Cape May loves Christmas. Everywhere you look there are twinkling lights. The calendar is full of special events. Even Santa Claus makes time during his busy holiday schedule to visit Cape May, New Jersey before Christmas.
Holiday Lights: The Cape May historic district lights up the night with holiday decor.
Simply being in Cape May in the month leading up to Christmas is sure to bring a sense of joy and wonder. You can expect homes and businesses to turn on their lights in time for the annual Christmas Parade (held the first Saturday in December) and leave the lights on until the new year. The historic district has been designated a National Historic Landmark because of the wealth of late-Victorian-era architecture. The well-preserved buildings in town are beautiful any time of year. Add holiday lights and you have a recipe for magic. Grab some hot chocolate and stroll through town.
Special Events: The holiday events calendar for Cape May is full is fun activities.
- The Physick Estate kicks off the holiday season in Cape May on November 23, 2024. The first floor of the estate will be decorated and open for free self-guided tours. The John Walter Cape Community Band will perform at 5:30 pm. Santa will light the tree at 7 pm. Two organizations will be accepting donations during the event. The Cape May Community Food Closet will be accepting non-perishable food items and Toys for Tots will be collecting toys for children.
- The West Cape May Christmas Parade has been held on the first Saturday in December since 1968. The parade starts at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse at 5 pm on December 7, 2024. Grab a spot on the curb and cheer as lighted floats pass by. Many shops will have extended hours to coincide with the parade.
- Congress Hall transforms each year into a Winter Wonderland complete with winter decor, an Enchanted Vendor Village on the lawn, a carousel, and breakfast with Santa. The event runs Friday, November 29, 2024 until Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
- ‘Tis the Season: The Christmas Caper gives attendees the opportunity to meet characters in a mystery as they explore the 1879 Physick House Museum. Will you figure out what happened to an heirloom necklace before the family Christmas party is ruined. This event occurs on select Wednesday and Friday evenings.
House Tours: Be part of a Cape May tradition that has spanned half a century.
For the past 51 years, an average of 12-20 private homes, churches, bed and breakfast inns, and hotels have opened their doors to let everyone experience the magic of Christmas beauty. The Christmas Candlelight House Tour is a self-guided walking tour in the historic district. A majority of the properties on the tour are within a ¾-square-mile area and most participants are able to tour approximately six locations in an evening. There will be many outdoor decorations to enjoy as you stroll from location to location. This is truly a unique way to explore inside some historic homes while celebrating the Christmas spirit. This year, the event will take place on December 7, 14, and 21. Each event is a Saturday and the locations are open 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm. This is Cape May’s longest running and most popular Christmas tour so advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended.
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) has posted 12 tips to make the most of your Cape May Candlelight House Tour.
Other local holiday tours include:
- Several bed and breakfasts and private homes open their doors on specific afternoons in December for visitors to explore their holiday decorations. Bring your ticket to the Washington Street Mall Information Booth to receive a map for your self-guided tour.
- The Lamplighter Christmas Walking Tour occurs on Friday evenings in December. The evening walking tour of private homes and inns includes access to An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Physick Estate Carriage House.
- The Evening Yuletide House Tour is a guided living history tour of the Physick Estate. The Physick Family lived in the estate during the early 1900s. The guide will share stories and information about traditions celebrated by the family. The tour includes a visit to the Carroll Gallery.
Trolley Rides: Enjoy the holiday lights from an iconic Cape May Trolley.
When you visit Cape May you are sure to see red and green trolleys as you walk through town. The trolleys have knowledgeable guides and they are a great way to get a taste of all that Cape May has to offer. They are especially helpful for first time visitors. During the Christmas season, they add special trolley rides so that visitors and locals can see the bounty of holiday lights throughout town. The trolleys are open-air so blankets and warm clothing are recommended.
- The Holiday Lights Trolley Ride traverses Victorian Cape May and riders listen to holiday music while passing by all the twinkling lights.
- Claus shares stories and leads holidays songs on Santa’s Trolley Rides. This ride starts and ends at the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate where Santa himself joins in the fun at the gazebo.
- The Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride is like a combination of Halloween and Christmas. Hear tales of Christmas and ghostly appearances.
- The All That Glitters Trolley Tour regales riders with tales of Cape Island during the Victorian age.
Special Performances: Do not miss these special Christmas performances in Cape May.
- You could say that the Cape May Christas season starts on November 20 with the first performance of The Gift of the Magi at Cape May Stage. The world premiere play is based on O. Henry’s short story with the same name. In this version, a young couple in love is having a difficult time deciding how to spend money for Christmas. The play runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees until December 29, 2024.
- Abigail Rockwell will be performing on Sunday, December 15 at Cape May Stage. Ms. Rockwell is a jazz singer and songwriter; she is also the granddaughter of the popular painter Norman Rockwell. A Norman Rockwell – Bedford Falls Christmas will feature original music and holiday classics. This exclusive performance is part of the Cape May Stage 2024 Broadway Concert Series.
