A Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Greater Cape Ann Tourism
The holiday season has long been an eventful time for Cape Ann’s tourism community, and in recent years, we have seen an increasing number of activities during November and December. The Greater Cape Ann Chamber Tourism Council used its December 15 meeting to review the calendar of holiday events in 2023 – those that took place early in the season and those coming up in the weeks ahead – and their impact on our visitor-based economy.
Among the highlights was the December 9 lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree, which was moved to Solomon Jacob’s Park. Maritime Gloucester reported that the 2023 lighting was immensely successful – and others agreed. An article in the Washington Post called out the Lobster Trap Tree as one of the most interesting in the US, and Channel 4 Boston did a Christmastime report on the holiday celebrations at Hammond Castle.
The Lobster Trap Tree lighting coincided with the Middle Street Walk, another important holiday tradition. Looking beyond Gloucester, the Crane Estate noted that a “sip and shop” event was very successful, and Discover Gloucester provided an update on the popular Cape Ann Winter Lights campaign.
These and other holiday activities – including shopping nights, tree lightings, and Santa sightings – attract both Cape residents and visitors to Greater Cape Ann. These holiday happenings remind us that Cape Ann is a great place for tourism throughout the winter months. The Council reviewed some of the plans for the coming winter season, as well as spring and early summer. This included Gloucester So Salty, scheduled for January 20-21; a Pride Month event, being discussed for June, and several arts and culture activities. The Cape Ann Museum expressed excitement about plans for January 2024 Gloucester So Salty, which will include ice sculptures and other activities and specials in conjunction with a growing number of partners and supporters. Looking back, the museum also reported on a high point from 2023: the groundbreaking Hopper exhibit, which drew more than 36,000 visitors.
The Council discussed other recent developments – including the initial opening of The Cut – and plans and opportunities for 2024 and beyond.
We’ll review these and other tourism topics in future Council meetings, and we invite anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy to join our monthly meetings. We gather on the third Friday of each month at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices — and via Zoom. If you’d like to be part of these discussions, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com