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Provincetown is a great place to visit no matter what time of year. In fact, taking a trip to P-town in the off-season can be just as fun as visiting during the summer. If you’re looking to get away during the fall and winter months, don’t overlook Cape Cod’s best beach town.

There’s no shortage of culture and history in Provincetown. Celebrate the early settlers, appreciate unique art, enjoy small-town serenity, and welcome diversity.

Provincetown is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities you’ll find. And not just in New England, but anywhere in the nation. There are indeed many things to do in Provincetown for adults during the summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops in the off-season.  

Here are some suggestions on things to do in the fall or winter, whether you’re visiting alone, with a partner, or with a group/family:

See the Provincetown Pilgrim Monument Lighting

On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower anchored at what is now Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod, and P-Town doesn’t want anyone to forget it. Even the pilgrims spent five weeks visiting the area before moving on to Plymouth. 

Every year, on November 11, the town hosts the lighting of the Pilgrim Monument. The Pilgrim Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States and overlooks the harbor from 350 feet above sea level. 

Of course, if you’re not there for the lighting, it’s still a lovely monument to visit during the fall or winter. You can actually take the stairs to the top! In fact, on your walk up, you’ll see many interior stones that were donated by cities, towns, and organizations from all over the original United States. 

Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, it’s a worthwhile view. Plus, it’s fun to see if your city or town is featured on the monument.

Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

Are you a fan of those cozy Hallmark movies in small towns? Consider staying at one of the 100 bed and breakfasts in the area. Fall in New England is the best time for a homey stay, but many are open year-round. 

Although there’s no guarantee of family-friendly drama and romance, 30 of them do have fireplaces to cozy up next to. Winter in Provincetown is the perfect time for a cozy, seaside staycation. 

See the Lobster Pot Lighted Tree

Most towns have some sort of tree-lighting festival. P-Town does as well, but it looks slightly different than you might expect. 

The town gathers together on Lopes Square for the annual lighting of a tree created using over 100 stacked lobster pots, decorated with lights and ribbons. This unique tradition started in 2004 by an artist who wanted to honor the hard-working local lobstermen. 

Visit Provincetown during the holidays and get a photo with the lobster pot tree. It’ll certainly be one of the more memorable Christmas trees you’ll ever see.

Take a Cool Stroll on the Beach

As long as the wind is under control, bundling up for a walk on the beach in the fall can be a great experience. Unlike the summer months, there should be plenty of space without many people. Enjoy the cool salty air on Race Beach, Herring Cove, or any other Provincetown beach. 

Park Anywhere You Want 

“Anywhere” may be a stretch, but you can imagine it’s difficult to find parking in the summer. When visiting Provincetown in the off-season, you can generally park much closer to all those cute little shops and restaurants you’ve been wanting to try. 

In addition to easier parking, a lot of these places will also be less crowded, which means you can browse and explore at your own pace without the worry of long waits.

Check Out the Holiday Market at The Canteen

Looking for something unique, either for a gift or for yourself? There are many locally-owned shops with items you won’t find anywhere else. Check out the month-long Holiday Market at The Canteen, located at 255 Commercial Street. 

The market is open every weekend from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. With over 25 vendors, you can support small businesses and find all sorts of unique holiday items.

Have Fun at Holly Folly

Holly Folly is an annual LGBTQ+ holiday festival with fun traditions that are open to everyone. The festival includes: 

• Shopping
• Discounts
• Entertainers
• A Santa run in bathing suits (Jingle Bell Run) followed by a champagne brunch
• Dance parties
• Drag bingo
• Sing-alongs
• And more!

Visit Art Galleries and Museums

Did you know Provincetown is America’s oldest continuous art colony? It has welcomed artists for over a hundred years through its galleries, museums, and art houses. Local and visiting artists congregate for nostalgia and a flourishing contemporary art scene. Check out over 50 art galleries and museums throughout P-Town. 

Ring in the New Year at First Light

Want something fun to do for New Years’ Eve, but don’t want to fight the crowds in Time Square? Providence’s First Light happens from December 30th to January 1st to help ring in the new year. Join the locals for fireworks, a polar bear plunge, Lite Brite Bike Ride, entertainment, and more.

Hennep Provincetown Cannabis Dispensary

Looking for an even better way to enjoy your time on the Cape? A trip to Hennep cannabis dispensary in Provincetown is a great place to start.  Shop our menu of cannabis products such as edibles, pre-rolls, concentrates, topicals, tinctures, and more. 

We pride ourselves on serving Cape Cod with high-end cannabis products. We love supporting our diverse community and helping people make joy-filled memories in our little beach town. 

Hennep is located at 246 Commercial Street. You can shop online and order ahead or come in and see what we have to offer. 

Enjoy Fall and Winter in Provincetown

As you can see, when the temperature drops, the party still doesn’t stop. Visiting Provincetown in the off-season actually has its own charm, especially if you tend to prefer a more relaxed vacation or staycation. 

See things at your own pace and celebrate the holidays in a unique and memorable way. Whether you enjoy nature in the fall or cozying up in the winter, there are still plenty of things to do in Provincetown.