The Second Season in Cape May County NJ is an experience
Cape May County, New Jersey, comes alive in the fall and winter with a vibrant lineup of special events that celebrate the season’s charm, local culture, and coastal beauty. From historic reenactments to food festivals, car shows, and Oktoberfest celebrations, the county offers something for every age and interest.
As the summer crowds thin and the air turns crisp, the region transforms into a festive playground. Whether you’re a local looking to savor the season or a visitor planning a weekend escape, the county offers a dynamic mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.
Winter in Cape May County, with events like the Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods draws brave souls to the icy Atlantic for charity. New Year’s celebrations often include fireworks and themed parties at local venues. Even in the colder months, the Jersey Cape maintains a welcoming vibe, offering a slower pace and a chance to connect with the community in a more personal way. Whether you’re bundled up for a beach walk or dancing at a winter gala, the second season here has its own kind of magic.
When the summer crowds fade, Ocean City transforms into a cozy coastal haven bursting with seasonal charm. Autumn brings vibrant festivals, pumpkin picking and events including the Airport Festival and Parachute Pyrotechnic Show in September, the Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show in mid-September, the Fall Block Party in October, and by October’s end, Dog Days on the Boardwalk and the Halloween Parade, and a festive Christmas in the Downtown celebration begins in November. This celebration features Santa being rescued from the roof of city hall by a fire department ladder truck.
The year concludes with the family friendly First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve on December 31 and the First Day at the Beach on January 1. For more details on all events, visit www.oceancityvacation.com or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
As you enjoy an endless summer in Sea Isle, make plans to check out the Fall Family Festival Weekend featuring a vendors’ market, kids art and games, and the fall antique auto show. When the leaves start to change, Sea Isle plans to host a weekend full of all things fall. Join in the spooky fun during the Halloween Parade and Dance Party in October, then make plans to check out the Harvest Classic featuring live music, pumpkin decorating, crafts for the kids, and a Scarecrow Contest throughout the business district!
Next is the Fall Girls Weekend, which is sure to bring fantastic deals across participating restaurants and boutiques in November 21-23. While shopping, attendees have the chance to bid on beautifully decorated wreaths at participating businesses in the annual Holiday Wreath Auction & Contest.
Thanksgiving weekend is always big in Sea Isle City. Dive into local shopping with fantastic deals during Shop Small Weekend and stand a chance to win a prize from the Chamber of Commerce. Don’t miss the festive Tree Lighting at Excursion Park, where you can shop and dine at the Winter Village. Enjoy bounce houses, holiday crafts, live performances, a bustling shopping village, a food court, and even a visit from Santa for memorable family photos.
The most wonderful time of the year also brings two more popular events in Sea Isle. Family and Friends Night in early December features extended shopping hours at the local stores. Stop by a local restaurant for gift card specials, cross items off your shopping list, and enjoy refreshments at participating stores. Cap the holiday season by ringing in the New Year with a fireworks display that can be seen from anywhere along the Promenade on December 31. For more information, visit www.seaislechamber.com and www.visitsicnj.com
Fall in Avalon offers smaller crowds, beautiful weather, and serene beaches. September features the annual Arts & Seafood Festival at Surfside Park, October 11, with fresh seafood, live music, artisan craft vendors, and plenty of activities for kids, including hayrides on the beach.
Winter in Avalon kicks off with a memorable Thanksgiving weekend. In November, Festive Friday offers free holiday-themed activities, crafts, and popular characters, with Santa arriving for a special tree-lighting ceremony. Snowfest Saturday follows with bounce houses, obstacle courses, carnival rides, and more family fun.
Ring in the New Year with Avalon’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31 at Surfside Park, culminating in a fireworks display at 35th Street beach. Learn more at www.visitavalonnj.com
In the coastal haven of Stone Harbor, the fall and winter months offer a delightful mix of festive charm and community spirit. September kicks off with the beloved Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival set for Saturday, September 20 along 96th Street, where locals and visitors indulge in regional flavors and live entertainment. As the season cools, the town embraces the holidays with events like the Thanksgiving Weekend Celebration, November 28-29, featuring a holiday parade, tree lighting, and shopping specials. www.stoneharborchamber.com
Nearby, the Wildwoods transform into a cozy coastal retreat, offering a lineup of fall and winter events that blend festive charm with local flavor. One of the most anticipated fall events is Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, held on weekends from September 12 through October 12. This lively celebration brings Bavarian culture to the Jersey Shore, featuring authentic German fare like bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels, alongside a wide selection of beers and tasting flights. The Coca-Cola stage hosts live music, while the pier is adorned with festive fall décor. Guests can enjoy strolling entertainment from the Oompah Delics and even take home a souvenir stein.
Get ready to groove through the decades at the 2025 Wildwoods ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s Weekend, happening October 17–18. This nostalgic celebration kicks off Friday night with a high-energy dance party at the Wildwoods Convention Center featuring The Cameos, running from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. for just $20 a ticket. Saturday brings a full day of retro fun with a free street fair and classic car show at Fox Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., complete with food vendors, live music from Animal House, Living Proof, and The Deck Band, plus a beer truck to keep the vibes flowing. The weekend crescendos Saturday night with a concert starring The Pointer Sisters and The Spinners, with tickets ranging from $54 to $89.50. Whether you’re a rock ’n’ roll rebel or a disco devotee, this throwback bash promises timeless tunes and vintage flair. www.gwcoc.org
October also brings spooky fun with Halloween-themed events like trunk-or-treats and haunted attractions scattered throughout Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.
In November, the holiday season begins to sparkle. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Wildwoods Village, Saturday, November 29, where local artisans and vendors set up shop in a festive outdoor market. Visitors can sip hot cocoa, browse handmade gifts, and enjoy seasonal entertainment. As December rolls in, Wildwoods lights up with Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and visits from Santa. The boardwalk may be quieter, but the spirit is anything but. www.wildwoodsnj.com
The Hereford Lighthouse in North Wildwood and the iconic Cape May Lighthouse are two of the maritime attractions in the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey set for October 18–19 invites participants to visit and climb multiple lighthouses across the state. It’s a unique way to explore maritime history while enjoying panoramic views of fall foliage.
September in Cape May kicks off the fall season with a blend of history, music, and coastal celebration. One of the standout events is the Harvest Brew Festival at the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May on September 13. This lively gathering features local craft beers, food vendors, and live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a perfect way to toast the changing seasons with friends and family.
Cape May’s Oktoberfest set for Saturday, September 27, transforms the charming seaside town into a Bavarian-style promenade each fall. Held along Carpenter Lane and Jackson Street, the festival features authentic German music, food, and beer gardens, creating a festive atmosphere that draws thousands of visitors. Artisans and vendors line the streets with crafts, antiques, and collectibles, while bratwurst, pretzel buns, and Weiss Wurst fill the air with mouthwatering aromas. www.capemaychamber.com
Halloween-themed events dominate Cape May’s October calendar. The Phantoms of the Physick Estate is a theatrical haunted house experience that runs throughout the month, blending Victorian ghost stories with immersive storytelling. Visitors can also enjoy the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour, Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour, and the Historic Haunts Combination Tour, each offering a spine-tingling look at Cape May’s haunted past.
Families will love Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate, where creative scarecrow displays line the grounds, and kids can participate in crafts and games. The Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour and Voices from Beyond House Tour add a historical twist to the Halloween season, exploring the peculiar beliefs and rituals of the 19th century.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves fall, November ushers in a quieter, cozier vibe in Cape May County. But the events are no less magical. The month kicks off with the final fall tours and transitions into the holiday season with Christmas in Cape May, beginning November 21.
This beloved seasonal celebration includes the All That Glitters Trolley Tour, which explores Cape May’s festive decorations and historic homes. The Christmas Candlelight House Tours offer a rare glimpse inside beautifully adorned Victorian residences, complete with carolers and refreshments.
The Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Carroll Gallery opens in late November and runs through the New Year. It features vintage holiday décor, model trains, and nostalgic displays that evoke the warmth of holidays past. Families can also enjoy the Holiday Lights Trolley Ride, Lamplighter Christmas Tour, and Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride, each offering a unique perspective on the town’s seasonal transformation.
For those looking to combine history with holiday cheer, the Physick Family Christmas House Tour blends storytelling with Victorian traditions, while the Holiday Inns Tour showcases Cape May’s charming bed-and-breakfasts decked out for the season. www.capemaymac.org
From the harvest-themed festivals of September to the haunted happenings of October and the twinkling lights of November, Cape May County offers a rich tapestry of fall events that cater to every interest. Whether you’re sipping craft beer under golden leaves, exploring ghostly legends in historic mansions, or marveling at holiday lights in a seaside town, the season promises unforgettable moments.
As the summer crowds thin and the air turns crisp, the region transforms into a festive playground. Whether you’re a local looking to savor the season or a visitor planning a weekend escape, the county offers a dynamic mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.
Winter in Cape May County, with events like the Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods draws brave souls to the icy Atlantic for charity. New Year’s celebrations often include fireworks and themed parties at local venues. Even in the colder months, the Jersey Cape maintains a welcoming vibe, offering a slower pace and a chance to connect with the community in a more personal way. Whether you’re bundled up for a beach walk or dancing at a winter gala, the second season here has its own kind of magic.
When the summer crowds fade, Ocean City transforms into a cozy coastal haven bursting with seasonal charm. Autumn brings vibrant festivals, pumpkin picking and events including the Airport Festival and Parachute Pyrotechnic Show in September, the Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show in mid-September, the Fall Block Party in October, and by October’s end, Dog Days on the Boardwalk and the Halloween Parade, and a festive Christmas in the Downtown celebration begins in November. This celebration features Santa being rescued from the roof of city hall by a fire department ladder truck.
The year concludes with the family friendly First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve on December 31 and the First Day at the Beach on January 1. For more details on all events, visit www.oceancityvacation.com or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
As you enjoy an endless summer in Sea Isle, make plans to check out the Fall Family Festival Weekend featuring a vendors’ market, kids art and games, and the fall antique auto show. When the leaves start to change, Sea Isle plans to host a weekend full of all things fall. Join in the spooky fun during the Halloween Parade and Dance Party in October, then make plans to check out the Harvest Classic featuring live music, pumpkin decorating, crafts for the kids, and a Scarecrow Contest throughout the business district!
Next is the Fall Girls Weekend, which is sure to bring fantastic deals across participating restaurants and boutiques in November 21-23. While shopping, attendees have the chance to bid on beautifully decorated wreaths at participating businesses in the annual Holiday Wreath Auction & Contest.
Thanksgiving weekend is always big in Sea Isle City. Dive into local shopping with fantastic deals during Shop Small Weekend and stand a chance to win a prize from the Chamber of Commerce. Don’t miss the festive Tree Lighting at Excursion Park, where you can shop and dine at the Winter Village. Enjoy bounce houses, holiday crafts, live performances, a bustling shopping village, a food court, and even a visit from Santa for memorable family photos.
The most wonderful time of the year also brings two more popular events in Sea Isle. Family and Friends Night in early December features extended shopping hours at the local stores. Stop by a local restaurant for gift card specials, cross items off your shopping list, and enjoy refreshments at participating stores. Cap the holiday season by ringing in the New Year with a fireworks display that can be seen from anywhere along the Promenade on December 31. For more information, visit www.seaislechamber.com and www.visitsicnj.com
Fall in Avalon offers smaller crowds, beautiful weather, and serene beaches. September features the annual Arts & Seafood Festival at Surfside Park, October 11, with fresh seafood, live music, artisan craft vendors, and plenty of activities for kids, including hayrides on the beach.
Winter in Avalon kicks off with a memorable Thanksgiving weekend. In November, Festive Friday offers free holiday-themed activities, crafts, and popular characters, with Santa arriving for a special tree-lighting ceremony. Snowfest Saturday follows with bounce houses, obstacle courses, carnival rides, and more family fun.
Ring in the New Year with Avalon’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31 at Surfside Park, culminating in a fireworks display at 35th Street beach. Learn more at www.visitavalonnj.com
In the coastal haven of Stone Harbor, the fall and winter months offer a delightful mix of festive charm and community spirit. September kicks off with the beloved Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival set for Saturday, September 20 along 96th Street, where locals and visitors indulge in regional flavors and live entertainment. As the season cools, the town embraces the holidays with events like the Thanksgiving Weekend Celebration, November 28-29, featuring a holiday parade, tree lighting, and shopping specials. www.stoneharborchamber.com
Nearby, the Wildwoods transform into a cozy coastal retreat, offering a lineup of fall and winter events that blend festive charm with local flavor. One of the most anticipated fall events is Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, held on weekends from September 12 through October 12. This lively celebration brings Bavarian culture to the Jersey Shore, featuring authentic German fare like bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels, alongside a wide selection of beers and tasting flights. The Coca-Cola stage hosts live music, while the pier is adorned with festive fall décor. Guests can enjoy strolling entertainment from the Oompah Delics and even take home a souvenir stein.
Get ready to groove through the decades at the 2025 Wildwoods ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s Weekend, happening October 17–18. This nostalgic celebration kicks off Friday night with a high-energy dance party at the Wildwoods Convention Center featuring The Cameos, running from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. for just $20 a ticket. Saturday brings a full day of retro fun with a free street fair and classic car show at Fox Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., complete with food vendors, live music from Animal House, Living Proof, and The Deck Band, plus a beer truck to keep the vibes flowing. The weekend crescendos Saturday night with a concert starring The Pointer Sisters and The Spinners, with tickets ranging from $54 to $89.50. Whether you’re a rock ’n’ roll rebel or a disco devotee, this throwback bash promises timeless tunes and vintage flair. www.gwcoc.org
October also brings spooky fun with Halloween-themed events like trunk-or-treats and haunted attractions scattered throughout Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.
In November, the holiday season begins to sparkle. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Wildwoods Village, Saturday, November 29, where local artisans and vendors set up shop in a festive outdoor market. Visitors can sip hot cocoa, browse handmade gifts, and enjoy seasonal entertainment. As December rolls in, Wildwoods lights up with Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and visits from Santa. The boardwalk may be quieter, but the spirit is anything but. www.wildwoodsnj.com
The Hereford Lighthouse in North Wildwood and the iconic Cape May Lighthouse are two of the maritime attractions in the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey set for October 18–19 invites participants to visit and climb multiple lighthouses across the state. It’s a unique way to explore maritime history while enjoying panoramic views of fall foliage.
September in Cape May kicks off the fall season with a blend of history, music, and coastal celebration. One of the standout events is the Harvest Brew Festival at the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May on September 13. This lively gathering features local craft beers, food vendors, and live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a perfect way to toast the changing seasons with friends and family.
Cape May’s Oktoberfest set for Saturday, September 27, transforms the charming seaside town into a Bavarian-style promenade each fall. Held along Carpenter Lane and Jackson Street, the festival features authentic German music, food, and beer gardens, creating a festive atmosphere that draws thousands of visitors. Artisans and vendors line the streets with crafts, antiques, and collectibles, while bratwurst, pretzel buns, and Weiss Wurst fill the air with mouthwatering aromas. www.capemaychamber.com
Halloween-themed events dominate Cape May’s October calendar. The Phantoms of the Physick Estate is a theatrical haunted house experience that runs throughout the month, blending Victorian ghost stories with immersive storytelling. Visitors can also enjoy the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour, Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour, and the Historic Haunts Combination Tour, each offering a spine-tingling look at Cape May’s haunted past.
Families will love Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate, where creative scarecrow displays line the grounds, and kids can participate in crafts and games. The Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour and Voices from Beyond House Tour add a historical twist to the Halloween season, exploring the peculiar beliefs and rituals of the 19th century.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves fall, November ushers in a quieter, cozier vibe in Cape May County. But the events are no less magical. The month kicks off with the final fall tours and transitions into the holiday season with Christmas in Cape May, beginning November 21.
This beloved seasonal celebration includes the All That Glitters Trolley Tour, which explores Cape May’s festive decorations and historic homes. The Christmas Candlelight House Tours offer a rare glimpse inside beautifully adorned Victorian residences, complete with carolers and refreshments.
The Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit at the Carroll Gallery opens in late November and runs through the New Year. It features vintage holiday décor, model trains, and nostalgic displays that evoke the warmth of holidays past. Families can also enjoy the Holiday Lights Trolley Ride, Lamplighter Christmas Tour, and Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride, each offering a unique perspective on the town’s seasonal transformation.
For those looking to combine history with holiday cheer, the Physick Family Christmas House Tour blends storytelling with Victorian traditions, while the Holiday Inns Tour showcases Cape May’s charming bed-and-breakfasts decked out for the season. www.capemaymac.org
From the harvest-themed festivals of September to the haunted happenings of October and the twinkling lights of November, Cape May County offers a rich tapestry of fall events that cater to every interest. Whether you’re sipping craft beer under golden leaves, exploring ghostly legends in historic mansions, or marveling at holiday lights in a seaside town, the season promises unforgettable moments.
Planning a trip? Check out the region’s premier guide covering Cape May, Cumberland & Atlantic Counties. Unlike most other guides that are filled with mostly advertising, the Vacationer is brimming with helpful stories along with beautiful photographs. Discover everything you need to plan your visit. Beaches, boardwalks, casinos, nightlife, dining, amusements, lodging and much more.
View online OR Request a printed copy
View online OR Request a printed copy
Tourism Information:
Cape May County
800-227-2297
Cumberland County
866-866-MORE
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
Cape May County
800-227-2297
Cumberland County
866-866-MORE
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
