Button Free Events
Preliminary Schedule subject to change
Bubble Wrap Stomp
Photo: John Markus
Bubble Wrap Stomp
A favorite activity of many parents, too! Watch the kids show joy as they break the bubbles and make lots of noise!
A favorite activity of many parents, too! Watch the kids show joy as they break the bubbles and make lots of noise!
From 1PM until there's no more bubble wrap to stomp.
From 1PM until there's no more bubble wrap to stomp.
Community Center Aerobics Room at 1:00 to 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia, with Bill & Tilda Bystrom and Peter Gaines
Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia, with Bill & Tilda Bystrom and Peter Gaines
Trivia featuring knowledge about Cape Cod, Chatham, the holiday season, and some 'Name That Tune' extras.
Hosted by Bill and Tilda Bystrom with musical assistance from Peter Gaines, this event will give Cape Codders and Cape & Chatham want-to-be's an opportunity to show off their knowledge of Cape Cod and Chatham, with the focus on the local community and Cape Cod in general.. It will also include trivia about the holiday season, and feature Peter Gaines doing “name that tune “on the piano.
This trivia event will consist of two 1/2 hour trivia sessions,with different questions for each session. People may participate in both sessions or only one depending on upon their preference. Prizes will be given out randomly so everyone has a chance to win. This is a family friendly event, already popular at Chatham Bars Inn, and now coming to First Night Chatham.
This trivia event will consist of two 1/2 hour trivia sessions,with different questions for each session. People may participate in both sessions or only one depending on upon their preference. Prizes will be given out randomly so everyone has a chance to win. This is a family friendly event, already popular at Chatham Bars Inn, and now coming to First Night Chatham.
Community Center 2nd Floor at 7:00 PM (Button-free)
The Cape Cod Sax Trio
The Cape Cod Sax Trio
The Sax Trio will parade around Chatham Main St playing an instrumental mix of funk, fusion, and New Orleans jazz.
For the first time, the Cape Cod Sax Trio will parade around Chatham center for First Night Chatham 2025! From 1:15PM to 2:30PM, they'll play an instrumental mix of funk, fusion, and New Orleans jazz that's sure to get your feet moving in the cold weather. They'll visit several spots around town, so feel free to visit them at one performance, or follow them around all over the place!
Main Street at 1:15 to 2:30 PM (Button-free)
Carnival Caper
Photo: Ron Snider
Carnival Caper
A costumed road race, sponsored by the Chatham Squire. Register, show off your costume, and race for fun!
A costumed road race, from the Chatham Squire to the Lighthouse and back, sponsored by the Chatham Squire. Register outside the Squire starting at 2 pm; $15 registration fee charged. ; Costume judging at 2:30 pm; the race starts at 3 pm (a bit under 2 miles round-trip).
Don't miss a special cameo appearance by a pair of very special celebrities (look-a-likes) at 2:40 PM, outside the Squire.
You can't miss the gorilla in charge. Race registrants get a Tee shirt, and beef stew served at the Squire after the race! Spectators line Main Street to cheer on everyone parading down the road in costume - you can run, you can walk, you can hop, skip or jump!
Don't miss a special cameo appearance by a pair of very special celebrities (look-a-likes) at 2:40 PM, outside the Squire.
You can't miss the gorilla in charge. Race registrants get a Tee shirt, and beef stew served at the Squire after the race! Spectators line Main Street to cheer on everyone parading down the road in costume - you can run, you can walk, you can hop, skip or jump!
Outside the Squire at 2:00 to 3:30 PM (Button-free)
Chatham Railroad Museum, with Special Displays
Chatham Railroad Museum, with Special Displays
A special opening of The Chatham Railroad Museum for First Night Chatham features two special displays
A special opening of The Chatham Railroad Museum for First Night Chatham features two special displays : museum volunteers are operating an "O" gauge train; and a special train themed exhibit of all First Night Chatham buttons, from the earliest to the present, are on display.
The Chatham Railroad Museum is located in the restored 1887 railroad depot that served Chatham for nearly fifty years. Enjoy the museum's many exhibits! Travel back to 1915 when the railroad was a hub of activity portrayed by the diorama of the railroad yard. Imagine riding the 1910 wood sided red caboose, located behind the Museum, which is also open.
The Chatham Railroad Museum is located in the restored 1887 railroad depot that served Chatham for nearly fifty years. Enjoy the museum's many exhibits! Travel back to 1915 when the railroad was a hub of activity portrayed by the diorama of the railroad yard. Imagine riding the 1910 wood sided red caboose, located behind the Museum, which is also open.
Chatham Railroad Museum at 1:00 to 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Face Painting
Photo: Susan Karchmer
Face Painting
What child does not enjoy having something fabulous painted on their face?
What child does not enjoy having something fabulous painted on their face?
Monomoy Middle School Small Gym at 12:30 to 3:30 PM (Button-free)
Fireworks at Veterans Field
Photo: Stanlee Wetzel
Fireworks at Veterans Field
Spectacular fireworks at Veterans Field after the Noise Parade, as a special treat for the young and young-at-heart.
Spectacular fireworks after the Noise Parade will be presented for the whole family. March in the Noise Parade which ends at the Commuinty Center. The fireworks show is at Veterans Field and viewing is from the parking lot and fields behind the Chatham Community Center.
This amazing and special fireworks show is presented by Northstar Fireworks of Vermont; they've been doing the First Night Chatham fireworks for many years.
This amazing and special fireworks show is presented by Northstar Fireworks of Vermont; they've been doing the First Night Chatham fireworks for many years.
Veterans Field at 6:30 PM (Button-free)
Friendly Fowl
Friendly Fowl
Friendly Fowl is a local band who plays original material blending many styles from Jazz/Rock Fusion to Acoustic Melodies.
Friendly Fowl is a local band who plays original material blending many styles from Jazz/Rock Fusion to Acoustic Melodies.
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 2:00 PM (Button-free)
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Monomoy Middle School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Kids' Craft Studio
Kids' Craft Studio
Kids craft fascinating stuff, each in their own way. Projects are all child friendly and designed with great creativity.
Kids craft fascinating stuff, each in their own way. After a four-year hiatus, the Kids' Craft Studio is back, with all new ideas ready for your little ones to make a noise maker for the 6 PM Noise Parade! Choose from three different designs and be ready to make some noise! Projects are all child friendly and designed with great creativity.
Monomoy Middle School Small Gym at 2:00 to 58:0 PM (Button-free)
Larry & Vic
Larry & Vic
The duo blends vocal harmonies covering classic songs by well-known artists of many genres.
Returning to First Night Chatham for their third year, Larry Goodrich and Vic Roberts have performed at venues around Cape Cod, which they are now pleased to call home. Specializing in light rock and new country music, Larry & Vic blend vocal harmonies over classic songs by such popular artists as the Eagles, America, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, and more. Stop by for a meal or snack and some memorable tunes!
Elementary School Cafeteria at 1:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 2:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 2:00 PM (Button-free)
Monomoy Seven
Jeff Hughes of The Monomoy Seven
Monomoy Seven
Dixieland jazz - swinging improvisations on familiar and not so familiar tunes, and requests from the audience.
The Monomoy Seven has performed at First Night Chatham for the past 24 years, and is a favorite of many fans. Formed by Chatham dentist and clarinetist Dr. Paul Meymaris those many years ago, the band features some of the best classic jazz and swing musicians in New England. Jeff Hughes (trumpet) leads the ensemble. John Clark (reeds), Mike Persico (trombone), Bob Barta (strings and vocals), Ross Petot (piano), Albie Bernard (brass bass), and Steve Taddeo (drums) comprise the band. Their repertoire includes many tunes from the American songbook, including jazz standards and ballads. A swinging time is guaranteed!
St. Christopher's Parish Hall at 7:00 to 10:00 PM (Button-free)
Noise Parade
Photo: Ron Snider
Noise Parade
Make noise any way you want, wear silly hats, flash some lights. Walk to see the fireworks at Veterans Field!
Join the raucous fray! Make noise any way you want.
A police escort leads the parade and no one will be cited for too much noise. Great fun for kids and adults, who often wear silly hats. Start at the corner of Cross and Main at 6 pm, walk to rotary, then continue on to the Chatham Community Center to see the fireworks at Veterans Field!
A police escort leads the parade and no one will be cited for too much noise. Great fun for kids and adults, who often wear silly hats. Start at the corner of Cross and Main at 6 pm, walk to rotary, then continue on to the Chatham Community Center to see the fireworks at Veterans Field!
Town Hall Corner (Main & Cross Streets) at 6:00 PM (Button-free)
Old Exit 11
Old Exit 11
Old Exit 11 brings the rich traditions of American music to life, blending folk, blues, and country, featuring the unique sounds of guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bass.
Join us for a great time of lively music, featuring the unique sounds of guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bass. Old Exit 11 brings the rich traditions of American music to life, blending folk, blues, and country for a foot-tapping good time. Whether you're a fan of classic Americana or just looking for a great time of lively music, Old Exit 11 promises to be a musical journey through the heart of American culture. Bring your friends, enjoy great tunes, and support local music! Old exit 11 is a Chatham based trio consisting of Douglas Fields, Larry Palmerton and Marvin Dolinger.
Elementary School Cafeteria at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Elementary School Cafeteria at 4:00 PM (Button-free)
Snowmen Scavenger Hunt
Snowmen Scavenger Hunt
Find the snowmen around town and win a little prize!
Search for the First Night Chatham snowmen up and down Main Street, on Dec 31st, and win a little prize! Especially for the young ones and the young at heart! Start by getting an entry sheet First Night Chatham Headquarters.
Frosty the Snowman is looking for his six snowmen friends who are scattered along Main St. Each snowman is holding stickers. When you find one, take a sticker and attach it to your snowmen scavenger hunt card. When you have collected all six stickers, return with your sheet to First Night Chatham Headquarters for your prize!
The Snowmen Scavenger Hunt Card will be available for download and print from here, as of Dec 26th. The Snowmen Scavenger Hunt Card can be viewed or downloaded or printed by clicking here.
Frosty the Snowman is looking for his six snowmen friends who are scattered along Main St. Each snowman is holding stickers. When you find one, take a sticker and attach it to your snowmen scavenger hunt card. When you have collected all six stickers, return with your sheet to First Night Chatham Headquarters for your prize!
The Snowmen Scavenger Hunt Card will be available for download and print from here, as of Dec 26th. The Snowmen Scavenger Hunt Card can be viewed or downloaded or printed by clicking here.
Main Street at 1:00 to 5:00 PM (Button-free)
Town Photo
Photo: Spencer Kennard
Town Photo
Come with family & friends. Buy the photo or see it online. A whole-town event!
Important! Please use front gate only !
Show up with your family and friends and pets to pose for the Town Photo. Start First Night Chatham with a wave at the camera and a smile on your face. The photo will be available at the Chatham CVS store for purchase. A panorama deep-zoom photo will also be posted on the First Night Chatham website. Have fun zooming in to see if you blinked, check out who was there, and just enjoy actually seeing your lovely smile up close.Chatham Lighthouse Grounds at Noon (Button-free)
Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy
Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy
Kids and adults love Mr. Vinny 's huge bubble and bubble chasing games.
Using giant homemade bubble wands, a sound system full of music, and a lot of funny family entertainment experience, Mr. Vinny get kids and adults involved in bubble chasing games. The program is all about big beautiful bubbles, running-around, and . . . having FUN! Truly best for all ages.
Community Center Outdoors at 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Visual Art Tableau
Visual Art Tableau
A visual arts tableau reflecting the idea of Celebrating Together, in Kate Gould Park.
Our Celebrate Together theme has been re-imagined by a local team of visual artists to create a new First Night Chatham attraction in Kate Gould Park - a tableau reflecting the idea of Celebrating Together. The tableau features life-sized figures of different materials as well as faces on the trees, all of whom are celebrating the occasion around tables and chairs in the park. Large picture frames are available for visitors to become part of the celebration and take selfies or group photos. With help from art students from Monomoy High School and Cape Cod Tech, we have created a unique visual art experience. Stop by Kate Gould Park anytime from noon until dusk to share the celebration. Made possible by a generous grant from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.
Kate Gould Park at Noon until Dusk (Button-free)