If you’re lucky enough to be with us here in Cape May for the holiday season, you are in for a whole lot of magical. There are some things you’ll definitely want to add to your list of things to do, and here they are:

Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Tree Lighting Ceremonies are taking place on two different nights at a few different locations.

First, we have the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Elmen Physick Estate on Saturday November 17th from 7pm-9pm. Refreshments will be served, and special guests such as Santa and Dr. Physick will be in attendance! Guests may also enjoy a self-guided tour of the Physick Estate from 6pm-8pm at no charge! Santa will arrive at 7pm to light up the tree, so be sure to get there with plenty of time! Presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).

Second, we have the City of Cape May Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 30th at 7pm. Taking place in Rotary Park, the program will welcome the Lower Cape May Regional High School choir, some caroling, and of course a visit from Santa! Cape May City officials,  representatives for the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May and Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities will also participate in the ceremony.

Lastly, on Friday November 30th there will be a Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert on the Grand Lawn of Congress Hall. This tree lighting also kicks off Congress Hall’s 2018 Winter Wonderland, which is a festive group of events. Be sure to plan your visit to the Grand Lawn of Congress Hall to see its transformation from summertime resort to holiday spectacular.

The 53rd Annual West Cape May Christmas Parade

After we kick off the season with the tree lighting, the annual West Cape May Christmas Parade is next! The Annual West Cape May Community Christmas Parade is ready to spread the holiday cheer on Saturday, December 1st at 5pm (rain date is December 2nd). This year is the 53rd annual Christmas Parade, and each year a group of volunteers puts together a show to remember! The parade begins at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse at 5pm, marches down South on Broadway, turns East on Perry, and winds onto Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May. Don’t miss this fun night out on the town!

Spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Breakfast With Santa is something the kids always look forward to! Santa will be visiting Congress Hall’s Grand Ballroom every Saturday and Sunday from November 24-December 23. This breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, bacon, fruit, buttermilk pancakes, sweet treats, and much more! Parents, don’t forget your cameras. Kids, don’t forget your Christmas lists! Call 609-884-6542 to make reservations.

Also hosting Breakfast with Santa is the Inn of Cape May. This will be a morning of fun for the whole family! Enjoy a breakfast buffet and visit with Santa on Saturday, November 24 from 10am-11:30am at Alethea’s Restaurant located at the Inn of Cape May. Christmas lists are encouraged! Buffet for adults is $18, children ages 3-12 are $12, and children under age 3 are $5. For reservations, please call Aleathea’s Restaurant at 609-884-5555.

Congress Hall is also hosting Dinner with the Clauses in the Grand Ballroom on Fridays, December 7, 14, and 21. Join Blue the Pig and many other Congress Hall folks to prepare for the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus! Sing some of your favorite Christmas carols and treat yourself to a delightful three-course meal. Call 609-884-6542 to make reservations.

For something interactive, try Gingerbread Decorating with Mrs. Claus on weekends in December at Congress Hall. Visit their website for more information. Call 609-884-6542 for reservations or visit their website.

And Father Christmas will be at the Whale’s Tale on Sunday, December 2 from 1-4pm. He’ll pose for photos and sign gifts.

Catch a show

The Santaland Diaries: A David Sedaris Play will be performed on Thursdays-Sundays, November 30-December 28 in the Congress Hall Harrison Room. Cape May stage will be assisting in this wonderful production, and it is sure to spread the holiday cheer! A struggling young writer takes a job as a Christmas elf at Macy’s in New York City. Get your holiday in high gear with this hilarious one-man show! $39 for lunch and the show, or $59 for dinner and the show. $25 for general admission tickets to the show. Call 609-770-8311 for tickets and more information.

The East Lynne Theatre Company will be performing O’Henry’s Christmas Tales this holiday season on November 23 and 24, December 2, 6, 7, and 8 at 8pm. There will also be a Saturday Matinee show on December 8 at 2pm. An American classic Christmas story adapted and performed by  Gayle Stahlhuth, this is a show you won’t want to miss! For tickets and information, call 609-884-5898 or visit their website.

Explore Winter Wonderland

Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland is completed with festive holiday decorations throughout the month of December, along with the Congress Hall Express and Carousel, their Holiday Shopping Village including over 15 vendors, Crafts in Santa’s Workshop, Gingerbread Decorating and Story Time with Mrs. Claus, as well as Holiday Ceramics! It sure sounds like enough to keep you and the family entertained!

Happy Holidays!