What’s that sound? Can you hear it? It’s the sound of sleigh bells. And you know what that means. It’s the 43rd West Cape May Christmas Parade coming your way December 6 starting at 5 p.m. in front of the West Cape May Borough Hall. The parade winds its way along Broadway and up West Perry Street toward Cape May, finishing at Carpenters Lane and Ocean Street. Generally the parade lasts about two hours and is worth every minute. Locals often fight for the perfect parade position. Friends you haven’t spoken to all year are suddenly at the top of your speed dial if they happen to own a house along the parade route. The Pilot House, which has that large dining annex facing Carpenters Lane is jammed pack that night with parade observers. So stake out your position early – don’t forget the judging stand by CVS, clearly the best view without shelter.

A couple of other events also begin Saturday, Dec. 6 like breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. at Aleathea’s at the Inn of Cape May and Cape May’s 35th annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours. It’s the 35th anniversary of Cape May’s oldest and most beloved holiday tour—the Christmas Candlelight House Tours, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). Experience the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas on the first Christmas Candlelight House Tour of the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Catch the spirit of the season on this self-guided tour as Christmas carolers and strolling musicians fill the streets of Cape May and homes, inns, B&B’s, and churches welcome tourgoers into the decorated interiors of their architectural gems, complete with all the trimmings and the chance to see collections of vintage holiday decorations.

Christmas Candlelight House Tours also include a visit to the Emlen Physick Estate at 1048 Washington St., Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, authentically decorated for the holidays, and “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit in the Carriage House Gallery, which features holiday traditions through the years complete with vintage Santas, model trains, trees, toys and more. For information on these tours as well as reserving your lunch (1:30 p.m.) with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 13 at Aleathea’s (The Inn of Cape May) contact MAC call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

Want to do something different? Do you like miniature trains? This holiday season come and see Canal Toy Trains, located at 1013 Batts Lane Cold Spring. This 28 ft. x 32 ft. layout of toy trains shows them in all scales as they travel through the villages Adventure Park. Get in the spirit. All are welcome. Bonus: It’s free. Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. until December 27 and 28th. For more information call 609-898-7776. Enjoy the family holiday fun. ChooChoo!!  The current Winter issue of Cape May Magazine features a closer look at the man behind Canal Toy Trains.

If you couldn’t make it down for the West Cape May Christmas Parade come on down the next weekend – or come both weekends – because Candlelight Hospitality Night on The Mall is December 10 and 11 from 7-9 p.m. Merchants on The Mall open their doors to offer customers – local and semi-local – hospitality and cheer. It’s a good time to see old friends and to help along a sluggish economy by patronizing independent shop owners.

Speaking of cheer, you came to the right town if you want to imbibe in style. You can begin with a Holiday Wine Tasting Dinner sponsored by MAC. Enjoy a five course dinner of holiday cuisine paired with little known varietal wines at the Mad Batter Restaurant on historic Jackson Street. 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 12. Limited to 60 people. Admission is $70. The next day, Saturday Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., you can attend cooking class and learn how to cook like the pros. Holiday Cooking Class and Lunch is also at the Mad Batter. Join the chef for a quick class on cooking for the holidays. Includes lunch at the famous restaurant. Limited to 30 people. Admission is $40.

The following weekend (Friday, December 19 through Sunday, December 21) MAC and the Washington Inn are offering one of their Spirited Cape May Weekends. Triple your enjoyment by combining a Wine Tasting Dinner, Winery Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class for a weekend of total indulgence. The weekend begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 with a four-course dinner at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St., with wines themed to the Sunday Wine School Class. Guests will be treated to individual attention from the wine steward. On Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m., visit the award-winning Cape May Winery for a tour of the vineyard, an introduction to the winemaker’s art, and a barrel tasting with cheese and fruit. On Sunday, Dec. 21, learn the finer points of fine wines at a 1 p.m. Wine School Class at the Washington Inn. The complete package is $125 per person.

Don’t have time for an entire weekend for wining? Cape May Wine School will be held Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Washington Inn from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy an informative class on judging and appreciating fine wines from around the world. $25 per person. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visitwww.capemaymac.org.

In the world of arts and entertainment, Cape May’s two equity performance theaters are still going strong. Cape May Stage presentsThis Wonderful Life by Steve Murray, Conceived by Mark Setlock. Share the hope and humor of Frank Capra’s adored Classic Christmas film It’s A Wonderful Life in this delightful stage adaptation. The plight of George Bailey is seen in a fresh light as one actor portrays Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter, and twenty more of Bedford Falls’ finest citizens. Make this heartwarming family experience a part of your holiday tradition this season. Shows run Wednesdays through Sundays at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at Bank and Lafayette Streets. Please call 609-884-1341 or visit www.capemaystage.com for more information.

East Lynne Theater Company presents the world premiere of O. Henry’s Christmas Stories. ELTC’s Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth portrays 20-plus roles as she spins O. Henry’s tales. For reservations please call 609-884-5898 or visitwww.eastlynnetheater.org for more information.

You can visit CapeMay.com’s events calendar for more detailed information on tours and special events, but hey, you don’t need a calendar to enjoy Cape May all you needs is a place to stay. From there find a cozy place to have dinner, a cocktail and settle in for some easy listening music – Aleathea’s at the Inn of Cape May, The Merion Inn on Decatur, The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel and The Brown Room at Congress Hall often offer musical entertainment on the weekends through the end of the year. Then take a walk about town. The Christmas decorations on The Mall, Jackson Street and Columbia Avenue are storybook-like in their warmth and quaintness. And don’t forget those spectacular sunsets – the colder the weather, the more beautiful they are.

So from all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!!!