This Week in Ptown? How About Some Holly Folly?
Put a queer twist on your holiday traditions at Holly Folly, the nation's original LGBTQ+ holiday celebration and one of the only LGBTQ+ holiday festivals in the world. Holly Folly turns 25 this year and takes place December 2-4, 2022, in Provincetown, MA.
Holly Folly began in 1997 as an opportunity to gather and celebrate the holiday season with one's chosen family in Provincetown. Twenty-five years later, this three-day festival is bigger and queerer than ever, with stellar entertainment, great performance art, fine dining, and holiday shopping experiences from the truly unique shops, boutiques, and galleries that line Commercial Street. All weekend, shop local at end-of-season sales and savor holiday treats while you find gifts for everyone on your list.
Celebrate the holidays with two shows at Provincetown's Town Hall. Presented by the Crown & Anchor, the Holly Folly Follies on Friday, December 2 is a special holiday version of the “Provincetown Follies.” Many local iconic performers usher in the holiday season in true Provincetown style at this one-of-a-kind cabaret show featuring Thirsty Burlington, Jon Richardson, Qya Cristál, Mackenzie, Delta Miles, Liza Lott, Elle Emenopé, Bobby Wetherbee, Peter Donnelly and more. Proceeds from this show benefit the Summer of Sass and the Provincetown Business Guild.
Then on December 3, make your yuletide even gayer with “HUNG With Care.” This queer holiday burlesque spectacular has toured around New England for ten years and will make its Provincetown debut with a one-night-only show. Titillating audiences since 2012, this original, fully scripted show is a scintillating sleigh ride of festive classics. Featuring performances from premier cabaret artists with specialties ranging from burlesque, dance, and live singing to circus acts, drag, and more. This year's production is emceed by Storm Marrero, who served as the first Afro-Latina singing ringmaster for New York City's Big Apple Circus. After the show, join the HUNG With Care cast and your fellow attendees for HO!, a holiday dance and (long) underwear party at the Crown & Anchor.
Stroll about town for the Holly Folly Inn Stroll and enjoy holiday decor, wintery treats, and libations at Provincetown's most iconic Inns. Support Ptown's small businesses and galleries during the Holly Folly Shop Hop and the Holly Folly Gallery Stroll.
For the seventh year and running until New Year's, the year-round Ptown restaurant, the Canteen, transforms into the Canteen Holiday Market & Winter Lodge, a magical, cozy place to gather, enjoy holiday foods and drinks, and buy handcrafted goods from local artisans. Each day of the market, shop local vendors, ranging from local woodworkers & jewelers to painters, leatherworkers, and clothes makers. New this year is the Canteen Bakeshop & Pantry, featuring house-made pastries, candies, jams, and other treats to enjoy at the market or to give as holiday gifts. Also new this year is the Holiday Market extension. Shop more local vendors at the Crown & Anchor's courtyard.
Additional Holly Folly happenings include the Nutcracker's Ball at the Crown & Anchor's Vault, Tiny Beautiful Things at the Provincetown Theater, Whales and Wassail at the Center for Coastal Studies, the Fugly Sweater Party at the Harbour Lounge, the Anita Cocktail Variety Hour at the Post Office Cafe & Cabaret, the Jingle Bell Run and Brunch, the unauthorized parody: the Real Housewives of Provincetown at the Crown & Anchor, Madame's “Face for Radio” Holiday Hootenanny at Pilgrim House, and many more.
Over 30 events are happening during Holly Folly. Visit ptown.org/calendars/holly-folly for the full schedule and to purchase tickets for ticketed events.