device basics, email, apps, eBooks & more; 20-minute drop-in support.
    1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • Brooks Free Library (Reference Desk), Harwich • Free

  • 🧱 Legos!
    Drop-in Lego fun for kids; big bins, open play.
    1:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Brooks Free Library (Doane Room), Harwich • Free

  • 🧒 Preschool Explorer Adventure (Afternoon)
    Nature exploration & creativity for ages 2–5.
    3:00 PM – 4:30 PM • Harwich Conservation Trust Trails, Harwich • Free

  • 📚 Teen Book Club
    High school book club + snacks; no registration.
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM • Brooks Free Library, Harwich • Free

  • 🕊️ Centering Prayer Fall 2025 (Zoom)
    Weekly contemplative prayer session with Ruah Bull.
    4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Online (Chatham) • $10

  • 🌕 Women’s Moon Circle
    Guided circle with meditation, journaling & gentle movement.
    6:00 PM – 7:30 PM • Center for the Spiritual Journey, Chatham • From $20

  • 🚗 Virtual: Along Route 1 – Maine, NH & MA
    Author Susan Mara Bergman on quirky & iconic Route 1 stops.
    6:00 PM – 7:15 PM • Online (Chatham) • Free

  • 🎭 She Loves Me
    Romantic comedy set in a 1930s perfumery.
    7:30 PM • Cape Rep Theatre, Brewster • From $27

🌾 Happy Thanksgiving from Celebrate Lower Cape.

Thanks for spending a few minutes of your holiday week with us. We kept things simple today, but the heart of Celebrate Lower Cape remains the same—helping you feel connected to the towns we love: Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans.

Wherever Thanksgiving finds you—around a packed table, walking an empty beach, or stealing a quiet moment before company arrives—we’re grateful you’re part of this community. Travel safe, take care of one another, and enjoy the long weekend in the way only the Lower Cape allows: slowly, warmly, fully.

— Arthur ☕
Your neighbor who’s usually on the porch before the kettle cools.
Arthur Radtke • REALTOR®, eXp Realty
MA License #9582725

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