Cape Cod Kidz

The Cape Cod Kidz What to Do on the Weekend Guide

Featuring Christine's top picks for December 16 through 18, 2011

By Christine Chapman

This weekend, it'll be a week before Christmas. Holiday fun abounds here on Cape Cod! Here's hoping you are done with all your Christmas shopping so you can enjoy some of what's in store for families as Christmas approaches quicker than many of us would want!!!

Weekend-long activities:

• Heritage Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights 5:00PM - 9:00PM all weekend. The museum's buildings and grounds will sparkle with festive lights and decorations and Old St. Nick will hold court in the museum's Ford Model T (as his sleigh is in the shop). There will also be a gingerbread house display and kids' holiday crafts area. Tickets are $7/member adults, $4/member children ages 3 to 17, $10/ non-member adults, $5 member children ages 3 to 17, and free for children age 2 and under. Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich.
• The Buttonwood Zoo has a lot going on all weekend: with opportunities to have donuts and cookies with Santa and the opportunity to make Christmas crafts in their holly jolly time program. For more information, click here.
• Cape Cod Enchanted Village 5:00PM - 9:00PM at The Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. 10th annual event. Come bring the kids to see a magnificent display of more than 100,000 lights, animated reindeer and more. In addition, carolers and Santa Fri-Sat from 5:30 to 8:30 and Sun from 5 to 7 thru 12/18. Lights remain on display through January 2, 2012. As you approach our courtyard each night at dusk, you will be dazzled by the glow of more than 100,000 lights. Topiary animals will greet you as you make your way past rows of miniature Christmas Trees and Santa's Reindeer to a Santa's Village reminiscent of an old fashioned Enchanted Village. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and on Sundays from 5pm to 7pm, strolling carolers will walk among the visitors, spreading holiday spirit through song. And, back by popular demand, Santa will be taking some time out of his busy schedule to visit us at the Cape Codder! Children are welcome to sit on his lap to tell him their holiday wishes. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate and cookies (available for purchase in the Hearth 'n Kettle) may be enjoyed by the glow of the Cape Codder's bonfire, while children roast marshmallows and sing along with the carolers (weather permitting). The centerpiece of the Enchanted Village will be a 12 foot tall "Giving Tree" with a 3.5 foot star on top. Guests to the Enchanted Village are encouraged to bring NEW, unwrapped gifts or Gift Cards or non-perishable food to place under the tree. All donations will be given to Independence House in Hyannis. Last year, the "Giving Tree" yielded over $10,000 in food, toys, and gift cards for Independence House!  

Here are some great things to consider on Friday December 16, 2011

• HYCC Stroller Skating 9:30AM - 10:30AM at The Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis. All levels of skating ability are welcome! We'll help you get started! Kid-Friendly Music: We'll lower the volume to a level that is acceptable for babies' ears! This is a great way for new moms and caregivers to get a workout that offers aerobic strength training and fun interaction with their babies, older children and other moms!! EVERY FRIDAY starting November 11th! 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ADMISSION IS JUST $5 (includes your adult skate rental!)Bring your older kids! Family Admission is $10 Child Skate Rentals are just $2 during Stroller Skating.
• Preschool Storytime is at10:30AM at Eastham Public Library in Eastham for ages 2 - 5 will include stories, fingerplays, songs, silliness and a craft. All are welcome.
• Toddler Town will happen from 10:30AM - 1:00PM at Wellfleet Public Library in Wellfleet.  Join us for stories and crafts at 10:30am and lots of fun in our "indoor gym" at 11am!
• Critter Capers 10:30AM - 11:00AM at Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich. Families are invited to drop by for a half hour visit with a Thornton W. Burgess Society naturalist and one of the resident animals at the nature center. Learn about life cycles, habits and habitats. This program, which is offered every Friday morning, is suitable for children ages 3 and up with an adult. Advance registration is not required. Free to Society members, $2 per person for non-members.
• "Christmas Through The Eyes of Children" 12:30PM Christmas is for children so join us as we celebrate with the Kindergarten students from Stony Brook Elementary School in Brewster. They will be at the Brewster Council on Aging singing some holiday songs, enjoying a treat and most of all having a visit from Santa. Bring your grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, neighbors or just come by yourself! What a wonderful way to enjoy the holidays!! Refreshments will be served. Call today to reserve your seat, 508-896-2737. Don't miss this event...it will truly lift your spirits!
  Brewster Council on Aging   (Brewster)
• Rock Night at HYCC (Grades 3-7 only)  7:15 PM - 9:15 PM at Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis-a favorite for skaters in grades 3-7-get those skates on and skate to whatever is popular in rock and roll these days!
• HJT presents "Madeline's Christmas" - A Musical 7:30 PM Enjoy the Madeline Christmas story, in musical form! Books and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed with musical direction by Robert Wilder. Choreography by Suzette Hutchinson. Sounds like great fun at Harwich Junior Theatre in W. Harwich.

Saturday December 17, 2011 has a lot going on, too!

• Live Animal Story Time 10:30AM - 11:00AM Drop by and join a naturalist for a lively story of "Peter Rabbit" and friends and a visit with one of the animals featured in the day's story. Suitable for families with children ages 3 and up. Advance registration is not required. Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich.
• Visit with Santa 10:00AM - 12:00PM. Bring the kids and cameras for a visit from Santa Claus. Children of all ages will be able to give their Christmas wishes to Santa and parents will be able take pictures of the little ones with St. Nick in front of Ring Bros. Marketplace's Christmas tree. There will be free candy canes for the kids and hot apple cider for all. Ring Bros. Marketplace   (South Dennis)
• Nauset Model Railroad Club "Magical" Open House 1:00PM - 4:00PM. There is something magical about trains at Christmastime, as visitors will discover at the Nauset Model Railroad Club this holiday season. The club is hosting public Open House events from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, November 26 and December 3, 10, 17 and 31, at its location in the lower level of Hilltop Plaza on Route 6A in Orleans. Admission is free. Nauset Model Railroad Club in Orleans.
• Photos with Santa 1:00PM - 4:00PM. All the way from the North Pole, flew Santa Scott into his brand new workshop on North Street! Bring the children or the entire family for Photos with Santa! Each family will receive a FREE photo in a special frame. Reindeer antlers are available - first come, first served! Complimentary gift wrap will also provided on site by Mashpee Middle School 8th Grade students to fund their trip to Washington DC in the spring! Donations are gladly accepted. Where: 24 North Street, Santa's Workshop. Phone: 508-477-5400
• The Cape Cod Therapy Dogs in T'was the Night Before Christmas 1:00PM - 2:00PM. The Cape Cod Therapy Dogs will entertain Museum visitors with a memorable canine version of this immortal poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Come and join us in this very special celebration of the holiday season at the Museum. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides 3:00PM - 6:00PM Take a ride through the beautiful streets of Mashpee Commons on a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride! A ride for you and your family is free, donations are gladly accepted. Courtesy of Paradise Stables in West Yarmouth! No reservation required. Mashpee Commons.
• Annual Candlelight Procession to a Live Creche 4:45 PM. The procession forms on the grounds of the Cape Playhouse at 4:45 p.m. Follow the town crier to the Village Green for caroling around a live nativity. Refreshments follow in Dennis Union Church hall. Dennis Village.
• Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" 6:00PM. This family musical has endeared itself to the Outer Cape community over the past two years. Originally a short play, Snowman tells the story of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, who moves from the Himalayas to Provincetown to find his dream-acceptance and friendship. Yeti moves into a dune shack just before Christmas and meets two kids whose mother, Mrs. Galilee, runs the Sea Glass Inn. Mrs. Galilee has no time for "monsters in the dunes" because the bank is foreclosing on the inn while her wife is deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Will the family be able to save the inn? Will Yeti become the friend he yearns to be? Will the Evil Banker remain... evil? And will the magic and spirit of Christmas prevail and save the day? All these questions will be answered in The Snowman in the Dunes with the help of the audience and some dancing snowflakes. Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.
• Public Skate7:00PM - 9:00PM. Head out to the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis for this awesome family time.
• A Fireside Family Christmas Concert 7:30PM. Please join us for a concert to celebrate the traditions of Christmas in music, song and poetry featuring The Seamist Trio (Mairead Doherty-Harp, Clayton March and Rose Clancy-Violin/Mandolin) with special guests Richard Sullivan, Mary Carson and Nina Schuessler. Harwich Junior Theatre in Harwich.

And for Sunday December 18, 2011:

• Photos with Santa 1:00PM - 4:00PM. All the way from the North Pole, flew Santa Scott into his brand new workshop on North Street! Bring the children or the entire family for Photos with Santa! Each family will receive a FREE photo in a special frame. Reindeer antlers are available - first come, first served! Complimentary gift wrap will also provided on site by Mashpee Middle School 8th Grade students to fund their trip to Washington DC in the spring! Donations are gladly accepted. Where: 24 North Street, Santa's Workshop. Phone: 508-477-5400. 
• The Cape Cod Conservatory Ballet Presents "The Nutcracker" 1pm and 4pm. Features student dancers from our Barnstable and Falmouth campuses, as well as pre-professional and professional dancers. Tickets are now available! In creating this adaptation, Jane E. Caputo discovered that very young children - some just infants sitting on their mothers' laps - were delighted and captivated by the  ballet throughout. Audience members of all ages returned season after season, enjoying their ‘favorite Nutcracker'...This is the Cape Cod Conservatory Ballet's second performance of this work." - Jane E. Caputo, Artistic Director  $10/ticket or $30/4 tickets. Purchase tickets at The Cape Cod Conservatory in Falmouth or West Barnstable. Highfield Theater in Falmouth.
• HJT presents "Madeline's Christmas" - A Musical 2:00PM. Enjoy the Madeline Christmas story, in musical form! Books and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed with musical direction by Robert Wilder. Choreography by Suzette Hutchinson. Sounds like great fun at Harwich Junior Theatre in W. Harwich.
• Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" 6:00PM. This family musical has endeared itself to the Outer Cape community over the past two years. Originally a short play, Snowman tells the story of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, who moves from the Himalayas to Provincetown to find his dream-acceptance and friendship. Yeti moves into a dune shack just before Christmas and meets two kids whose mother, Mrs. Galilee, runs the Sea Glass Inn. Mrs. Galilee has no time for "monsters in the dunes" because the bank is foreclosing on the inn while her wife is deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Will the family be able to save the inn? Will Yeti become the friend he yearns to be? Will the Evil Banker remain... evil? And will the magic and spirit of Christmas prevail and save the day? All these questions will be answered in The Snowman in the Dunes with the help of the audience and some dancing snowflakes. Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.

Here's hoping you have a wonderful weekend that's filled with fun activities that fill you and your children with the spirit and magic of Christmas!

Christine Chapman is the mother of two children: Celia is 5-years-old and Henry is one. She is a type 2 diabetic determined to become a healthy role model to her children. Christine was born and raised in Montreal, and has resided in Seoul, South Korea, Vancouver, Canada and in Boston, MA. She is an alumna of the Sacred Heart School of Montreal, Skidmore College and is in pursuit of her master's degree at Harvard University.   She enjoys reading, writing, walking, regular gym visits, pilates, and is grateful for the opportunity to work out of her home--she runs her own business, Chapman Educational Services, from her South Plymouth home--so that she can be active in the lives of her young children while pursuing a career positively impacting schools, students and families for which she feels great passion and gratitude.

The Cape Cod Kidz What to Do on the Weekend Guide

Featuring Christine's top picks for December 9 through 12, 2011

By Christine Chapman

I can't help it. It feels way too weird to be just over two weeks away from Christmas! It doesn't seem possible when there's barely any snow on the ground and most of us are walking around as if it's spring outside! I saw a man walking around in shorts on my way to a doctor's appointment just yesterday!

I guess it allows me to procrastinate, or to decide to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and not bother spending a whole lot of money-this economy can be humbling to many of us-but it's been a great learning experience for so many of us, too-no need to go overboard because the stores seem to be advertising sale prices. The holidays don't have to be about gifts...after all.

Once the sun sets, take the family out to see some festive holiday lights.

My family's alternative to gifts this year is to commit to getting dates on the calendar to bond with friends and family we love and miss. So if you're thinking about doing the same, as the holidays approach, there are any number of ways you can enjoy time with friends and family while doing something active and fun...together. 

Weekend-long activities:

• Chatham Historical Society's Annual Hearthwarming 1:00PM - 4:00PM on Friday and Saturday. The Atwood House Museum in Chatham. Join us in a two day celebration of the holidays "Atwood House-style". On Friday, spend a relaxing night enjoying Christmas decorations and music while strolling through our galleries (look into our old house to see a new antique toy display!), enjoying hot cider and treats. The best part of our Hearthwarming this year? You can take part in all of these fun activities while we take care of wrapping your holiday gifts! The Atwood House volunteers will be available to wrap your stash of holiday gifts from home- all in beautiful bright papers and bows!
  
  On Saturday the festivities continue with a special visit from Mrs. Claus. She is always happy to pose with youngsters for pictures in our antique sleigh. Children can have fun exploring our galleries and making special crafts while mom and dad peruse our gift shop sales and new exhibits.
  
  Saturday afternoon, visitors can enjoy live organ music and a fashion demonstration by Printed Village scarf company representative, Jan McEachron, before enjoying Christmas caroling by the Chatham Music Club which will take place at 3:00 pm. The Hearthwarming is an open-house event, so admission to the museum is free!

• 3rd Annual Festival of Trees 10:00AM - 3:00PM, December 9 and 10, Friday and Saturday. Free admission. Special Saturday Story Hour @11 a.m. for ages 3 and up: Featuring Sara Hoagland Hunter's book "The Lighthouse Santa" at Osterville Historical Museum in Osterville.

• Heritage Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights 5:00PM - 9:00PM all weekend. The museum's buildings and grounds will sparkle with festive lights and decorations and Old St. Nick will hold court in the museum's Ford Model T (as his sleigh is in the shop). There will also be a gingerbread house display and kids' holiday crafts area. Tickets are $7/member adults, $4/member children ages 3 to 17, $10/ non-member adults, $5 member children ages 3 to 17, and free for children age 2 and under. Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich.

• Cape Cod Enchanted Village 5:00PM - 9:00PM at The Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. 10th annual event. Come bring the kids to see a magnificent display of more than 100,000 lights, animated reindeer and more. In addition, carolers and Santa Fri-Sat from 5:30 to 8:30 and Sun from 5 to 7 thru 12/18. Lights remain on display through January 2, 2012. As you approach our courtyard each night at dusk, you will be dazzled by the glow of more than 100,000 lights. Topiary animals will greet you as you make your way past rows of miniature Christmas Trees and Santa's Reindeer to a Santa's Village reminiscent of an old fashioned Enchanted Village. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and on Sundays from 5pm to 7pm, strolling carolers will walk among the visitors, spreading holiday spirit through song. And, back by popular demand, Santa will be taking some time out of his busy schedule to visit us at the Cape Codder! Children are welcome to sit on his lap to tell him their holiday wishes. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate and cookies (available for purchase in the Hearth 'n Kettle) may be enjoyed by the glow of the Cape Codder's bonfire, while children roast marshmallows and sing along with the carolers (weather permitting). The centerpiece of the Enchanted Village will be a 12 foot tall "Giving Tree" with a 3.5 foot star on top. Guests to the Enchanted Village are encouraged to bring NEW, unwrapped gifts or Gift Cards or non-perishable food to place under the tree. All donations will be given to Independence House in Hyannis. Last year, the "Giving Tree" yielded over $10,000 in food, toys, and gift cards for Independence House!

Treat the whole family to a live show as "Madeline's Christmas" premieres this weekend. HJT photo.

Here are some great things to consider on Friday December 9, 2011

• HYCC Stroller Skating 9:30AM - 10:30AM at The Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis. All levels of skating ability are welcome! We'll help you get started! Kid-Friendly Music: We'll lower the volume to a level that is acceptable for babies' ears! This is a great way for new moms and caregivers to get a workout that offers aerobic strength training and fun interaction with their babies, older children and other moms!! EVERY FRIDAY starting November 11th! 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ADMISSION IS JUST $5 (includes your adult skate rental!)Bring your older kids! Family Admission is $10 Child Skate Rentals are just $2 during Stroller Skating.

• Preschool Storytime is at10:30AM at Eastham Public Library in Eastham for ages 2 - 5 will include stories, fingerplays, songs, silliness and a craft. All are welcome.

• Toddler Town will happen from 10:30AM - 1:00PM at Wellfleet Public Library in Wellfleet. Join us for stories and crafts at 10:30am and lots of fun in our "indoor gym" at 11am!

• Critter Capers 10:30AM - 11:00AM at Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich. Families are invited to drop by for a half hour visit with a Thornton W. Burgess Society naturalist and one of the resident animals at the nature center. Learn about life cycles, habits and habitats. This program, which is offered every Friday morning, is suitable for children ages 3 and up with an adult. Advance registration is not required. Free to Society members, $2 per person for non-members.

• Holly Jolly Time! 10:30AM at Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford. Join Santa's elf in creating holiday crafts that will make great gifts for parents and grandparents. Each week will feature two different holiday crafts. Program includes: two crafts, a holiday snack and zoo admission.
  Please Note: Space for Holly Jolly Time is limited. Zoo Members: $7 per child; Non-Members: $10 per child.

• Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" at 6:00 PM at Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.

• Rock Night at HYCC (Grades 3-7 only) 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM at Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis-a favorite for skaters in grades 3-7-get those skates on and skate to whatever is popular in rock and roll these days!

• HJT presents "Madeline's Christmas" - A Musical 7:30 PM Enjoy the Madeline Christmas story, in musical form! Books and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed with musical direction by Robert Wilder. Choreography by Suzette Hutchinson. Sounds like great fun at Harwich Junior Theatre in W. Harwich.

Saturday December 10, 2011 has a lot going on, too!

• Breakfast with Santa 8:00AM - 11:00AM is happening at Camp Lyndon in Sandwich.

• Doughnuts with Santa 9:00AM Enjoy the North Pole's favorite pastry! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the Zoo for the day is included in program price. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Participants must pre- register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Please Note: Professional photos will not be provided at these events. We invite you to bring your own camera if you wish to take a photo with Santa. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Girls and Dolls Afternoon Christmas Tea 11:00AM - 12:30PM: $18 adults; $12 girls. Advance ticket registration is required. Call 508-385-3434. Also, the Village Tea Room will be staying open until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays to allow teachers to stop by after school for a relaxing time of tea and dessert at their Traditional Afternoon Tea. Visit www.borsarigallerycapecod.com. Borsari Gallery Cape Cod & Village Tea Room in Dennis.

• Live Animal Story Time 10:30AM - 11:00AM Drop by and join a naturalist for a lively story of "Peter Rabbit" and friends and a visit with one of the animals featured in the day's story. Suitable for families with children ages 3 and up. Advance registration is not required. Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich.

• Milk and Cookies with Santa 1:00PM and 3:00PM. Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa before he makes his annual trip. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the zoo for the day is included in program price. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or by calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Nauset Model Railroad Club "Magical" Open House 1:00PM - 4:00PM. There is something magical about trains at Christmastime, as visitors will discover at the Nauset Model Railroad Club this holiday season. The club is hosting public Open House events from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, November 26 and December 3, 10, 17 and 31, at its location in the lower level of Hilltop Plaza on Route 6A in Orleans. Admission is free. Nauset Model Railroad Club in Orleans.

• Check out Dramafun's "Willy Wonka

  Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" 6:00PM. This family musical has endeared itself to the Outer Cape community over the past two years. Originally a short play, Snowman tells the story of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, who moves from the Himalayas to Provincetown to find his dream-acceptance and friendship. Yeti moves into a dune shack just before Christmas and meets two kids whose mother, Mrs. Galilee, runs the Sea Glass Inn. Mrs. Galilee has no time for "monsters in the dunes" because the bank is foreclosing on the inn while her wife is deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Will the family be able to save the inn? Will Yeti become the friend he yearns to be? Will the Evil Banker remain... evil? And will the magic and spirit of Christmas prevail and save the day? All these questions will be answered in The Snowman in the Dunes with the help of the audience and some dancing snowflakes. Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.

• Dramafun presents "Willy Wonka Jr." 7:00PM - 8:15PM. Join Charlie Bucket on his adventures through Willy Wonka's world famous Chocolate Factory! From the mysterious Oompa Loompas to a handful of greedy children, the cast of hilarious characters will bring this delicious musical to life just in time for the holidays. The Dramafun Players present Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. on Saturday, December 10th @ 7pm and Sunday, December 11th at 2pm at The Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, 220 Sandwich Road in Bourne. $10 Tickets are available at www.dramafun.com or at the door.

• Public Skate 7:00PM - 9:00PM. Head out to the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis for this awesome family time.

Santa is going to be stuffed! Cookies, doughnuts AND breakfast!

And for Sunday December 11, 2011:

• Milk and Cookies with Santa 1:00 PM Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa before he makes his annual trip. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the zoo for the day is included in program price. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or by calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Please Note: Professional photos will not be provided at these events. We invite you to bring your own camera if you wish to take a photo with Santa. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• HJT presents "Madeline's Christmas" - A Musical 2:00PM. Enjoy the Madeline Christmas story, in musical form! Books and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed with musical direction by Robert Wilder. Choreography by Suzette Hutchinson. Sounds like great fun at Harwich Junior Theatre in W. Harwich.

• Dramafun presents "Willy Wonka Jr." 2:00PM - 3:15PM. Join Charlie Bucket on his adventures through Willy Wonka's world famous Chocolate Factory! From the mysterious Oompa Loompas to a handful of greedy children, the cast of hilarious characters will bring this delicious musical to life just in time for the holidays. The Dramafun Players present Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. on Saturday, December 10th @ 7pm and Sunday, December 11th at 2pm at The Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, 220 Sandwich Road in Bourne. $10 Tickets are available at www.dramafun.com or at the door.

• Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" 6:00PM. This family musical has endeared itself to the Outer Cape community over the past two years. Originally a short play, Snowman tells the story of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, who moves from the Himalayas to Provincetown to find his dream-acceptance and friendship. Yeti moves into a dune shack just before Christmas and meets two kids whose mother, Mrs. Galilee, runs the Sea Glass Inn. Mrs. Galilee has no time for "monsters in the dunes" because the bank is foreclosing on the inn while her wife is deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Will the family be able to save the inn? Will Yeti become the friend he yearns to be? Will the Evil Banker remain... evil? And will the magic and spirit of Christmas prevail and save the day? All these questions will be answered in The Snowman in the Dunes with the help of the audience and some dancing snowflakes.
  Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.

Enjoy these weeks, as the Christmas lights and the decorations greet you as you drive past holiday-dressed homes...and don't forget the activities that can be fun as the holidays approach-and cost effective at home, too! This year, my little girl and I are going to bake. I'm not a great baker but I can follow a recipe so we're going to bake and wrap little cookie packs and get the house smelling like Christmas and then share all that Christmas sweetness with our loved ones...in place of gifts. It's a great thing to do...because it's about making memories and having fun bonding...as a family.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Christine Chapman is the mother of two children: Celia is 5-years-old and Henry is one. She is a type 2 diabetic determined to become a healthy role model to her children. Christine was born and raised in Montreal, and has resided in Seoul, South Korea, Vancouver, Canada and in Boston, MA. She is an alumna of the Sacred Heart School of Montreal, Skidmore College and is in pursuit of her master's degree at Harvard University.  She runs her own business, Starr and Chapman, from her South Plymouth home.

The Cape Cod Kidz What to Do on the Weekend Guide

Featuring Christine's top picks for December 2 through 4, 2011

By Christine Chapman

So the weather outside is unnaturally warm for this time of year, it didn't snow on Thanksgiving and I actually had to think twice before figuring out whether to put something warm on over the weekend or not-at the end of November in New England! Go figure! Well, I'm not going to complain about it-it's confusing but wonderful and my family's enjoying the opportunity to be outside at a time when we usually feel like a bunch of stir crazy monkeys trapped in the house wearing layers!

But it's already December this weekend, folks! The countdown is on for Christmas vacation and although it's warm out still, we've already got the tree up and trimmed and we're humming those Christmas tunes and watching the Christmas movies and mulling apple cider as part of the seasonal ritual. So with all that in mind...here's hoping you had a great Thanksgiving and that you're ready for all that Cape Cod has to offer as the holiday season kicks off! 

Weekend-long activities:

Brewster will be extra festive this weekend. Here, the Higgins Windmill at Drummer Boy Park on Route 6A. cckidz photo.

• 5th Annual Brewster for the Holidays (December 2, 3 and 4, 2011) 5th Annual Brewster for the Holidays--a magical weekend of festivities to launch your holiday season. Enjoy an old fashion town celebration complete with concerts, parties, music, food and family fun. Many special events mark this weekend of celebration. Friday Evening December 2^nd: Wreath and Tree lighting at the Drummer Boy Park, Brewster Band Concert at the Brewster Baptist Church; Sunday afternoon December 4^th: Gala Family Holiday Party at the Cape Cod Natural History Museum. All festival events are sponsored by local businesses and are free of charge unless noted on the event calendar. Check the Calendar of Events for details of time and place as well as all other special things happening around town during our Brewster for the Holidays celebration. Complete calendar of events here: http://www.02631.com/pg-3.htm

• Heritage Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights 5:00PM - 9:00PM all weekend. The museum's buildings and grounds will sparkle with festive lights and decorations and Old St. Nick will hold court in the museum's Ford Model T (as his sleigh is in the shop). There will also be a gingerbread house display and kids' holiday crafts area. Tickets are $7/member adults, $4/member children ages 3 to 17, $10/ non-member adults, $5 member children ages 3 to 17, and free for children age 2 and under. Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich.

• Cape Cod Enchanted Village 5:00PM - 9:00PM at The Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. 10th annual event. Come bring the kids to see a magnificent display of more than 100,000 lights, animated reindeer and more. In addition, carolers and Santa Fri-Sat from 5:30 to 8:30 and Sun from 5 to 7 thru 12/18. Lights remain on display through January 2, 2012. As you approach our courtyard each night at dusk, you will be dazzled by the glow of more than 100,000 lights. Topiary animals will greet you as you make your way past rows of miniature Christmas Trees and Santa's Reindeer to a Santa's Village reminiscent of an old fashioned Enchanted Village. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and on Sundays from 5pm to 7pm, strolling carolers will walk among the visitors, spreading holiday spirit through song. And, back by popular demand, Santa will be taking some time out of his busy schedule to visit us at the Cape Codder! Children are welcome to sit on his lap to tell him their holiday wishes. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate and cookies (available for purchase in the Hearth 'n Kettle) may be enjoyed by the glow of the Cape Codder's bonfire, while children roast marshmallows and sing along with the carolers (weather permitting). The centerpiece of the Enchanted Village will be a 12 foot tall "Giving Tree" with a 3.5 foot star on top. Guests to the Enchanted Village are encouraged to bring NEW, unwrapped gifts or Gift Cards or non-perishable food to place under the tree. All donations will be given to Independence House in Hyannis. Last year, the "Giving Tree" yielded over $10,000 in food, toys, and gift cards for Independence House!

• Christmas in Harwich is another fun, weekend long event and I will post the actual events below by date but this sounds like fun: http://www.harwichcc.com/event-christmas-harwiches.php

Here are some great things to consider on Friday December 2, 2011

• HYCC Stroller Skating 9:30AM - 10:30AM at The Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis. All levels of skating ability are welcome! We'll help you get started! Kid-Friendly Music: We'll lower the volume to a level that is acceptable for babies' ears! This is a great way for new moms and caregivers to get a workout that offers aerobic strength training and fun interaction with their babies, older children and other moms!! EVERY FRIDAY starting November 11th! 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ADMISSION IS JUST $5 (includes your adult skate rental!)Bring your older kids! Family Admission is $10 Child Skate Rentals are just $2 during Stroller Skating.

• Small Fries: Animals in Motion - Ages 2-5 10:00AM - 11:00AM at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet. Engage your preschooler in nature with this Mommy-and-Me style class. We'll use songs, stories, role plays, crafts and hands-on explorations to discover the world around us and develop our cognitive, motor, and social skills. Each class focuses on a special animal or habitat.

• Preschool Storytime is at10:30AM at Eastham Public Library in Eastham for ages 2 - 5 will include stories, fingerplays, songs, silliness and a craft. All are welcome.

• Toddler Town will happen from 10:30AM - 1:00PM at Wellfleet Public Library in Wellfleet. Join us for stories and crafts at 10:30am and lots of fun in our "indoor gym" at 11am!

• Critter Capers 10:30AM - 11:00AM at Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich. Families are invited to drop by for a half hour visit with a Thornton W. Burgess Society naturalist and one of the resident animals at the nature center. Learn about life cycles, habits and habitats. This program, which is offered every Friday morning, is suitable for children ages 3 and up with an adult. Advance registration is not required. Free to Society members, $2 per person for non-members.

• Holly Jolly Time! 10:30AM at Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford. Join Santa's elf in creating holiday crafts that will make great gifts for parents and grandparents. Each week will feature two different holiday crafts. Program includes: two crafts, a holiday snack and zoo admission. Please Note: Space for Holly Jolly Time is limited. Zoo Members: $7 per child; Non-Members: $10 per child.

• Christmas in Harwich: Harwich Port Stroll from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Tree lighting ceremony & family carol sing kicks off the stroll in Doane Park at 5:30pm. Santa arrives by fire truck at the visitor center at 6:15 pm, photos ($5) and visits until 8pm. Free horse-drawn carriage rides through the Port. Pilgrim Church chili/hot dog cafe, Girl Scout craft/bake sale, cookie walk, Harwich strings, live nativity, CCEYM silent auction, Guild of Harwich Artists Small Works show at the Port Building. Garden Club boutique, merchant open houses, music, refreshments, good cheer from 6pm to 9pm.WOMR 92.1 FM/91.3 FM Lady Di's Christmas Music Program. Points throughout Harwich Port .

• Kid's Night Out 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM for students aged 6-10 years. Head out to the YMCA of Cape Cod in West Barnstable to drop the kids off for a planned, themed activity, dinner and swimming afterwards. This is a wonderful monthly activity on the first Friday each month.

• Rock Night at HYCC (Grades 3-7 only) 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM at Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis-a favorite for skaters in grades 3-7-get those skates on and skate to whatever is popular in rock and roll these days!

• HJT presents "Madeline's Christmas" - A Musical 7:30 PM Enjoy the Madeline Christmas story, in musical form! Books and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed with musical direction by Robert Wilder. Choreography by Suzette Hutchinson. Sounds like great fun at Harwich Junior Theatre in W. Harwich.

Treat the whole family to a live show as "Madeline's Christmas" premieres this weekend. HJT photo.

Saturday December 3, 2011 has a lot going on, too!

• Christmas in Harwich: Saturday Events 8:30AM - 6:30PM. There is lots going on today in Harwich: Harwich Elementary School Pancake Breakfast with Santa, 8:30am-10:30am. Harwich Elementary School PTA Holiday Bazaar & Craft Fair, 9am-1pm. Community Center Holiday Extravaganza, 9am-2pm. Snow's Home & Garden Seasonal Train Display, 9am-5pm. Brooks Free Library Big Ryan's Tall Tales, 10:30am. Brooks Academy Exhibits & Open House, 1pm-4pm. Brooks Free Library Let's Deck the Halls Sing-Along with Dan McCarthy, 2pm-3pm. Merchant open houses, music, refreshments and good cheer. Cove Club Open House, 10am-2pm, 383 Route 28, Harwich Port, light refreshments, gift items for sale to benefit Cove Club Education Training Fund. East Harwich Stroll, 1pm-4pm. Stop & Shop - letters to Santa table and raffle for two new bicycles to benefit HECH. Merchant open houses, Santa, music, refreshments and good cheer. FREE enclosed trolley shuttle between Harwich Center/Harwich Community Center/East Harwich provided by Cape Destinations.

• Doughnuts with Santa 9:00AM Enjoy the North Pole's favorite pastry! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the Zoo for the day is included in program price. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Participants must pre- register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Please Note: Professional photos will not be provided at these events. We invite you to bring your own camera if you wish to take a photo with Santa. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Harwich PTA Holiday Bazaar & Craft Fair 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM This fun community event at Harwich Elementary School features a children's shopping room where they can get gifts for family and loved ones (all gifts $1!), a Craft Fair with a wide variety of vendors, local community organizations, entertainment, snacks, and more! Don't miss this great opportunity to support our schools and do your holiday shopping!! Come early for the Pancake Breakfast with Santa starting at 8:30 a.m.! Part of the Christmas in Harwich events!
  Harwich Elementary School, Harwich.

• Bridgeview Montessori School's Holiday Artisan Fair 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Bridgeview Montessori School's Holiday Artisan Fair is on December 3, 10 am - 3 pm. Hand-created items by professional artisans: jewelry, felted purses, crocheted hats, scarves and sweaters, unique fleece clothing for adults and children, felted fairies and animals, colorful hula hoops and fuzzy monster dolls, nautical prints, pottery, and folk art. 885 Sandwich Road, Sagamore. For information call 508-888-3567. Bridgeview Montessori School, Sagamore.

• Live Animal Story Time 10:30AM - 11:00AM Drop by and join a naturalist for a lively story of "Peter Rabbit" and friends and a visit with one of the animals featured in the day's story. Suitable for families with children ages 3 and up. Advance registration is not required. Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich.

That Santa is one busy fellow! Check out all the places you'll be able to catch him on Cape Cod!

• Milk and Cookies with Santa 1:00PM Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa before he makes his annual trip. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the zoo for the day is included in program price. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or by calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Annual Eastham Holiday Festival 10:00AM - 1:00PM The. Event is free! Free Trolley between both venues. Food and entertainment! Pony Rides thanks to Eastham Discount Oil. Toys for Tots Collection at the Elks. Gift Barn, 4180A State Highway/Route 6 and Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge, 10 McKoy Road in Eastham.

• Not Your Average Duck--Discover the Spectacular Ducks of December! 10:00AM - 12:00PM. The odd word "duck" just doesn't convey the variety and the beauty of the birds that visit our ponds and bays in winter. We will scan for eiders, grebes, mergansers, widgeons and other who find our chilly climate quite comfortable. Please dress warmly. Suitable for children ages 5 and up. Adults $6.00m/ $8.00nm, Children $4.00m/ $6.00nm. We will meet at Long Pasture Visitor Center! Meet at Long Pasture Visitor Center in Cummaquid.

• Nauset Model Railroad Club "Magical" Open House 1:00PM - 4:00PM. There is something magical about trains at Christmastime, as visitors will discover at the Nauset Model Railroad Club this holiday season. The club is hosting public Open House events from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, November 26 and December 3, 10, 17 and 31, at its location in the lower level of Hilltop Plaza on Route 6A in Orleans. Admission is free. Nauset Model Railroad Club in Orleans.

• American Girl's Winter Wonderland Tea 1:00PM - 3:00PM. An American Girl's Winter Wonderland Tea will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church, Nelson Hall. Sponsored by the Captain Joshua Gray- Jonathan Hatch DAR Chapter, Cape Cod. 227 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth. For more information or tickets call 508-398-4719 or visit darcc.weebly.com. St. David's Episcopal Church in South Yarmouth.

• Milk and Cookies with Santa 3:00PM. Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa before he makes his annual trip. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the zoo for the day is included in program price. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or by calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Holiday Fun at the Zoo 5:30PM. Party with your favorite holiday characters, Frosty & Rudolph! Pizza dinner, photo with Santa, holiday lights train ride (weather permitting) and a craft with Mrs. Clause included. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance by calling (508) 991-4556 or by visiting www.bpzoo.org. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" 6:00PM. This family musical has endeared itself to the Outer Cape community over the past two years. Originally a short play, Snowman tells the story of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, who moves from the Himalayas to Provincetown to find his dream-acceptance and friendship. Yeti moves into a dune shack just before Christmas and meets two kids whose mother, Mrs. Galilee, runs the Sea Glass Inn. Mrs. Galilee has no time for "monsters in the dunes" because the bank is foreclosing on the inn while her wife is deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Will the family be able to save the inn? Will Yeti become the friend he yearns to be? Will the Evil Banker remain... evil? And will the magic and spirit of Christmas prevail and save the day? All these questions will be answered in The Snowman in the Dunes with the help of the audience and some dancing snowflakes.
  Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.

• Barnstable Recreation Holiday Public Skate at the HYCC 7:00PM - 9:00PM . Come and skate to Holiday music with friends and family! Enjoy hot cocoa and the holiday spirit with carolers and figure skating exhibitions by skaters of all levels! Bring an item for our coat drive to benefit local shelters and receive free skate rentals! Sponsored by Cape Cod Skating Club. Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis.

• Public Skate 7:00PM - 9:00PM. Head out to the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis for this awesome family time.

And for Sunday December 4, 2011:

• Story Time with Santa at Cape Cod Mall 9:00AM - 11:00AM. Cape Cod Mall and Santa are hosting Story Time. Kidgits will listen as Santa reads a collection of his favorite Christmas tales and shares his favorite holiday spirit! Kidgits will also have a chance to participate in a variety of other holiday activities including:
  -Holiday Snacks and Treats, Christmas Crafts, Bring A Cozy Blanket to sit on

• Milk and Cookies with Santa 1:00 PM Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa before he makes his annual trip. Don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Gift from Santa, train ride and admission to the zoo for the day is included in program price. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance by visiting www.bpzoo.org or by calling (508) 991-4556 x 18. Please Note: Professional photos will not be provided at these events. We invite you to bring your own camera if you wish to take a photo with Santa. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

• Brewster for the Holidays Gala Family Party at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History 2:00PM - 4:00PM. Free admission to the Museum all day from 11 am-4 pm. The Gala Family Party will include raffle drawings, music, refreshments and kids' crafts. Santa will arrive at 2:30 pm!Come and join in the fun as we celebrate Brewster for the Holidays at the Museum! Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster.

• HJT presents "Madeline's Christmas" - A Musical 2:00PM. Enjoy the Madeline Christmas story, in musical form! Books and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed with musical direction by Robert Wilder. Choreography by Suzette Hutchinson. Sounds like great fun at Harwich Junior Theatre in W. Harwich.

• Christmas in Harwich: Sunday Events 3:00PM - 7:00PM. Service of Advent and Christmas Lessons and Carols, Christ Church Episcopal, Harwich Port, 3pm to 4pm. Refreshments to follow. Christmas Cantata - One Starry Night, A Concert of Contemporary Songs and Classic Carols Celebrating the Story of Christmas, First Congregational Church, Harwich Center, 7pm. Reception to follow.

• Provincetown Children's Theater presents "The Snowman in the Dunes" 6:00PM. This family musical has endeared itself to the Outer Cape community over the past two years. Originally a short play, Snowman tells the story of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, who moves from the Himalayas to Provincetown to find his dream-acceptance and friendship. Yeti moves into a dune shack just before Christmas and meets two kids whose mother, Mrs. Galilee, runs the Sea Glass Inn. Mrs. Galilee has no time for "monsters in the dunes" because the bank is foreclosing on the inn while her wife is deployed overseas in Afghanistan. Will the family be able to save the inn? Will Yeti become the friend he yearns to be? Will the Evil Banker remain... evil? And will the magic and spirit of Christmas prevail and save the day? All these questions will be answered in The Snowman in the Dunes with the help of the audience and some dancing snowflakes.
  Provincetown Theater in Provincetown.

There's so much going on here on Cape Cod this coming weekend. Postpone the Christmas shopping! After all, even Santa isn't recession-free! I've told my little girl that what with the cost of feeding the reindeer and the elves, even Santa won't be able to afford as much as he used to in past years. I've come to believe that more important than all the stuff we accumulate for the kids during the holiday season are the moments and experiences we share with them. Get out and do something fun and memorable with your kids this weekend as the holidays approach. Fill them with that spirit of Christmas, and I guarantee they'll be more grateful as they look back on all that you did with them...long after they've forgotten all that you bought them! Have a great weekend!

Christine Chapman is the mother of two children: Celia is 5-years-old and Henry is one. She is a type 2 diabetic determined to become a healthy role model to her children. Christine was born and raised in Montreal, and has resided in Seoul, South Korea, Vancouver, Canada and in Boston, MA. She is an alumna of the Sacred Heart School of Montreal, Skidmore College and is in pursuit of her master's degree at Harvard University.  She runs her own business, Starr and Chapman, from her South Plymouth home.