Santa at Wildwood’s 2015 Family Holiday Celebration. Photo by Johanna Hovik.
Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit
Wednesday, Dec. 7 to Tuesday, Dec. 13
Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May
An exhibit of holiday traditions through the years complete with model trains, toys and much more! Now through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. The Gallery is open daily (except Christmas); hours vary. Free admission. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information or gallery hours, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.
“The Good Timers” Holiday Concert
Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Woodbine Community Center, 812 Longfellow St., Woodbine
Mayor William Pikolycky is pleased to announce that the Cape May County Retired Senior Volunteer Program in collaboration with the Woodbine Recreation Commission and the Mayors Wellness Campaign will present “The Good Timers” Holiday Concert at the Woodbine Community Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This event to open to all Woodbine and neighboring area residents. For more information, call (609) 861-5301.,
Hospitality Night on the Mall
Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.
Washington Street Mall, Cape May
Stroll the three-block pedestrian walk and experience an old-fashioned small town Christmas in Cape May. Get in the holiday spirit with lights, festive décor, carolers and maybe event Santa himself, if you’ve been good this year. The 96 merchants of the Mall open their doors from 5 to 9 p.m. and extend holiday hospitality to friends and neighbors, offering an array of interesting and unusual items, as well as seasonal treats. For more information, visit www.heartofcapemay.com.
Tree of Hope Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
Cape Assist, 3819 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood
Cape Assist announces annual Tree of Hope event, an inspirational tree lighting and holiday reception. The ornaments on the Tree of Hope serve as symbols of hope for those struggling with and recovering from addiction, and shining remembrances of those who are no longer with us. By dedicating an ornament, you help keep the flame of hope alive for those who have been touched by addiction and who are striving for a better tomorrow for themselves, their families, and our community. The event is sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank and The Windrift Restaurant and is open to the public. For more information, contact Chely at (609) 522-5960 or chely@capeassist.org, or visit www.capeassist.org.
Cape May Stage Presents “One Christmas Carol”
Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.
The Robert Shackleton Playhouse, 405 Lafayette St., Cape May
With one actor and over 35 distinct characters, this one-man tour de force is an intimate and spirited evening of theatre that everyone in the family will love! Suggested age guidance is 6 years and older. Admission $38 adults, $33 seniors (62+), $18 students and active duty military. For more information, visit www.capemaystage.org or call (609) 770-8311.
East Lynne Theater Company Presents “Yuletide Tales”
Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., Cape May
East Lynne’s holiday offering based on American classics and adapted and performed by artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth brings to life 30-plus characters in her unique storytelling style. Writers over the past 10 years from whom she’s adapted include Louisa May Alcott, Mary Wilkins Freeman, O. Henry, Bret Hart, Zona Gale, and L. Frank Baum. This year, she’s looking to Nathanial Hawthorne and Mark Twain. Tickets: $27 general; $17 students; ages 12 and under free. For more information and tickets, visit www.eastlynnetheater.org or call (609) 884-5898.
Winter WonderFEST
Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May
Take a ferry ride to the winter carnival at the Lewes Ferry Terminal with ice skating, amusement rides, crafts and activities at Santa’s Workshop. The Ferry offers shuttles to the Spectacular Light Show in Cape Henlopen State Park! We have a variety of ferry packages available. For questions and reservations, call 1 (800) 643-3779. Winter WonderFEST runs through Jan. 1 (dates vary). For more information, visit www.cmlf.com.
Family Holiday Celebration
Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Continue a family tradition with an exciting holiday celebration filled with fun for the entire family! Attend the Jaycees Christmas Parade on Friday night at 6 p.m., followed by a tree lighting ceremony and parade awards ceremony at the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7:15 p.m. Bring the family inside the Wildwoods Convention Center lobby on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, entertainment and much more! For more information, call (609) 729-9000 or visit www.WildwoodHoliday.com for a detailed schedule of events.
Holiday Open House
Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
Cape May Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 122 Sunset Blvd., West Cape May
Join the artists from 6 to 9 p.m. for a night of friendship, cheer, shopping and FREE gift wrapping. Enjoy homemade treats, beverages and great gift ideas. Browse the full selection of members’ work, including original paintings and photography and prints, jewelry, stained and fused glass, works in wood and bird carvings, clay and works in paper, fiber arts, and mosaics. Credit cards are accepted. Parking is available behind the store. For more information, call (609) 435-5253.
“Le Petite” Art Show and Exhibition
Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
Art on Asbury Gallery, 608 Asbury Ave., Ocean City
The Art on Asbury Gallery is going small in the December “Le Petite” Show. There will be a “Meet The Artist” reception and awards presentation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. All artwork will be for sale, so start searching for that one-of-a-kind gift! All sales benefit your local artists. For more information, call (609) 814-0308 or visit oceancityfineartsleague.org.
“The Polar Express”
Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
Middle Township PAC, 212 Bayberry Dr., Cape May Court House
Come to the Middle PAC for a showing of the popular holiday family film “The Polar Express” on the 50-foot-wide, 25-foot-high screen. Snow is in the forecast! To interact with the story, audiences are invited to attend dressed in their pajamas. Santa will be at The PAC to meet the children at the end of the showing, just as he is at the end of the train’s journey. Cost is $6. For more information, visit www.middlepac.net.
Lamplighter Christmas Tour
Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May
From 7 to 9 p.m., relive the memories of Christmas past on this self-guided evening tour of a selection of Cape May’s finest bed & 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. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Mad Batter Wine Dinner “Holiday Spirits and Dueling Sommeliers”
Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Mad Batter at Carroll Villa Hotel, 19 Jackson St., Cape May
Enjoy this five-course festive holiday menu with each course accompanied by wines presented by two sommeliers. Cost is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included) and seating is limited. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Pinch the GrYnch 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Police will be running the Grinch out of town as part of the fourth annual “Pinch the GrYnch 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk.” The event will take off in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Registration costs $30 per person, or $15 with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the day of the race inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. For more information, call (609) 522-0222 ext. 2330 or visit lunchwithlynch.com/pinch. Pre-register at www.active.com. Participants are encouraged to register prior to Dec. 9 to be guaranteed a Pinch the GrYnch T-shirt.
Holiday Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.
Throughout Sea Isle City
Check off something for everyone on your list this year as you stroll through Sea Isle City to get your holiday shopping done! Browse through a variety of Sea Isle City businesses featuring discounts and hospitalities as the city debuts this brand new event. Bring the entire family and enjoy Santa, shopping, dining, carolers, entertainment and more! For more information, visit www.seaislechamber.com.
Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 12 p.m.
City Hall, 861 Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Free horse & carriage rides are from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays starting in front of City Hall. Call 1-800-BEACH-NJ for more information.
Christmas with the Pops
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
Middle Township Performing Arts Center, 212 Bayberry Dr., Cape May Court House
Middle Township PAC is proud to present Linda Gentille & The Jersey Shore Pops with “Christmas with the Pops.” This is the final show in the successful concert series for the orchestra and is expected to draw the largest crowd of the year. The show will star the popular conductor and piano entertainer Linda Gentille. Tickets are $25 to $40. For more information, call (800) 838-3006 or visit www.jerseyshorepops.org.
Mauricetown Historical Society 30th Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
1229 Front St., Mauricetown
Ten private residences and six other buildings will be on the tour. There will also be a crafts fair by local craftsmen at the Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. Tour starts at 1229 Front St. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Kaleidoscope on the Washington Street Mall or by mailing a check payable to the Mauricetown Historical Society to Tickets: PO Box 37, Mauricetown, NJ 08329. For more information, call (856) 785-0457.
43rd Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Throughout Cape May
This self-guided walking tour from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., 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. Adults $30, children $20 (ages 3-12). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Christmas Trolley History Tour & Carol Sing
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City
Join the Ocean City Historical Museum on a trolley tour. Enjoy the city’s decorations while singing carols and visiting the historic homes of Peter and Ellen Pospiech (312 Central Ave.) and the Northwood Inn Bed & Breakfast (401 Wesley Ave.). After the tour, holiday refreshments will be served in the museum. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for the general public. For more information and tickets, call (609) 399-1801 or visit the museum at the Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Cheery Cherry House Tour
Monday, Dec. 12 and Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.
Cherry House, 637 Hughes St., Cape May
The Cheery Cherry House Christmas Tour boasts over a dozen beautifully decorated rooms throughout this 167-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 the Christmas turkey and trimmings; the parlor Christmas tree ornamented with family decorations from the 1800s; and the Dicken’s Village lighting windows and mantel. Admission is $10, and children under age 10 are free. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit www.capemaymac.org.
John Walter Cape Community Band Free Holiday Concert
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
St. John Neumann, 680 Town Bank Rd., North Cape May
The John Walter Cape Community Band will present a free holiday concert. Come join your friends and neighbors and enjoy a wonderful evening of great music! The band will be collecting non-perishable items for local food banks. For more information, visit www.johnwalterband.org.