30 Days Of Holiday Magic Begin In Brewster

BREWSTER – The Brewster Chamber of Commerce hit the ground running this year with “Brewster for the Holidays,” an annual month-long observance that features festivities throughout the town. 

Kick-off events begin this weekend, with the initial tree lighting at Drummer Boy Park. On Friday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. residents and visitors are invited to the park to view the annual tree and windmill lighting. The Leighton Team of Keller Williams Realty will be serving hot chocolate while the local elementary school choir sings a few holiday classics. Santa Claus will make an appearance before his busy month commences, arriving in style on a Brewster Fire Truck. The chamber urges everyone to dress warm as the event is fully outdoors. 

Following the lighting at Drummer Boy Park, the Brewster Band will host its annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. in the Brewster Baptist Church. The setlist includes “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, “Last Christmas” by George Michael, and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Frank Loesser. While the event is free, donations collected will go to Food4Kids, the nonprofit chosen by the chamber to benefit from this year’s events. 

The holiday cheer continues the following morning, Saturday, Dec. 6, with Breakfast with Santa at Ocean Edge. The Brewster Recreation Department is hosting the annual breakfast with time slots at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The sold-out event will benefit the Brewster Holiday Hope fundraising drive. 

On Sunday, Dec. 8, Jolly Old Saint Nick will be a special guest at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History’s family dance party. The event, which takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., will include museum tours, arts and crafts and a sing-and-dance-along performance by guitarist Jim Nosler. Santa will be available for photos. 

This weekend, the Brewster Book Store is hosting three spirited book signings just in time for holiday shopping. On Friday, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Gregory Hischak, director of the Edward Gorey House and author of “E is for Edward: A Centennial Celebration of the Mischievous Mind of Edward Gorey,” will be available to sign books and to lead the crowd in Gorey trivia. The store will have refreshments, plus the annual holiday book drive and giveaway, tree decorating and secret garden sneak peeks. 

On Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., author Jacquelyn Mitchard will be at the store to sign copies of her book “The Birdwatcher.” The Brewster native is a 23-time author and New York Times bestseller. The event will also include the second annual cookie contest.

To round out the weekend, the Brewster Book Store will host a story-time and signing with Peter H. Reynolds. The children's author and illustrator will read his story aloud at 10 a.m., followed by the signing at 11. Spots for the story time are limited, so registration is required at brewsterbookstore.com. 

The Cobb House Museum will be getting into the holiday spirit with a festive Victorian display. On Saturday, Dec. 6 the museum will host live music and light refreshments, with the chance to make a holiday card for military members. Admission is $7 for nonmembers and $5 for members. 

Allard Farm will offer holiday photos in Santa’s sleigh all weekend, plus a number of sales and raffle opportunities. 

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Crocker Nurseries is hosting an open house from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a tree decorating class at 10 a.m. The class centers on decorating boxwood trees for the holidays. The class is free, but the materials must be purchased. 

Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center is hosting a holiday “fun-raiser” on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day’s activities will include a bake sale, reindeer rides, a raffle and delicious treats. All proceeds will benefit the riding center. 

On Dec. 13, Crocker Nurseries is hosting a holiday centerpiece class for those looking to spruce up their table. Register ahead by calling 508-896-5060. The class is free, but the materials must be purchased. 

Last but not least will be the month-long front lawn display at Ocean Edge Resort, which features a festive forest of 25 trees decorated by local organizations and businesses. Igloos can be reserved for dining throughout the month. The forest will be up through Jan. 1. 

For more information on Brewster for the Holidays, visit the chamber’s website at brewster-capecod.com.