Cape May’s 2018 Holiday Calendar of Events

Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC)

Through Dec. 30

Cape May Stage presents “An Actor’s Carol”: Having played Scrooge many times a cranky actor finds himself visited by three spirits of his own. A cast of four play 17 characters in this hilarious new look at a classic that reminds us that the most jaded among us can find magic in the holiday season – and in the theater as well. Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays at 3 p.m. The Robert Shackleton Playhouse is located at the corner of Bank & Lafayette streets. Presented by Cape May Stage in association with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).

Through Jan. 1, 2019

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: An exhibit of holiday traditions through the years complete with model trains, toys and much more! At the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2019. The Gallery is open daily (except Christmas); hours vary. Free admission.

Dec. 12

Holiday Lunch & Learn – Christmas Music: Bring a bag lunch and learn about the history and some of the most popular features of both sacred and secular Christmas music. Cape May United Methodist Church, 535 Washington St. Light refreshments. Admission is $5. Free admission for MAC members. Wednesday, Dec. 12 at noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 12 and 13

Cheery Cherry House Christmas Tour: See over a dozen beautifully decorated rooms in this 169-year-old, privately owned home on one of Cape May’s oldest streets. Frank and Beth Acker invite you to travel back through time while viewing Santa and Mrs. Claus beside the tinsel-covered tree; the dining room table set with Christmas turkey and trimmings; the parlor Christmas tree ornamented with family decorations from the 1800s; and more. Admission is $10; children (under age 10) free. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec 12 and 13 at 1 p.m.

Dec. 14

Lamplighter Christmas Tour: Relive the memories of Christmas past on this self-guided evening tour of a selection of Cape May’s fine Bed and Breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays, with a unique theme at each location. Innkeepers will share a presentation at each location. The tour also includes a visit to the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit, receive your souvenir gift and enjoy warm beverages and holiday treats. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14.

Dec. 15

Breakfast with Santa: Children can visit with Santa while enjoying a family-friendly breakfast buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Bring your Christmas lists! Adults $18; children (ages 3-12) $12; children under 3 who are dining $5. Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.

Lunch & Learn at Lucky Bones – Let’s Go Shopping: Enjoy a buffet luncheon at Lucky Bones Restaurant and a richly illustrated lecture on Victorian consumer culture. $20 includes buffet lunch. Beverages available for purchase separately. Limited to 30. Saturday, Dec. 15 at noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Santa’s Trolley Ride: 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 $10; children (ages 3-12) $8. Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Advance reservation strongly recommended.

45th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour: This self-guided walking tour, the main attraction of Cape May’s festive holiday season, features homes, inns, hotels and churches decorated for the holidays, plus caroling, strolling musicians and good old-fashioned cheer. Hospitality centers offer warm beverages and traditional treats. Includes admission to the Physick Estate, and “An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit” in the Carroll Gallery. Limited shuttle service on heated trolleys. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15.

Dec. 16

Breakfast with Santa: Children can visit with Santa while enjoying a family-friendly breakfast buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Bring your Christmas lists! Adults $18; children (ages 3-12) $12; children under 3 who are dining $5. Sunday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.

Santa’s Trolley Ride: 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 $10; children (ages 3-12) $8. Sunday, Dec. 16 at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Advance reservation strongly recommended.

Dec. 19

Holiday Lunch & Learn – Victorian Views of Dickens’ Christmas Carol: Bring a bag lunch and learn about one of Charles Dickens’ most popular creations, “A Christmas Carol,” and how it reflects the era in which it was written. Cape May United Methodist Church, 535 Washington St. Light refreshments Admission is $5. Free admission for MAC members. Wednesday, Dec. 19 at noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 21

Lamplighter Christmas Tour: Relive the memories of Christmas past on this self-guided evening tour of a selection of Cape May’s fine Bed and Breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays, with a unique theme at each location. Innkeepers will share a presentation at each location. The tour also includes a visit to the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit, receive your souvenir gift and enjoy warm beverages and holiday treats. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21.

Dec. 22

Santa’s Trolley Ride: 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 $10; children (ages 3-12) $8. Saturday, Dec. 22 at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Advance reservation strongly recommended.

Dec. 26

Chefs’ Dine-Around: Join this unforgettable five-course holiday gourmet feast and a chance to taste the best of the best in Cape May! Five premier Cape May restaurants each serve a course paired with a different wine from the evening’s sponsoring winery. A winery representative accompanies the group and explores the subtleties of the pairing with each dish. A trolley shuttle transports you between courses. Reserve early for this very special evening; limited to 34 people per night. $125 (gratuity included). Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m.

Lamplighter Christmas Tour: Relive the memories of Christmas past on this self-guided evening tour of a selection of Cape May’s fine Bed and Breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays, with a unique theme at each location. Innkeepers will share a presentation at each location. The tour also includes a visit to the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit, receive your souvenir gift and enjoy warm beverages and holiday treats. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Dec. 28

Lamplighter Christmas Tour: Relive the memories of Christmas past on this self-guided evening tour of a selection of Cape May’s fine Bed and Breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays, with a unique theme at each location. Innkeepers will share a presentation at each location. The tour also includes a visit to the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit, receive your souvenir gift and enjoy warm beverages and holiday treats. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28.

Dec. 29

Cape May Wine Trail: Spend an afternoon visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. Travel via trolley to Willow Creek Winery where you’ll enjoy tastings, a brief tour and lunch. You’ll also travel to Natali Vineyards for tastings there with cheese and crackers and receive a souvenir glass. Admission is $75. Saturday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.

ONGOING TOURS AND EVENTS

  • Cape May Lighthouse and Oil House
  • Cape May Lighthouse Museum Shop
  • Carriage House Museum Shop
  • Combination Trolley/Physick Family Christmas House Tours
  • Evening Yuletide House Tour
  • Evening Yuletide Tour
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides
  • Historic District Trolley Tours
  • Holiday Lights Trolley Rides
  • Physick Family Christmas House Tours

For more information and tickets, call (609) 884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.