New Year's Eve 2008 on Cape Cod -- Ring in the New Year 2009 -- Chatham First Night

Now with Thanksgiving behind us, Christmas shopping looming before you, and you are still looking for the perfect gift for that someone special. Look no further. Give your favorite someone a New Year's celebration at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa. Check our Special's Page for details for our New Year's Package. The package also includes your First Night button. Listed are many of the activities that you can enjoy on New Year's Eve and before. Make your reservations today by calling 508-255-0617. OH! and don't forget that Gift Certificates make a nice gift, too -- especially if you cannot travel for New Year's.


Celebrate the Forties!

Special Happenings for 2008 First Night Chatham


Special Luncheon to Honor Veterans of WW II

Monday, December 29, Noon to 3:00 p.m. VFW Hall by Invitation Only
The iconic photo at left symbolizes one of the happiest days of the 1940s - the end of World War II and the outbreak of peace. The photo was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt for Life Magazine in Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945, during the celebration to mark V-J Day, the end of the war. First Night Chatham recognizes the contribution of the men and women who served their country so well during this critical period.

This special luncheon will be held to honor all of our local residents who served in the armed forces during the 1940s. Men and women left their homes and families for domestic and foreign places to support of the war effort and safeguard our freedom. Their work and sacrifice brought us peace for many years. We join with others in appreciation. The First Night committee continues to seek out the names of our honored veterans who served during this time. If you know of someone who has not yet been contacted, please email us at veterans@firstnightchatham.com!

Countdown Cod and Fireworks

Chatham's answer to Times Square at New Year's Eve is Countdown Cod*. Designed and built by First Night Chatham's Richard Clifford, the sculpture is a true work of art and a codfish with a personality. The cod will be hoisted 60 feet above the Oyster Pond parking lot on a crane at about 11:45 pm. Five minutes later, the cod will be illuminated by 20 halogen lights planted in its body. And at 11:59 pm on the dot, Countdown Cod will be lowered to the ground at the precise speed of one foot per second. When the cod completes its descent at midnight, the fireworks display will commence over Oyster Pond to welcome in the New Year. You have to see this!

Cape Cod Opera
The Cape Cod Opera will perform to celebrate Chatham in the Forties on Tuesday, December 30 at 7:30 pm at the Methodist Church. This performance requires a First Night Chatham button. The program will include selections from opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, and musical comedy.

The Town Photo and Lighthouse Tour

The tradition of the Town Photo is that all who show up at the Chatham Lighthouse on Noon of New Year's Eve will be included. Prints are available for purchase at CVS on Main Street.

At the same time and in the same place, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct tours of the Chatham Lighthouse from Noon to 2:00 pm. You will enjoy the view from the top!

Carnival Caper Road Race

A costumed road race sponsored by the Chatham Squire. Register outside the Squire from 2:00 pm ($10). Costume judging at 2:30 pm. Race at 3:00 pm. T-shirts and beef stew served at the Squire after the race!

Ice Carving

Chip Koser comes to Chatham to demonstrate the fascinating art of ice carving. He will carve in the parking lot of Town Hall and no button is required.

Chain Saw Sculpture

New this year. Ross MacVicar shows the First Night Chatham crowd how a chain saw and a great imagination, coupled with skill, and a keen sense of safety, can turn an ordinary tree into a fabulous creation at the parking lot of Town Hall.


Horse and Wagon Rides

Grab a ride on Main Street at Town Hall beginning at 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Ride through town the old fashioned way, slowly, taking in all the sights, sounds, and beauty of Chatham in winter.


No Button Required Events at the Atrium

Hear the soothing and happy sounds of the Pans in Paradise Steel Drums, watch the amazing Chatham Lightfoots jumping rope team, marvel at the Harwich Junior Theater jugglers, and enjoy every one's long time favorite dixieland band, The Monomoy 6 .

Noise Parade and Bonfire

The Noise Parade is a major component of the First Night tradition. Children and adults parade through town wearing costumes and sounding the loudest noisemakers possible. Assemble at 6:30 pm at the Methodist Church on Main Street, amble around the rotary to Stage Harbor Road, and complete the route to the Oyster Pond beach. Local merchants are likely to have a full stock of lightsticks, hats, and noisemakers. At the Oyster Pond, a bonfire and sing along await the paraders to celebrate a fitting end to scheduled kid's events at First Night Chatham.

Cirque du Jour

A very entertaining circus that is always enjoyed by adults as well as children of any age! The Cirque du Jour features clowns, animals, aerialists, jugglers, and amazing feats that you will not believe. In the afternoon and evening at Chatham High School.

This is just the beginning of the festivities. Will let you know what music performances are available for your listening pleasure at a later date.