Through Dec. 30
Cape May Stage presents “The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged)”: When a big storm shuts down the Garden State Parkway, the three presenters are forced to present a very ambitious Christmas show at Saint Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays through Sundays at 3 p.m. The Robert Shackleton Playhouse is located at the corner of Bank & Lafayette streets.
Through Jan. 1, 2018
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, 2018. The Gallery is open daily (except Christmas); hours vary. Free admission.
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). Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m.
Dec. 27
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. 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Adults $20, children (3-12) $15.
ONGOING TOURS AND EVENTS
Cape May Lighthouse and Oil House: 1859 structure with 199 steps to watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible Visitors’ Orientation Center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. Open noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 23, Sundays through Dec. 24, and daily Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2018. Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township. Admission to the Visitors’ Orientation Center and the ground floor of the Lighthouse is free. Tower admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children (3-12).
Cape May Lighthouse Museum Shop: Located in the Oil House on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township, the fully accessible Museum Shop carries a seaside treasure of nautical, lighthouse, pirate and nature-inspired gifts, art, apparel, books, toys, accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. Open noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 2-23, Sundays through Dec. 24, and daily Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2018. Proceeds benefit the on-going restoration and preservation efforts of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).
Carriage House Museum Shop: Located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, the Carriage House Shop is stocked with unique themed items, from teapots, teas, tea-related merchandise, jewelry, books and decorative items, all with that distinctive Cape May style. Open daily (except Christmas); hours vary. The Carriage House is fully-accessible and proceeds benefit the on-going restoration and preservation efforts of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).
Combination Trolley/Physick Family Christmas House Tours: Enjoy a guided daytime trolley tour of Cape May’ Historic District, followed by a guided tour of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, decorated in true Victorian style for Christmas, presented through the eyes of a member of the Physick family in the early 1900s. Offered daily (except Christmas); hours vary. Adults $22, children (3-12) $14.
Evening Yuletide House Tour: Take a 30-minute guided tour of Cape May’s 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, decorated in authentic style for a Victorian Christmas. See how the Physick family would have entertained for the holidays. Afterwards, visit the Carriage House for holiday refreshments and a visit to “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Offered every evening through Dec. 30, except Dec. 24 and 25; hours vary. Adults $12, children (3-12) $8.
Evening Yuletide Tour: Revel in the sparkly lights of Cape May’s beautiful Victorian homes decorated for Christmas on this Holiday Lights Trolley Ride followed by a guided tour of the first floor rooms of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Afterwards, visit the Carriage House for holiday refreshments and a visit to “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Tour begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop. Offered every evening through Dec. 30, except Dec. 24 and 25; hours vary. Adults $22, children (3-12) $14.
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides: A member of the East Lynne Theater Company will regale you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale on a ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. Tour begins and ends at Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street. Offered Fridays through Dec. 29, Saturday, Dec. 30, Sunday, Dec. 31, and Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 26-28; hours vary. Advance reservation strongly recommended. Adults $12, children (3-12) $8.
Historic District Trolley Tours: Get acquainted with Cape May on a trolley tour as knowledgeable guides present entertaining and educational stories about the nation’s oldest seashore resort. Offered daily (except Christmas); hours vary. Tours leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street. Adults $12, children (3-12) $8.
Holiday Lights Trolley Rides: Take a ride through Cape May’s Historic District and see cheerfully decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs and play Christmas music. Offered nightly through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 24 and 25); hours vary. Trolley rides leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street at Ocean Street. Adults $12, children (3-12) $10.
Physick Family Christmas House Tours: Take a guided, daytime, living history tour of the magnificent 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, decorated in authentic Victorian style for Christmas, presented through the eyes of a member of the Physick family in the early 1900s. The tour also includes a visit to the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Offered daily (except Christmas); hours vary. Adults $12, children (3-12) $8.
All events are 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.