Santa’s been spotted at the shore, and The Herald has your guide to finding him all over Cape May County this holiday season!
Ocean City Christmas in the Downtown – Visit with Santa
Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.
Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Join the merchants & Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. There will be caroling, free horse & carriage rides from 1 to 4 p.m., photos with Santa from 1-3 p.m., and merchant shopping specials all day long! At 5 p.m., the official tree lighting will take place and Santa’s will arrive at City Hall with the Phillie Phanatic. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company – Visit with Santa
Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.
Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company, 175 96th St., Stone Harbor
Get in the holiday spirit and stop by the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company to take pictures with Santa from 5 to 7 p.m.!
Avalon’s Snowfest – Visit with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Downtown Avalon
The Borough of Avalon presents Avalon’s annual Snowfest! Enjoy free family fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Avalon with kids activities, holiday music, and live entertainment, rides, and more. Bring the kids and take photos with Santa in his sleigh. The fest will take place from 21st to 22nd on Dune Drive and 26th to 27th on Dune Drive. For more information, visit visitavalonnj.com.
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities – Visit with Santa & Trolley Ride with Mrs. Claus
Starting Saturday, Nov. 30
Washington Street Mall, Cape May
Bring the kids to the Physick Estate on weekends for a trolley ride around Cape May with stories and songs led by Mrs. Claus. Then, Santa will greet children with a sweet in the Carriage House. Adults are $10 and children ages 3-12 are $8. Tours will take place Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21 (hours vary). Advance reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit capemaymac.org or call 609-884-5404.
Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe – Visit with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.
Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe, 3137 U.S. 9 South, Rio Grande
Mark your calendars! Santa Claus is coming to town and visiting Winterwood in Rio Grande fro 1 to 4 p.m. You can take pictures with Santa, plus there will be giveaways and special discounts! Come visit the Legendary Father Christmas and get in the holiday spirit. For more information, call 609-465-3641.
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities – Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 30, Saturday, Dec. 14 & Sunday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.
Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street, Cape May
Enjoy a breakfast buffet while visiting with Santa. Breakfast with Santa is held at the Aleathea’s Restaurant located at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Purchase tickets online, at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street, or at the Physick Estate. Adults are $20, children ages 3-12 are $12, and children under 3 are $5. For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org/breakfast-with-santa or call 609-884-5404.
Congress Hall – Breakfast with Santa
Saturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, & 21 and Sundays: Dec. 8, 15, & 22 at 9 a.m.
Congress Hall Ballroom, 200 Congress Place, Cape May
Santa is coming to Congress Hall’s Grand Ball Room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Nov. and Dec. Every Saturday and Sunday of Winter Wonderland, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet that includes scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, bacon, fruit, buttermilk pancakes, and sweet treats. Kids will get the chance to meet Santa while parents snap a pretty picture for the mantle. Adults are $28, children ages 4-12 are $16, and children ages 3 and younger are complimentary. Reservations are required and a 48-hour cancellation policy applies. To reserve tickets, call 609-884-6542. For more information, visit caperesorts.com.
Harbor Burger Bar – Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.
Harbor Burger Bar, 271 96th Street, Stone Harbor
Bring the whole family and join Santa for breakfast at Harbor Burger Bar! The breakfast will take place Sunday, Dec. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. Adults are $15, kids are $10. Make a reservation today by calling 609-796-5669. Limited space available.
Mudhen Brewing Company – Visit with Santa
Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
Mudhen Brewing Company, 127 W. Rio Grand Ave., Wildwood
On Friday, Dec. 6, put on your ugliest Christmas sweater and head over to Mudhen Brewing Company for the 6th Annual Hospitality Night. To bring the community together, we will have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and our Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. We will be serving complimentary hot cocoa and cookies with Santa arriving at 6 p.m. We will also have Gypsea Pics Photo Booth on-site for festive holiday pictures, face painting for kids, and Animal House performing at 7 p.m. In light of the holiday spirit, we ask that you please bring a toy donation for the Lynch Who Stole Christmas Toy Drive. For more information, visit www.mudhenbrew.com.
Christmas in Byrne Plaza – Visit with Santa
Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
Downtown Wildwood is kicking off the Christmas Season at Byrne Plaza on Friday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7! This year’s Christmas in the Plaza will be a two-day event that will include free carnival rides, craft and food vendors, holiday activities, appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, entertainment and more! For more information, visit www.wildwoodholiday.com.
Historic Cold Spring Village – Visit with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 U.S. 9, Cape May
Head to Historic Cold Spring Village for Wassail Day on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet Father Christmas at the Country Store. The Village paths come alive with the sounds and smells of wintertime at this free family event. Select buildings will be open where guests can enjoy hands-on crafts, live music, hot beverages and holiday treats served by historical clothed interpreters. During your visit, the Country Store will be open and stocked with unique holiday gift ideas including traditionally-processed wool, artisan crafts for the home, books, jewelry, toys, and old-fashioned candy. For more information, visit hcsv.org or call 609-898-2300.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry – Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 – Multiple Seatings
Cape May-Lewes Ferry, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May
Before loading his sleigh and starting his fast jaunt around the world, Santa has graciously agreed to stop at the Ferry terminal for a special breakfast with some of his favorite Delaware Bay children! Enjoy a special buffet breakfast with a variety of tasty treats, a Santa “meet and greet,” and Storytime with Mrs. Claus. Choose from two special seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Storytime will be held after breakfast at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. You can book tickets through EventBrite. Adults are $21, children ages 3-12 are $14, and children 2 and under are free. For special requests, email Sandy Daniels at sandra.daniels@drba.net.
Tuckahoe Inn – Dinner with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 12 p.m.
Tuckahoe Inn, 1 Harbor Road and Route 9, Beesleys Point
Enjoy a buffet dinner with Santa at the Tuckahoe Inn on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $17 for adults and $10 for kids, which includes a visit with Santa. Reservations are highly recommended! For more information, call 609-390-3322 or visit tuckahoeinn.com
The Reeds – Santa’s Workshop & Holiday Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 8 & 15 at 10 a.m.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor
All aboard the Polar Express for a magical morning of crafts, activities, and festive treats in the North Pole! Wear your pajamas to share your list with Santa & show him that you truly believe while indulging in a festive feast with all of your holiday favorites. The brunch and activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 15. Adults are $30+ per person, children 12 and under are $20+ per person. For reservations, call 609-368-0100. Reservations are required.
5 West Pub – Dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Multiple Seatings
5 West Pub, 3729 Bayshore Road, North Cape May
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for dinner at 5 West Pub on Wednesday, Dec. 11. There will be three seatings at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. There will be a cookie bar for kids and live music with Maddie Hogan, who will be singing Christmas music! For more information and to make reservations, call 609-889-7000. Reservations are required.
Cold Spring Grange – The Most Wonderful CRIME of the Year
Friday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Cold Spring Grange Restaurant, 735 Seashore Road, Cape May
The Cold Spring Grange is pairing with a New York City Theater based company to bring you “It’s the Most Wonderful Crime of the Year!” Join us Friday the 13th of December as we kill off one of our own! The murderer will be among us! Enjoy a 3-course meal while turning sleuth in a classic holiday “whodunit!” This event is 18+ only and BYOB. Due to limited space, this event is family-style seating. You may be sat with the guests of another party. For ticket information, visit the “It’s the Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” Facebook page.
Harbor View Restaurant – Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 a.m.
Harbor View Restaurant, Cape May
Enjoy breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 to 11:30 a.m.! It is a wonderful Breakfast with Santa while overlooking Cape May Harbor. A yearly favorite, plenty of specials for the Kids! Bring your camera for lots of free pictures! Reservations are recommended but not required.
Hawk Haven Winery – Visit with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.
Hawk Haven Winery, 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery is hosting a holiday hoopla, Uncorked Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 14 with wine, live music, food, holiday decorations, and a visit from Santa! Bring the kids to check-in with Santa so he can get those wish list requests before heading back to the North Pole to finish preparing for his big night. Parents, bring your cameras! For more information, visit hawkhavenvineyard.com or call 609-846-7347.
Wildwoods Convention Center – Visit with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
On Saturday, Dec. 14 during the Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration, bring the family inside the Wildwoods Convention Center lobby, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, at 11:30 a.m. as Santa arrives and makes his grand entrance! Take FREE photos with Santa and enjoy holiday-themed crafters, entertainment and much more! For more information, call (609) 729-9000 or visit www.wildwoodholiday.com.
Congress Hall – Holiday Dinner with Blue & The Clauses
Saturday, Dec. 14, 21 & 28 at 5:45 p.m.
Congress Hall Ballroom, 200 Congress Place, Cape May
Bingo is back, this time with a festive holiday spin! This time around, he’ll be joined by a merry band of elves as well as two magical guests of honor: Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Join The Clauses in the Ballroom for a delicious buffet-style dinner and a few rounds of Bingo. Blue the Pig and the Congress Hall elves will be there all night to keep spirits bright, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance to interact with the crowd and join in on the game. This is family-friendly holiday fun that you won’t want to miss! Tickets are $40 for adults, $25 for children. Price includes buffet dinner, rounds of Bingo and a pair of Blue Pig ears. For more information and reservations, call 609-884-6542. Reservations are required.
Other Christmas Character Events
Santa isn’t the only one who gets to have fun this holiday season. Join in on the fun with Mrs. Claus and the Grinch during these special events!
The Reeds – Sparkle for Santa at Mrs. Claus’ Spa Studio
Friday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.
The Salt Spa at The Reeds, 9601 Third Ave, Stone Harbor
Start a new holiday tradition with your mini-me as you step into Mrs. Claus’ Studio at Salt Spa at The Reeds. Your little one will delight in a mini-makeover complete with shimmering makeup, a sparkling braided hairstyle, and festive fingernails while mom sips champagne & is treated to a relaxing manicure – the perfect preparations for Santa’s arrival on the Shelter Haven Basin! The Sparkle Experience includes lipstick, blush, glitter, a braided hairstyle & sparkle, nail polish + sparkling cider for kids and a gel manicure and champagne for Moms. The cost is $80+ for mom and child under 9 ($45+ for each additional child under 9). The cost is $100+ for mom and child over 9 ($65+ for each additional child over 9) which includes a full gel manicure for both mom and child. For more information and reservations, call 609-368-0100. Reservations are required.
Rio Station – Breakfast with the Grinch
Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14 at 10 a.m.
Rio Station Restaurant, 3505 Route 9 South, Rio Grande
The Grinch is coming to Rio Station for breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. Breakfast is $11.99 per person; children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to make reservations, call 609-889-2000. Reservations are required.
Dinos’s Seaville Diner – Breakfast or Dinner with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 16 and Monday, Dec. 18
Dino’s Seaville Diner, 31 Route 50, Seaville
Join Santa for lunch or dinner at Dino’s Seaville Diner to see what Santa’s cookin’ up! Go to breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or dinner with Santa on Monday, Dec. 18 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. This event is fun for the whole family! Food Allergies? See our guide at DinosDiner.com. For more information, call 609-624-3100 or visit www.DinosDiner.com.
Sea The Future – Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m.
Sea The Future Learning Center, 901 S Shore Rd, Marmora
Come have Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Sea The Future Learning Center. Enjoy pictures and a dance party with Santa, pancakes, the Grinch movie on the big screen, and reindeer games! RSVP to save your spot. Tickets are $25 per child. Santa will be waiting! For more information, call 609-224-0347.