With the arrival of December, so comes a host of holiday-themed, family events and concerts. Here are some of this week’s highlights!
Angelus Chorus Concert
Wednesday, December 11th from 7 pm
Where: Cape May Convention Hall – 714 Beach Ave, Cape May
All are invited to hear a concert that includes both sacred and secular music. We are celebrating 49 years of singing in Cape May County this season having started as a small group of volunteers to sing in nursing homes. Today we number close to 75 members from all walks of life who enjoy singing. Please let us greet you and wish you the happiest and healthiest of holidays with our music.
2013 Holiday House Lighting Contest
Thursday, December 12th
Where: Sea Isle City
2013 Holiday House Lighting Contest, hosted by Sea Isle’s Garden Club and Division of Recreation, will take place on Dec. 12. All local property and business owners are encouraged to enter this contest and possibly win great prizes (263-0050 or download an application at www.seaislecitynj.us).
Lights, Camera, Christmas – Ocean City’s Holiday Spectacular
Friday, December 13th from 10:30 am
Where: Ocean City Music Pier – Moorlyn Terrace & the Boardwalk, Ocean City
This season the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company invites you to come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Lights, Camera, Christmas; Ocean City’s Holiday Spectacular! The enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family–oriented, song and dance tribute to the holidays, directed and choreographed by Michael Hartman. Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us as the magic of the season comes to life in a brand new musical journey through seasonal favorites.
Catch this family musical revue on Dec. 13 at 10:30 am and 7:30 pm, Dec. 14 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and Dec. 15 at 2:00 pm at the Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk with plenty of free parking. Admission cost is $18 for Adults and $15 for Kids under 12. For tickets please call 609-525-9300, log onto www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or visit the Dept. of Community Services in City Hall. Lights, Camera, Christmas is proudly sponsored by Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade
Friday, December 13th from 6:30 pm
Where: North Wildwood Recreation Center – 10th & Central Aves, North Wildwood
Watch a festive line-up of floats, fire trucks and other creatively decorated vehicles parade down the streets of the Wildwoods accompanied by Santa himself! Registration begins at 5 pm at the North Wildwood Recreation Center (10th & Central Aves); line-up begins at 6 pm; parade begins at 6:30 pm at 15th & Central Avenues, then continues South on Pacific Avenue through Wildwood to Heather Road in Wildwood Crest, then ends at the Wildwoods Convention Center. (Rain date for parade is Sunday, December 15th with registration at 3 pm, lineup at 4 pm, and parade at 5 pm If weather is uncertain, listen to 98.7 The Coast.) Parade awards will be presented in the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. Trophies will be awarded to these categories: Commercial, Community Service, Marching Bands, and Public Service. 609-729-5501 or http://www.WildwoodHoliday.com
Family Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 14th from 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Wildwoods Convention Center – 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ, 08260
A holiday tradition with an exciting weekend filled with fun for the entire family! Bring the family inside the Wildwoods Convention Center lobby on Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm for FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters, photos with Santa, entertainment and much more! For more information call 609.729.9000 or visit http://www.WildwoodHoliday.com for a detailed list of entertainment.
Pinch the Grinch 5K Run and 1 Mile Grinch Walk
Saturday, December 14th from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Wildwoods Convention Center – 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
He’s green and mean and he has a record of theft that stems back to an escapade he, and his dog, Max, pulled off in a tiny town filled with Whos. This year members of the Wildwood Police Department are set to run him out of this seaside city with the first annual “Pinch the Grinch 5 K Run and 1 Mile Grinch Walk.” The run will be held Dec. 14, rain or shine. A $30 registration fee includes a shirt as well as a chance to make Wildwood history. For those wishing to donate a new, unwrapped toy, the registration fee is slashed to $15. Both the 5K run and 1 Mile Grinch Walk are open to all ages.
Beginning at 10 a.m. in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center participants will run south on the Wildwood Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue, make a turn around and head north to 21st Street. Another turn will lead runners back to the Convention Center where refreshments will be served and prizes awarded. Runners and walkers along with their cheering sections can then enjoy the Christmas Bazaar held in the Convention Center.
Information about the run, or becoming a sponsor, can be obtained by contacting 609-522-0222, extension 2330 or online at lunchwithlynch.com/pinch. Pre-registration for the race or walk can be done online at www.LunchWithLynch.com/pinch Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist on race day.
Santa’s Family Workshop
Saturday, December 14th from 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Cape May County Park and Zoo – 707 Rt 9 North, Cape May Court House
Mark your calendar and save the date for Santa’s visit to the Cape May County Park and Zoo! Freeholder E. Marie Hayes and the Board of Chosen Freeholders invite the public to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus during “Santa’s Family Workshop” on Dec. 14 from 11 am until 2 pm This free, family event, hosted by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, will also include crafts, education stations, entertainment and treats. After telling Santa your wish list for Christmas, stroll through the zoo and see the more than 500 animals that call the Cape May County Zoo home – including our new snow leopard cubs, giraffe and bison.
Woodbine Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14th from 6 pm
Where: Bryant St, Woodbine
Dec. 14 (“weatherdate” Dec. 15), the Borough will be hosting its annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the Woodbine Volunteer Fire Company.The parade will begin at 6 pm and lineup will start at 5 pm on Bryant Street east of Washington Avenue. The parade route will be the same as on previous years, from Bryant south on Washington to Clay Street, east on Clay to Heilprin Avenue, and north on Heilprin to DeHirsch Avenue to the Firehouse. Santa and the Mayor will light the Christmas Tree on the bikepath and then conclude the evening at the Firehouse. Trophies will be awarded for: first and second place in: Best Appearing Fire Company, Best Appearing Rescue; Best Float; Best Marching Unit. For further information and to register, call Jim Gurdgiel at Public Works weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm at 861-4541 (leave a message).
Lower Township Rotary Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14th from 7 pm to 9:15 pm
Where: Breakwater Plaza – Bayshore Road, North Cape May
The Lower Township Rotary Club Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sat. Dec. 14 beginning at 7 pm. The parade starts at Breakwater Plaza, Bayshore and Breakwater roads and continues along Bayshore Road into North Cape May ending near Rosehill Parkway. The Lower Cape May Regional High School and Richard M. Teitelman School bands will be featured in the parade along with apparatus from area volunteer fire companies and floats from businesses and non-profit organizations.
Cape May VFW Holiday Comedy Show
Saturday, December 14th from 8 pm
Where: Cape May VFW Post 386 – 419 Congress Avenue, Cape May
On Saturday, December 14th, Cape May VFW Post 386, located at 419 Congress Avenue in Cape May, will be hosting a Holiday Comedy Show. Seating at 7:30 with showtime from 8:00 pm-9:30 pm. This event is open to the public and features a well-rounded lineup of local favorites along with regional headliners. Tickets are $10.00 each at the door or $7 with military ID, coat drive or new unwrapped Toys for Tots donation. Must be at least 18 years old to attend. 21 and over to drink. Complimentary snacks will be provided. To purchase tickets in advance or reserve a table for a large party, contact Kim at 609-884-7961.
Santa Claws Open House
Sunday, December 15th from 12:30 pm
Where: Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center – 110 Shelter Rd, Cape May Court House
You’re invited to a holiday open house at the Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, Dec. 15, 2013, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Make sure to bring your camera so you can take a photo with Santa and your pet!
Annual Tree of Lights Celebration
Sunday, December 15th from 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice Office, Sand Barrens Golf Club – 1765 N Route 9, Cape May Court House
Area families are invited to attend Holy Redeemer Hospice’s Tree of Lights Celebration at the Sand Barrens Golf Club in Cape May Courthouse on Sunday, December 15, from 1 pm to 3 pm. The event raises funds to help care for those facing life-limiting illness and provides families with the opportunity to honor the special people in their lives who have passed with beautiful twinkling lights.
The lights will be lit on a tree in memory of loved ones at an interfaith prayer service and will remain lit throughout the holiday season. Supporters and loved ones will be listed in a keepsake program. To sponsor a light, program listing, or register for the event, please visit www.holyredeemer.com/tree or call Gloria at 609-761-0340. Pre-registration is required. All proceeds will benefit Holy Redeemer Hospice.
Cape May Jazz Vespers Concert for Philippines Relief
Sunday, December 15th from 3 to 5 pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Cape May – 500 Hughes St, Cape May
The Cape May Jazz Vespers Series at the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May has produced a show a month, usually the third Sunday, for well over ten years. With the goal to spotlight South Jerseys own, the area’s finest musicians have been showcased at these performances, in a concert setting for a mere $10.00 donation. The Vespers audience regulars are well aware of the caliber of talent and are one of the most educated and appreciative audiences anywhere. Last December, on the trailing winds of super storm Sandy, the Vespers Team decided to branch out from our usual routine. Bringing together an “All Star” list of favorite musicians, “Songs for Sandy” was born and raised over $1,500.00 in an afternoon concert with all musicians graciously donating their time and talents. This year we are continuing this new tradition with our Dec. 15 show.
Please join us in supporting this great cause and in the process hear and afternoon filled with holiday favorites from an amazing cast of South Jerseys greatest musicians.
Christmas Concert by the John H. Walter Band
Sunday, December 15th from 3 to 5 pm
Where: Middle Township PAC – 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House
Memories of a popular band leader and tuba player in Cape May County will be revived on Sun. afternoon, Dec. 15, at 3 pm when the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township hosts a free Christmas concert by the John H. Walter Band. The 37 piece volunteer band, consisting of professional and amateur musicians from this area, is named after its founder whose love for music first brought the players together in 1996. He died suddenly at the age of 83 on the Cape May Gazebo bandstand park while preparing to open a concert there.
The PAC program, one of 24 performed throughout the year by the band, will feature three singing soloists, Kathy Angela, James Doran and Nate Gable. Popular Christmas songs as well as Broadway selections will be in the repertoire.