Cape May Holiday Events & Happenings
West Cape May Christmas Parade - Saturday December 6, 5 - 8 PM
Now in its 57th year, the West Cape May Christmas Parade is a beloved annual tradition in Cape May, New Jersey. Held on the first Saturday of December, the parade begins at the West Cape May Firehouse and travels through the heart of the town, ending at the Washington Street Mall. Featuring festive floats, local bands, decorated fire trucks, and appearances by Santa Claus, the event draws visitors from all over.
https://westcapemay.us/community/community-events.html
Tree Lightings in Cape May
Emlen Physick Estate Tree Lighting
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ
Details: Enjoy a free performance by the John Walter Community Band, followed by Santa lighting the grand tree at 7:00 PM. The event also features an open house of the decorated Physick Estate and an “Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit.
La Mer Beachfront Resort Tree Lighting
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: La Mer Beachfront Resort, 1317 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
Details: The event features live entertainment, festive drinks, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the resort’s Christmas tree.
West Cape May Community Tree Lighting
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Wilbraham Park, Perry Street ,West Cape May, NJ
Cape May City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Rotary Park, 400 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ
Details: Join the community for the annual tree lighting ceremony, marking the official start of the holiday season in Cape May.
Congress Hall Tree Lighting
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn, 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ
Details: The ceremony includes live music from the Festival Choir, a community sing-along, and the illumination of a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Congress Hall Winter Wonderland
Congress Hall transforms into a beautiful Winter Wonderland during the holidays. Outside on the lawn of this historic hotel, visitors will find their Enchanted Vendor Village, complete with an array of shopping finds from local and regional merchants. Children can take a spin on the Congress Hall Carousel or ride on the Congress Hall Express around the hotel’s Veranda. Plus, every holiday weekend, the Grand Ballroom hosts a Breakfast With Santa series, as well as a score of family-friendly activities.
Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit
Step back into a magical Victorian holiday at Cape May MAC’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit, located in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. This charming display captures the warmth and wonder of Christmases past with a Department 56 Dicken’s Village, model trains, vintage ornaments, and beautifully decorated trees—including the Coast Guard Community Tree, where visitors can leave donations for local Coast Guard families. The exhibit is open daily, offering a delightful stop before or after your holiday tours. Free admission makes it a perfect seasonal treat for all ages.