Kick off the holiday season in Cape May with the festive Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the historic Emlen Physick Estate — one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year. Hosted by Cape May MAC and sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank, this celebration transforms the estate’s grounds with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere perfect for the start of Christmas in Cape May.

Before the tree lighting, visitors are invited to step inside the first floor of the Emlen Physick House Museum, beautifully decorated in authentic Victorian holiday style. It’s a rare chance to experience how Cape May’s grandest Victorian home would have looked during the holidays more than a century ago.

The excitement builds as families gather for the arrival of Santa Claus, who makes his entrance by MAC trolley just moments before the big countdown. Santa himself flips the switch, lighting up the estate and officially ushering in the holiday season.

Be sure to stop by the Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit in the Carriage House Museum Shop, where vintage ornaments, model trains, and holiday displays celebrate Christmas traditions of the past. Inside the Carriage House, you can also visit the Coast Guard Community Tree, where guests are encouraged to donate to support local Coast Guard families through the Coast Guard Family Auxiliary.

This event is a perfect, family-friendly way to begin your Cape May Christmas and enjoy one of the town’s most heartwarming traditions. 

Schedule & Highlights

• 5:00–8:00 PM: Physick Estate Open House – free, self-guided tours of the decorated first floor.
• 5:30 PM: Free concert by the John Walter Cape Community Band.
• 7:00 PM: Santa and his elves light the grand tree, followed by a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas on the outdoor stage.

How to Give Back

• Bring non-perishable food donations for the Cape May Community Food Closet (drop in front of the outdoor stage)
• Toys for Tots will collect new, unwrapped gifts (drop at the Carriage House Museum Shop).

• Sponsor: Sturdy Savings Bank

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  Tips: Arrive early for parking near Washington Streets. Usually the parking on the grounds is filled by morning. Wear warm layers and bring blankets if you plan to stay for the tree lighting and reading. The grounds, as well as Washington Street itself, are not well lit, so bring a flashlight.