Make a holiday list and check it twice, and if a joyful holiday trip is on there be sure to check out Cape May, NJ for one of the most charming displays of holiday merriment. You may already be familiar with Cape May for its award-winning beaches and charming Victorian architecture, but did you know it is one of the most treasured holiday beach towns in the country?
And no one does it grander than the Grand Dame of the northeast, America’s oldest seaside resort, Congress Hall. Making spirits bright since 1816, this magical Big House by the Sea celebrates with an annual Winter Wonderland for kids 1 to 92. Even the jolly big guy in the red suit spends the holiday season in Cape May.
Here’s where you can find Santa (and other holiday fun) this season:
Take a walk in Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland
Saturday, November 29 kicks off Congress Hall’s magical Winter Wonderland! Welcome the yuletide season and watch the Big House by the Sea’s enchanted transformation. Kids from 1 to 92 will love the festive holiday decorations, rides on the Congress Hall Express & Carousel, Santa’s Workshop, arts & crafts, tasty treats and so much more.
The Congress Hall Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6, 6 to 10 p.m.
Head to Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn as the hotel ushers in the spirit of the holidays with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music from the hotel’s Festival Choir while waiting for the resort’s 30-foot Tannenbaum tree to light and officially kick-off the holiday season.
Breakfast with Santa, Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas
November 30, December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Ballroom at Congress Hall
One of the most anticipated Cape May holiday events of the season is Congress Hall’s Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and get the chance to see Jolly Old St. Nick. The breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, bacon, fruit, buttermilk pancakes, sweet treats, and much more. Kids will get the chance to tell Father Christmas all of their Christmas wishes, while parents snap a pretty picture for the mantle. Tickets on sale now! To make reservations, call the Congress Hall Concierge at 609-884-6542.
Holiday Dinner & Bingo with Blue and the Clauses
Saturday, December 14, 21, & 28
Bingo is back by popular demand, this time with a festive holiday spin! Join Blue the Pig in the Ballroom as he hosts his very own dinner and rounds of Bingo, his favorite game. To make reservations, call the Congress Hall Concierge at 609-884-6542.
See a Show: A Congress Hall Christmas
In collaboration with Cape May Stage, this year’s show, “A Congress Hall Christmas”, begins Friday, November 29 through December 29 every Thursday, Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.) in the Harrison Room of Congress Hall. With Christmas soon approaching, Santa and Mrs. Claus head to their favorite vacation spot for some rest and relaxation. With the assistance of their new friend Blue, Mr. & Mrs. Claus soon meet some of the ghosts hanging around Congress Hall and find the holiday spirit they were searching for! $25 general admission, $15 children. Visit congresshall.com or call Congress Hall’s concierge at 609-884-6542 to purchase tickets.
For more information and more events, visit CongressHall.com/WinterWonderland.