CHRISTMAS IN CAPE MAY: Nov. 21, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026
CHRISTMAS IN CAPE MAY: Nov. 21, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027: There is no better place to capture the magic of the holiday season than Victorian Cape May. Each year, America’s original seaside resort transforms into a living Dickens Village, where garlands of fresh evergreens drape over gingerbread-trimmed porches, gaslights glow softly along historic streets, and the scent of pine and crisp ocean air mingle in the winter breeze. Visitors are invited to step into a world where the charm of the past meets the warmth of timeless holiday traditions. For full details, visit www.capemaymac.org
Cape May at Christmastime is truly breathtaking. The entire town becomes a celebration in itself: glowing wreaths on every door, twinkling lights that reflect off Victorian architecture, and festive décor that brings whole neighborhoods to life. Holiday tours and events begin the weekend before Thanksgiving and continue through New Year’s Day, offering six full weeks of activities for families, couples, and holiday enthusiasts. The season officially begins on November 21 with Santa’s arrival and the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony during Holiday Preview Weekend, November 20–22.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 21
The kickoff to Cape May’s holiday season takes place at the Emlen Physick Estate, beautifully adorned for Christmas. Festive music performed by the Atlantic Brass Band fills the air as Santa arrives to switch on the holiday lights, illuminating the grand historic property in a warm seasonal glow.
Christmas Candlelight House Tours: December 5, 12, 19
A beloved tradition since 1973, this tour invites guests to explore Cape May by night as they stroll gaslit streets and visit more than a dozen historic homes, inns, churches, and hotels. Inside, visitors experience lavish Victorian Christmas décor, glowing fireplaces, and the nostalgic spirit of holidays long past. For those who prefer to enjoy the experience from home, a virtual video version is also available for purchase.
VISIT THE 1879 PHYSICK HOUSE MUSEUM FOR A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS:
Physick Family Christmas House Tour: The Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, becomes the centerpiece of the holidays, connecting its storied past with one of the 19th century’s most influential events.
The 2026 Physick Estate Tour, The World on Display: The Centennial and Everyday Life, explores how the 1876 Centennial Exposition shaped the world in which the Physick family lived, drawing more than ten million visitors to its groundbreaking displays. Step inside Cape May’s 1879 Victorian House Museum and discover how this landmark event transformed everyday life, culture, and technology – an impact still felt today.
Evening Yuletide House Tours: Take a guided, first-person living history holiday tour of the first-floor rooms of the 1879 Physick Estate, beautifully decorated in authentic Victorian style for Christmas as your guide portrays a Physick family member from the early 1900s. Your visit also includes the Carroll Gallery’s “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit, featuring a towering tree, model trains, and an elaborate Dept. 56 Dickens Village display..
VISIT CAPE MAY INNS AND HOMES:
Lamplighter Christmas Tour: This evening walking tour showcases a selection of Cape May’s historic inns and private homes, each featuring its own unique holiday décor. Visitors also enjoy entry to the Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Physick Estate Carriage House.
Holiday Inns Tour: During this self-guided afternoon tour, guests explore several of Cape May’s B&Bs at their festive best, traveling between locations via a continuous trolley shuttle.
TAKE A HOLIDAY TROLLEY RIDE OR TROLLEY TOUR:
Holiday Lights Trolley Ride: Christmas music, stories of Victorian holiday traditions, and the glow of festive lights create a memorable ride through Cape May’s historic district.
Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride: Step on board for an enchanting evening trolley ride through historic Cape May during the Christmas season. Hear captivating tales of old-time Christmases, surprising Santa arrivals, ghostly holiday encounters, Victorian games, and more as you travel the beautifully lit streets.
All That Glitters: Victorians Ring in a New Century Trolley Tour: This interactive tour transports visitors to Cape May in 1899 as preparations unfold for the biggest party of the coming century, complete with a visit to the Physick Estate.
ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN:
Santa’s Trolley Ride: Led by Mrs. Claus herself, this joyful ride features storytelling, carols, and a special visit with Santa at the Physick Estate’s festively decorated Gazebo.
Breakfast with Santa: Families enjoy a cheerful breakfast with Santa, complete with photos, conversations, and time for sharing holiday wish lists. Space is limited for this popular event.
Cape May Lighthouse: Visitors can climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse for a breathtaking winter view of the ocean and surrounding holiday scenery.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: This free exhibit captures the nostalgia of Christmas through the years with a towering tree, a Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, vintage photos, and classic toys.
PLUS:
Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Show: November 28. Along with these signature events, Cape May hosts a variety of additional tours, performances, and activities throughout the season.
Cape May at Christmastime is truly breathtaking. The entire town becomes a celebration in itself: glowing wreaths on every door, twinkling lights that reflect off Victorian architecture, and festive décor that brings whole neighborhoods to life. Holiday tours and events begin the weekend before Thanksgiving and continue through New Year’s Day, offering six full weeks of activities for families, couples, and holiday enthusiasts. The season officially begins on November 21 with Santa’s arrival and the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony during Holiday Preview Weekend, November 20–22.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 21
The kickoff to Cape May’s holiday season takes place at the Emlen Physick Estate, beautifully adorned for Christmas. Festive music performed by the Atlantic Brass Band fills the air as Santa arrives to switch on the holiday lights, illuminating the grand historic property in a warm seasonal glow.
Christmas Candlelight House Tours: December 5, 12, 19
A beloved tradition since 1973, this tour invites guests to explore Cape May by night as they stroll gaslit streets and visit more than a dozen historic homes, inns, churches, and hotels. Inside, visitors experience lavish Victorian Christmas décor, glowing fireplaces, and the nostalgic spirit of holidays long past. For those who prefer to enjoy the experience from home, a virtual video version is also available for purchase.
VISIT THE 1879 PHYSICK HOUSE MUSEUM FOR A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS:
Physick Family Christmas House Tour: The Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, becomes the centerpiece of the holidays, connecting its storied past with one of the 19th century’s most influential events.
The 2026 Physick Estate Tour, The World on Display: The Centennial and Everyday Life, explores how the 1876 Centennial Exposition shaped the world in which the Physick family lived, drawing more than ten million visitors to its groundbreaking displays. Step inside Cape May’s 1879 Victorian House Museum and discover how this landmark event transformed everyday life, culture, and technology – an impact still felt today.
Evening Yuletide House Tours: Take a guided, first-person living history holiday tour of the first-floor rooms of the 1879 Physick Estate, beautifully decorated in authentic Victorian style for Christmas as your guide portrays a Physick family member from the early 1900s. Your visit also includes the Carroll Gallery’s “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit, featuring a towering tree, model trains, and an elaborate Dept. 56 Dickens Village display..
VISIT CAPE MAY INNS AND HOMES:
Lamplighter Christmas Tour: This evening walking tour showcases a selection of Cape May’s historic inns and private homes, each featuring its own unique holiday décor. Visitors also enjoy entry to the Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Physick Estate Carriage House.
Holiday Inns Tour: During this self-guided afternoon tour, guests explore several of Cape May’s B&Bs at their festive best, traveling between locations via a continuous trolley shuttle.
TAKE A HOLIDAY TROLLEY RIDE OR TROLLEY TOUR:
Holiday Lights Trolley Ride: Christmas music, stories of Victorian holiday traditions, and the glow of festive lights create a memorable ride through Cape May’s historic district.
Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride: Step on board for an enchanting evening trolley ride through historic Cape May during the Christmas season. Hear captivating tales of old-time Christmases, surprising Santa arrivals, ghostly holiday encounters, Victorian games, and more as you travel the beautifully lit streets.
All That Glitters: Victorians Ring in a New Century Trolley Tour: This interactive tour transports visitors to Cape May in 1899 as preparations unfold for the biggest party of the coming century, complete with a visit to the Physick Estate.
ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN:
Santa’s Trolley Ride: Led by Mrs. Claus herself, this joyful ride features storytelling, carols, and a special visit with Santa at the Physick Estate’s festively decorated Gazebo.
Breakfast with Santa: Families enjoy a cheerful breakfast with Santa, complete with photos, conversations, and time for sharing holiday wish lists. Space is limited for this popular event.
Cape May Lighthouse: Visitors can climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse for a breathtaking winter view of the ocean and surrounding holiday scenery.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: This free exhibit captures the nostalgia of Christmas through the years with a towering tree, a Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, vintage photos, and classic toys.
PLUS:
Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Show: November 28. Along with these signature events, Cape May hosts a variety of additional tours, performances, and activities throughout the season.
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Tourism Information:
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