Santa to Light the Physick Estate Christmas Tree on Nov. 18

What: a tree lighting, concert, and food drive

When: Saturday, November 18 – band at 5 p.m., lighting at 7 p.m.

Where: Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St, Cape May

Come to a Cape May tradition and kick off the holiday season as Santa Claus himself flips the switch and illuminates the huge evergreen Christmas tree on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

 Visitors are invited to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items for collection during the evening to donate to the Cape May Community Food Bank, which helps feed needy families in the community, and stop by the Toys for Tots table to help support this worthy cause. Returning this year is the Atlantic Brass Band performing holiday favorites.  

The 35-piece Atlantic Brass Band, based at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., is an award-winning, authentic British-style brass band of international acclaim. They have entertained countless audiences since 1984. The band won the 2017 U.S. Open competition and is a three-time champion in the North American Brass Band Association competition. A longtime Cape May favorite, the band is comprised of professional musicians, professors, educators, and community members. The concert begins at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive to hit the switch on the huge Christmas tree on the estate at 7 p.m. from the outdoor stage.  

The 1879 Physick House Museum is authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas during the holiday season and visitors on Saturday, Nov. 18 can step inside the museum for a free, self-guided Physick Estate Christmas Tour, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

The wonders of the season are on display in An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit in the Carroll Gallery at the Physick Estate’s Carriage House. Stand beneath the boughs of a giant Christmas tree!

This exhibit features holiday traditions through the years that bring to life a child’s Christmas fantasy, complete with a delightful Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, vintage Christmas family photos, toys and much more. Admission is free.