CHRISTMAS AT THE JERSEY CAPE:
Dreaming of a coastal Christmas? Before the first chill touches the dunes and long before the season’s rush begins, the Jersey Cape is already humming with holiday magic. Beginning November 21, the shoreline awakens– one charming town at a time – stringing lights along shore town streets, trimming Victorian porches with garlands, and welcoming visitors with cocoa sweet air and the promise of traditions old and new. Santa himself can’t resist a getaway here, popping up from Cape May to Ocean City like a seasoned traveler who knows where the best holiday memories are made. This is the time when the sea meets the season, when every wave seems to carry a whisper of carols, and when each town along the Cape becomes its own little storybook
CAPE MAY: A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WRAPPED IN SIX WEEKS OF WONDER: (Nov. 21–Jan. 1, 2027)
If the holidays had a hometown, Cape May might be it. For six full weeks, America’s oldest seaside resort transforms into a living snow globe—complete with gingerbread architecture, strolling carolers, and gas lamps casting their golden glow on horse drawn trolleys. Step into the opulent Emlen Physick Estate, dressed in 1890s finery, and you’ll feel as though you’ve slipped into a Dickens novel. Trolley rides glide past glowing porches, candlelight tours reveal dazzling private homes, and Mrs. Claus herself pours tea for visitors. Craft fairs, wine events, and Victorian celebrations fill the calendar, making every night feel like Christmas Eve. 609 -884 -5404 or 800 -275 -4278. www.capemaymac.org
OCEAN CITY: A DOWNTOWN THAT SHINES ALL SEASON: (Nov. 21–Jan. 1, 2027)
Along Asbury Avenue, more than 100 shops and cafés turn the holidays into an art form. Window displays sparkle. Hot drinks steam in mittened hands. And throughout the season, “Downtown for the Holidays” brings shopping events, carriage rides, and small town charm to the heart of this beloved coastal community. www.oceancityvacation.com
RISE BEFORE THE ROOSTER: “EARLIER THAN THE BIRD”: (Nov. 21)
Ocean City kicks off the season before sunrise with pajama clad shoppers chasing irresistible early bird deals. It’s cozy, quirky, and full of festive spirit—proof that holiday magic belongs as much to the whimsical as to the traditional. 8am - Noon. www.oceancityvacation.com
HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES ON ASBURY AVENUE: Nov. 21; Nov. 27–29; Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20)
On select weekends, Asbury transforms into Ocean City’s very own holiday boulevard. Carriage bells echo through the crisp air, Santa appears for photos, and every shopfront seems to twinkle a little brighter. Noon - 3pm. www.oceancityvacation.com
STONE HARBOR’S ISLAND HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Nov. 27–28)
A pet parade down the main street. A tree lighting that gathers the whole town. A festive dash, a beloved parade, and warm welcomes spilling from local shops. It’s small town holiday magic at its purest. www.StoneHarborChamber.com
SEA ISLE CITY’S WINTER VILLAGE: (Nov. 27–28)
For two days, Excursion Park becomes a children’s winter playground—bounce houses, balloon art, face painting, and, of course, Santa holding court as little ones whisper their wishes. www.seaislechamber.com
AVALON’S FESTIVE FRIDAY: (Nov. 27)
Once Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, Avalon flips the switch on the season. Dune Drive fills with music, performances, and shops dressed in their holiday best. www.visitavalonnj.com
SEA ISLE CITY’S TREE LIGHTING & SANTA’S ARRIVAL: (Nov. 27)
Crowds gather at Excursion Park for that hushed moment when the tree comes alive with light—and moments later, Santa arrives to kick off the season. www.visitsicnj.com
SNOWFEST SATURDAY IN AVALON: (Nov. 28)
Return for more holiday cheer: special shopping, Santa photos, climbing walls, carnival rides, and enough children’s activities to make even the grown ups grin. www.visitavalonnj.com
WILDWOODS HOLIDAY SHOPPING VILLAGE: (Nov. 28)
Byrne Plaza becomes an artisanal marketplace beneath the winter sky. Local makers, bakers, jewelers, and artists gather as music drifts through the crowd. A completely outdoor shopping experience. Byrne Plaza will be transformed into a holiday shopping village with live entertainment and music, raffles and more. Dozens of local small business vendors will be on hand for you to purchase the perfect holiday gift. Start a new tradition and bring the family. 10:30am - 3pm. www.wildwoods.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE HANGAR, NASW MUSEUM, CAPE MAY COUNTY AIRPORT: (Nov. 28)
Inside Historic Hangar #1, families sip cocoa, nibble cookies, listen to live music, and explore aviation history dressed up for the holidays. It’s free, festive, and full of surprises. 10 am - 4 pm. www.usnasw.org
THE WILDWOODS: FIVE WEEKENDS OF HOLIDAY CHEER: (Nov. 28–Dec. 21)
Bonfires that crackle under the stars. Parades that wind through glowing streets. Light shows, craft fairs, tree lightings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s a season long celebration of family, joy, and seaside tradition. www.WildwoodHoliday.com
WEST CAPE MAY CHRISTMAS PARADE: (Dec. 5)
For 57 years, this nighttime parade has been a holiday rite of passage. Floats, bands, and twinkling lights parade through town as spectators bundled in scarves cheer them on. www.westcapemay.us
FESTIVE FRIDAYS ON ASBURY AVENUE IN OCEAN CITY: (Dec. 11 & 18)
Asbury Avenue sparkles beneath thousands of lights while merchants greet shoppers with holiday specials and a warm coastal spirit. www.oceancityvacation.com
SEA ISLE CITY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE & FIREWORKS: (Dec. 31)
Ring in the new year at the new Community Center, then head to the beach for an 8 p.m. fireworks display that lights up the winter shoreline. www.visitsicnj.com
FIRST NIGHT & FIRST DAY IN OCEAN CITY: (Dec. 31–Jan. 1)
A beloved tradition, First Night offers a full evening of entertainment leading to midnight fireworks. The next morning, celebrate with bargain shopping, the First Day 5K, and the brisk, beloved First Day at the Beach. www.oceancityvacation.com
CAPE MAY: A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WRAPPED IN SIX WEEKS OF WONDER: (Nov. 21–Jan. 1, 2027)
If the holidays had a hometown, Cape May might be it. For six full weeks, America’s oldest seaside resort transforms into a living snow globe—complete with gingerbread architecture, strolling carolers, and gas lamps casting their golden glow on horse drawn trolleys. Step into the opulent Emlen Physick Estate, dressed in 1890s finery, and you’ll feel as though you’ve slipped into a Dickens novel. Trolley rides glide past glowing porches, candlelight tours reveal dazzling private homes, and Mrs. Claus herself pours tea for visitors. Craft fairs, wine events, and Victorian celebrations fill the calendar, making every night feel like Christmas Eve. 609 -884 -5404 or 800 -275 -4278. www.capemaymac.org
OCEAN CITY: A DOWNTOWN THAT SHINES ALL SEASON: (Nov. 21–Jan. 1, 2027)
Along Asbury Avenue, more than 100 shops and cafés turn the holidays into an art form. Window displays sparkle. Hot drinks steam in mittened hands. And throughout the season, “Downtown for the Holidays” brings shopping events, carriage rides, and small town charm to the heart of this beloved coastal community. www.oceancityvacation.com
RISE BEFORE THE ROOSTER: “EARLIER THAN THE BIRD”: (Nov. 21)
Ocean City kicks off the season before sunrise with pajama clad shoppers chasing irresistible early bird deals. It’s cozy, quirky, and full of festive spirit—proof that holiday magic belongs as much to the whimsical as to the traditional. 8am - Noon. www.oceancityvacation.com
HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES ON ASBURY AVENUE: Nov. 21; Nov. 27–29; Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20)
On select weekends, Asbury transforms into Ocean City’s very own holiday boulevard. Carriage bells echo through the crisp air, Santa appears for photos, and every shopfront seems to twinkle a little brighter. Noon - 3pm. www.oceancityvacation.com
STONE HARBOR’S ISLAND HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Nov. 27–28)
A pet parade down the main street. A tree lighting that gathers the whole town. A festive dash, a beloved parade, and warm welcomes spilling from local shops. It’s small town holiday magic at its purest. www.StoneHarborChamber.com
SEA ISLE CITY’S WINTER VILLAGE: (Nov. 27–28)
For two days, Excursion Park becomes a children’s winter playground—bounce houses, balloon art, face painting, and, of course, Santa holding court as little ones whisper their wishes. www.seaislechamber.com
AVALON’S FESTIVE FRIDAY: (Nov. 27)
Once Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, Avalon flips the switch on the season. Dune Drive fills with music, performances, and shops dressed in their holiday best. www.visitavalonnj.com
SEA ISLE CITY’S TREE LIGHTING & SANTA’S ARRIVAL: (Nov. 27)
Crowds gather at Excursion Park for that hushed moment when the tree comes alive with light—and moments later, Santa arrives to kick off the season. www.visitsicnj.com
SNOWFEST SATURDAY IN AVALON: (Nov. 28)
Return for more holiday cheer: special shopping, Santa photos, climbing walls, carnival rides, and enough children’s activities to make even the grown ups grin. www.visitavalonnj.com
WILDWOODS HOLIDAY SHOPPING VILLAGE: (Nov. 28)
Byrne Plaza becomes an artisanal marketplace beneath the winter sky. Local makers, bakers, jewelers, and artists gather as music drifts through the crowd. A completely outdoor shopping experience. Byrne Plaza will be transformed into a holiday shopping village with live entertainment and music, raffles and more. Dozens of local small business vendors will be on hand for you to purchase the perfect holiday gift. Start a new tradition and bring the family. 10:30am - 3pm. www.wildwoods.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE HANGAR, NASW MUSEUM, CAPE MAY COUNTY AIRPORT: (Nov. 28)
Inside Historic Hangar #1, families sip cocoa, nibble cookies, listen to live music, and explore aviation history dressed up for the holidays. It’s free, festive, and full of surprises. 10 am - 4 pm. www.usnasw.org
THE WILDWOODS: FIVE WEEKENDS OF HOLIDAY CHEER: (Nov. 28–Dec. 21)
Bonfires that crackle under the stars. Parades that wind through glowing streets. Light shows, craft fairs, tree lightings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s a season long celebration of family, joy, and seaside tradition. www.WildwoodHoliday.com
WEST CAPE MAY CHRISTMAS PARADE: (Dec. 5)
For 57 years, this nighttime parade has been a holiday rite of passage. Floats, bands, and twinkling lights parade through town as spectators bundled in scarves cheer them on. www.westcapemay.us
FESTIVE FRIDAYS ON ASBURY AVENUE IN OCEAN CITY: (Dec. 11 & 18)
Asbury Avenue sparkles beneath thousands of lights while merchants greet shoppers with holiday specials and a warm coastal spirit. www.oceancityvacation.com
SEA ISLE CITY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE & FIREWORKS: (Dec. 31)
Ring in the new year at the new Community Center, then head to the beach for an 8 p.m. fireworks display that lights up the winter shoreline. www.visitsicnj.com
FIRST NIGHT & FIRST DAY IN OCEAN CITY: (Dec. 31–Jan. 1)
A beloved tradition, First Night offers a full evening of entertainment leading to midnight fireworks. The next morning, celebrate with bargain shopping, the First Day 5K, and the brisk, beloved First Day at the Beach. www.oceancityvacation.com
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Cape May County
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Cape May County
800-227-2297
Interested in advertising with us?
Find out why advertising in the Vacationer is so different from your other choices.
Rate Card here
Contact our sales staff here