Beautifully lit Victorian houses, historic trolley rides, one of the best parades around, and unique shopping from small artists are what bring people to Cape May every Christmas as a special holiday tradition. Amazing events span from early November through the New Year, and Sole Cottage is open year round to help you enjoy your holiday stay! Here are some wonderful events to add to your calendar.
West Cape May Community Christmas Parade
This Christmas parade, in its 57th year, is Cape May's biggest event of the winter! It starts at the West Cape May Fire Hall and runs through Perry and Carpenter Streets.
Cape May City Tree Lighting
Located at the convention hall with a beautiful view of the beach, this is the city's official tree lighting. The night includes caroling and a visit from Santa!
Cape May MAC Christmas Events
Cape May MAC is a go-to resource for the museums, art and culture of Cape May, and they offer more Christmas themed events than anywhere else! If you love the historic element of Cape May, these events are not to be missed.
Christmas Tours & Exhibits
- Christmas Candlelight House Tours - These beloved tours have been offered for 50 years! A self-guided walking tour that showcases Cape May at Christmas, from traveling the historic streets, to hearing carolers and musicians, and visiting homes, inns, Bed and Breakfasts and hotels all decked out for the holidays.
- Physick Family Christmas Evening Yuletide House Tour - A guided tour of the first floor rooms of the Physick House Museum, authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas.
- Lamplighter Christmas Tour & Holiday Inns Tour - see inside some historic inns and private homes across Cape May, including Cape May Stage! Self guided.
- Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit - see a Dicken's village collection, trains and photos under the boughs of a beautiful Christmas tree.
- Winter Wonderwalk - the grounds of the Emlen Physick estate have been transformed into a winter wonderland! Self guided.
- Holiday Tree Lighting at the estate - see thousands of Christmas lights, along with a musical performance, as Santa lights the tree. Treats and hot chocolate will also be available for purchase.
Trolley Rides Around Cape May
Cape May MAC's Trolley Tours cover every interest and age range you can imagine, including very special ones to enliven the holiday spirit.
- Santa Trolley Tour - Mrs. Claus leads the tour and Santa joins her once you're back at the Physick Estate.
- Holiday Lights Trolley Tour - see the beautiful holiday light displays all throughout Cape May.
- Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Tour - Listen to stories of Victorian ghosts as you travel through the historic streets of Cape May.
- All That Glitters, Victorians Ring in the New Century Trolley Tour. Immerse yourself in Cape May social history.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!
- Breakfast with Santa at the historic Inn of Cape May
- Breakfast with Santa at historic Congress Hall
- Lunch with Santa at visitor favorite Elaine's Cape May
Congress Hall
Congress Hall is filled to the brim with holiday events for every age. Experience their train and carousel rides, holiday shopping at their vendor village and the beloved Breakfast with Santa.
Cape May Stage
Cape May Stage is known for its top-knotch performances, well-known actors and a beautiful historic theater. This holiday year they have a one-person event on the stage, One Christmas Carol and the comedic A Tuna Christmas.
Beach Plum Farm Dinners
In Beach Plum Farm's beautifully decorated hoop house, celebrate the season with a farm-to-table dinner featuring their pasture-raised turkeys, heritage pork, winter vegetables and fresh herbs. Start the gathering with a hayride around the farm, and finish with a gorgeous candlelit stroll through their Woodland Trail, with cocktail in hand!
Christmas Parties around Cape May
Elaine's Cape May has a few fun Christmas themed parties this year, including the Cousin Eddie party and annual Who-ville Party that is family friendly.