Every year during Christmastime the quaint Victorian seaside resort town of Cape May, New Jersey becomes a scene straight out of a Dickens novel. The gingerbread cottages are decked with lights and garlands with candles in the windows. There is much to do and see in Cape May to get in the Christmas spirit. Here are some of the best Christmas happenings around town.
Christmas Trees
There are three major trees to see in Cape May – one at Congress Hall, one at the Emlen Physick Estate, and the Cape May City tree at Rotary Park. Lighting ceremonies are held for each tree early in the season.
West Cape May Christmas Parade
On the first Saturday evening in December, West Cape May hosts its annual Christmas parade full of decorated fire engines and boats, local high school marching bands, dance performances, Mummers, and the jolly ol’ guy himself riding atop the West Cape May fire engine. The parade starts in West Cape May with performances in front of the West End Garage, then proceeds through Cape May city with another performance area at the intersection of Decatur Street and Carpenters Lane. Some shops and bars along the parade route do special food and drink for the parade – Fin’s Bar & Grille vends hot adult beverages on the corner at Decatur. Just make sure you get to the parade route early to set up your chair if you want a good spot. And bundle up!
Shopping
Cape May is full of small, independently owned shops, so it’s the perfect place to shop small and find unique gifts for family and friends, with great deals especially on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. The shops of the Washington Street Mall come together to host Hospitality Nights on select nights in December, offering treats to shoppers as they wander.
Christmas Candlelight House Tours
On a few select nights throughout the season, over 20 homes, inns, and churches open their doors for visitors to see their interiors decorated for Christmas. A few stops serve as hospitality stations, providing refreshments for visitors along the way. For a Cape May wanderer, the Candlelight Tours are a perfect opportunity to finally see the interior of your favorite houses you’ve been admiring from the street for so long.
The Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate is included with your ticket to the Candlelight House Tours. It’s always beautifully decorated and offers an educational glimpse at Victorian Christmas traditions. Be sure not to miss the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House with its elaborate Dickens Village display!
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
Every year Congress Hall turns into a Winter Wonderland where you can shop a vendor village for the perfect gift or warm up with a tasty treat. Kiddos can ride the merry-go-round or a train that does a loop around the lawn.
Merry Christmas to all from C to Shining C!
C to Shining C 
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