Cape May transforms into an enchanting haven for a uniquely festive and historical Christmas celebration. Steeped in tradition and adorned with timeless Victorian charm, the charming city on the shores of the Atlantic invites visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season like no other destination.
From the iconic Christmas Candlelight House Tours, illuminating historic streets with the warm glow of gaslit lanterns, to the daytime allure of the Holiday Inns Tours, where landmark properties don festive garlands, bows, and trees, Cape May offers an unparalleled blend of yuletide joy and architectural splendor. The Lamplighter Christmas Tours enhance the city’s reputation as a wonderland, weaving through gaslit streets, unveiling bed & breakfast inns, and private homes adorned in holiday finery.
At the heart of Cape May’s enchanting Christmas celebration stands the crown jewel, the “Christmas Candlelight House Tours – 50th Year Celebration.” This landmark tour invites visitors to embark on a mesmerizing journey through time against the backdrop of Cape May’s gaslit streets. Participants explore a curated selection of homes, inns, B&Bs, churches, and hotels, each meticulously transformed into havens of holiday splendor. Stepping inside, guests are transported to a world where Victorian elegance mingles seamlessly with modern festive flair, resonating with the sounds of Christmas carols and the vivid joy of the season.
The magic of Christmas continues with the “Holiday Inns Tours,” an enchanting daytime exploration of landmark properties adorned with the festive spirit of the season. This self-guided tour beckons visitors to meander through Cape May’s charming streets, discovering the holiday allure emanating from each carefully decorated inn. Garland-draped facades, bows, and towering Christmas trees greet those eager to immerse themselves in the city’s festive charm. Armed with a ticket and a map, participants begin their journey at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, a portal to a world where historic properties come alive with the magic of the holidays.
After the sun dips below the horizon and Cape May’s gaslit street lights cast a warm glow, the magic of Christmas takes on a new dimension with the “Lamplighter Christmas Tours.” This evening adventure invites visitors to stroll through the heart of Cape May, where the gentle flicker of lanterns illuminates the way to enchanting discoveries. The Lamplighter Tours unfold as a self-guided walking experience, offering glimpses inside bed & breakfast inns and private homes adorned in holiday finery, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The tour culminates in a visit to the captivating “An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit” in the Carroll Gallery at the Physick Estate Carriage House, where the festive spirit of the season is immortalized in a display featuring a towering Christmas tree, model trains, and a captivating Dept. 56 Dickens village collection.
Indulge in the magic of the season with “Breakfast with Santa at Ocean 7,” where the Inn of Cape May welcomes families for a heartwarming breakfast, capturing memorable moments with Santa and festive wish-sharing. Santa’s charm continues on “Santa’s Trolley Ride,” as Mrs. Claus leads a jolly holiday trolley ride through town, filled with enchanting stories and holiday songs, culminating in a joyful visit from Santa at the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate.
Immerse yourself in the twinkling lights of Victorian homes on “Holiday Lights Trolley Rides,” where open-air trolleys traverse the historic district, providing a magical journey through beautifully adorned streets. Explore Christmas past with the “Physick Family Christmas House Tour,” a guided living history experience at the 1879 Physick Estate, transporting visitors to the Victorian era with tales and traditions. Finally, step into the “Evening Yuletide House Tour” at the 1879 Physick House Museum, where authentically decorated rooms evoke the spirit of a Victorian Christmas celebration, offering a glimpse into the elegant festivities of the Physick family.
These and other events like the “All That Glitters: Victorians Ring in a New Century Trolley Tour,” and the “Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride” with the East Lynne Theater Company, let you discover the diverse array of festive activities throughout the Christmas season.
The charm of gaslit streets, Victorian elegance, and a festive spirit of Cape May transcends time. The city’s Christmas is a celebration of warmth, joy, and timeless beauty. From the historic homes adorned with holiday splendor to the delightful festivities that fill the air, the city beckons you to savor the season’s magic. Come, be part of a cherished tradition and create lasting memories amidst the Victorian allure of Cape May’s Christmas celebration.
For More Information:
- Cape May MAC capemaymac.org or call 609-884-5404
- Cape May Historic Accommodations capemaylodging.com
- Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May 609-884-5508
