First Night Chatham
Visitors celebrate across town with dozens of indoor and outdoor performances, live music, and family-friendly activities. Festivities begin with a community town photo at the Chatham Lighthouse and build up to a lively Noise Parade followed by fireworks. Guests can explore various local venues, sample offerings from food vendors, and take part in interactive events throughout the day and evening.
What to Expect
Town-wide, alcohol-free celebration featuring over 70 performances, a parade, and fireworks.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (children 2 and under free)
Neighborhood
Chatham
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
First Night Chatham Committee
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and arts-loving visitors
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults (age 17 and up): $30.00 ($35 as of Dec 15); children ages 3–16: $5.00; children 2 and under: free. – Get tickets
- Hours: 12 noon–10 PM.
- Parking: Monomoy Regional Middle School – Crowell Road; Elementary School – Depot Road; Town Parking Lot – behind Ben Franklin; Oyster Pond Beach Parking Lot; Eldredge Garage Parking Lot (365 Main St.).
- Accessibility: All event sites are accessible, and one of the free shuttle buses is handicapped accessible.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your buttons before December 15 to get the early-bird price, because adult buttons go up after that date.
- Bring cash or a check if you're buying buttons at local shops, because the merchants selling them don't take cards.
- Park at Monomoy Regional Middle School and ride the free shuttle, because the buses keep running after the Oyster Pond fireworks to take people back to that lot.
- Get to indoor shows you really want to see early, because a button doesn't guarantee entry once a venue reaches capacity.
- Pick up a printed program with the map at Headquarters on Main Street, or grab the Cape Cod Chronicle pull-out schedule the week before.
Special Events & Promotions
- Early-bird button prices run until December 15, after which adult buttons cost more
- Children 2 and under get in free, and children's buttons cover ages 3 to 16
- The Carnival Caper in front of the Chatham Squire is button-free but has its own separate entry fee
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a button for everything?
No. You need a button for almost all indoor performances and activities. Most outdoor activities and a few indoor ones are button-free. You can wander around town and buy from the food vendors without one. The Carnival Caper in front of the Chatham Squire is button-free but charges its own separate entry fee.
Is alcohol served?
No, First Night Chatham is alcohol-free. Vendors sell food and non-alcoholic drinks. Whether you can bring your own food or drinks depends on the venue.
Where should I park?
You can park at Monomoy Regional Middle School on Crowell Road, the Elementary School on Depot Road, the town lot behind Ben Franklin, Oyster Pond Beach or the Eldredge Garage lot at 365 Main St. Free shuttle buses loop from the Middle School to the Main St. Rotary and back.
Where can I get a program and map?
Printed programs with the map are at Headquarters, 584 Main Street, and at the merchants who sell buttons, starting around mid-December. The full schedule also runs as a pull-out in the Cape Cod Chronicle the week before New Year's Eve.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
First Night Chatham recruits venue volunteers and lists its open volunteer positions on its volunteer pages.
More Christmas Events Near Chatham
More Christmas Events near Yarmouth
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.