29 Reasons to Plan a Winter Vacation in Provincetown
| 01/17/19
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Provincetown's bustling summer season is long gone, but did you know that there are still many reasons to visit this LGBTQ hotspot in November and December? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are filled with festive things to do, from drag bingo and brunches to holiday markets, dance parties, and fireworks.
Just after Thanksgiving, it's time for Holly Folly, Provincetown's annual LGBTQ holiday festival that puts a very gay twist on many holiday season traditions. The three-day festival is filled with entertainment, food, shopping, nightlife and merry events created to welcome the winter season to the queerest resort town in the nation. From November 30 through December 2 visitors can shop, hop and stroll their way along Provincetown's busy Commercial Street and enjoy sales in Ptown's one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops; holiday menus at many restaurants; and special events, including a performance by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus and the always popular Jingle Bell Run, where revelers in holiday Speedos, bathing suits, and tutus make their way down Commercial Street for cheers, prizes and a champagne brunch.
For the second year in a row, there's no need to drive to Provincetown to experience Holly Folly. The Bay State Cruise Company extends its fast ferry service from Boston to Provincetown through early December. Leave the car and the shopping mall experience behind and check off everyone on your holiday shopping list in Provincetown.
Then stretch your New Year's festivities into a week of fun during First Light, from December 28 through January 2. End-of-year sales, the Light Bright Bike Ride, the Polar Bear Plunge (pictured), fireworks, dance parties, ice skating, and live performances will all help you bid farewell to the old and bring in the new.
"The Provincetown Business Guild board and staff look forward to the winter season each year. There is nothing like seeing our beautiful Provincetown sunsets from the edge of a snow-covered beach," said Fred Latasa-Nicks, board president of the Provincetown Business Guild. "The holidays in Provincetown offer many opportunities to celebrate with your chosen family or friends or enjoy a getaway for a cozy winter escape."
"As with everything in Provincetown, we have our own unique style of holiday decorations and celebrations everywhere you look, from gorgeously lit inns to stores with magical window displays and fantastic sales to our always colorful events," said Robin Lapidus, executive director of the Provincetown Business Guild. "The diversity of things to do, the natural beauty of this location and the campy holiday fun from Thanksgiving to New Year's are reasons for everyone to include Provincetown in their winter holiday travel plans."
The LGBTQ holiday festival of Holly Folly is three days of shopping, dining, entertainment, dancing and not-so-traditional holiday traditions. The "shop, hop, and punchbowl" stroll takes place throughout the festival. Visit participating shops, many of which serve complimentary hot chocolate, cider, and holiday cookies, and check items off your holiday gift list. Then bring your receipts to Holly Folly headquarters at Tin Pan Alley and be entered to win fabulous Ptown prize packages.
Thanksgiving Weekend * Thursday, 11/28 - Sunday, 12/1/19
Holly Folly * Friday, 12/6 - Sunday, 12/8/19
First Light * 12/27/19 - 1/2/20 (New Year's Day is on Wednesday)