Cape Charles:
Holiday Happenings Near Bay Creek

Cape Charles: Holiday Happenings Near Bay Creek

What do you get when you combine sparkling lights, festive decorations, and delightful holiday events at a historic, seaside downtown? For us at Bay Creek, that’s easy — it’s a joyful holiday celebration in Cape Charles, our charming hometown located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. And while Cape Charles is treasured year-round for its natural beauty, excellent dining, and fun-filled activities, it’s also a favorite holiday getaway, with several festive events and happenings. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate a memorable coastal holiday:

Festive Fridays
November 27, December 4, December 11, December 18, starting at 5 p.m.

Visit historic Cape Charles on Friday evenings from Thanksgiving to Christmas to see how our magical town comes to life with holiday cheer. Festive Fridays begin at 5 p.m. and feature a wide array of merry entertainment and activities. Enjoy street performers, live music, carriage rides, kid’s activities, restaurant specials, Christmas movies at the outdoor movie complex, and more. Most shops feature discounts and door prizes and stay open until 8 p.m.

Lighted Golf Cart Parade
December 4 at 4:45 p.m. at the LOVE sign

The Lighted Golf Cart Parade is an annual tradition in which Cape Charles locals decorate golf carts in seasonal style. For spectators, the parade begins at the LOVE sign at 5:20 p.m. and concludes at Central Park in time for the Grand Illumination event (mentioned below.) For participants, have your spectacularly-decorated cart in the lineup at the LOVE sign at 4:45 p.m. for judging. The owner of the best one wins a $100 Visa gift card. First through third place winners also receive impressive ribbons. And if you don’t have a golf cart for the parade, you may rent one from Eastern Shore Custom Carts for only $25.

Grand Illumination
December 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Central Park

Kick off the holiday season with a countdown to the lighting of Central Park. The Grand Illumination event begins at 5:30 p.m. with the official lighting at 6:00 p.m. Family, friends, and neighbors love seeing the Lighted Golf Cart Parade making its signature laps, not to mention the magical glow of the thousands of glittering lights when they come to life. This year features music from the Tidewater Concert Band and a special visit from St. Nick.

Lighted Boat Parade
December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Harbor and Oyster Farm Marina

Enjoy maritime merriment with the Cape Charles Lighted Boat Parade. From simple strings of colorful lights to flashy, musical ensembles, any decked-out watercraft is welcome to join the procession. Enjoy “docktails” after the Grand Illumination at the Oyster Farm Marina and the Town Harbor. Parade boats start from both locations.

Historic Home Cookie Trail
December 11 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Cake Charles

The annual Historic Home Cookie Trail gives a unique, inside look at beautifully restored historic homes decorated in all their holiday glory. The Cookie Trail begins at Cake Charles (309 Jefferson Avenue) where attendees, register, pick up an event map, and enjoy holiday shopping with local vendors. From there, stroll along the charming streets of Cape Charles to tour the B&Bs, inns, and homes — all while enjoying sweet treats along the way. Note that the home locations are not released until the day of the event, making it a pleasant surprise for participants. The cost is free with a donation to the Cape Charles Food Pantry

The Dropping of The Crab Pot
December 31 at 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Mason Avenue 

The Dropping of the Crab Pot is a fantastic way to ring in the New Year before officially ringing in the New Year. The celebration starts at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve on Mason Ave. A large crane drops a massive, festively lit crab pot from 90 feet in the air, completing the drop by 10 p.m. Why not midnight? The earlier time allows families to be a part of the festivities without being out too late in the evening. Come early to scope out your favorite viewing spot and enjoy food, drinks, and some music beginning at 8 p.m.  

First Day in the Bay
January 1 at 11 a.m. at Madison Avenue Beach

The First Day in the Bay event features an invigorating polar plunge for both adults and kids. Indulge in delicious breakfast pastries from Cake Charles, hot dogs from Dogs by the Bay, and beverages, all available for purchase. The event is free of charge to attend, but a donation is suggested. All proceeds benefit the Citizens of Central Park, a non-profit devoted to the park’s vision, utilization, and beautification.

If you’re planning a visit to the Eastern Shore over the holidays, be sure to add Bay Creek to your list of fun activities. Here, you’ll discover all that makes our community so remarkable – a lush nature preserve, fantastic fitness center, interconnected trails, amazing golf, a private beach, and best of all, our distinctive homes.  Schedule your exclusive discovery visit this winter and experience all that Cape Charles has to offer…and quite possibly your new family retreat at Bay Creek. No matter where you spend the holidays this year, we wish you a season filled with warmth, comfort, and good cheer.