Winter WonderFEST Debuts at Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Two unique holiday venues, one perfect Winter WonderFEST! A new festival, produced by the nonprofit group Festival of Cheer, features a fun-filled Christmas Village at the Lewes Ferry Terminal and a Light Spectacular throughout neighboring Cape Henlopen State Park. The dual complementary events will debut on Nov. 25 and continue through December on select weekend and holiday dates.

“Winter WonderFEST is such a fantastic concept that we immediately agreed to be part of it,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations. “This community event will not only create some lasting family memories, it helps spread good cheer and reasons to get outdoors during the dark winter months.

The Lewes Ferry Terminal will be home to a Christmas Village, comprised of carnival rides with a full size Ferris wheel, a unique synthetic skating rink, music from local groups and warm-up treats including hot chocolate and s’mores fire pit. Santa’s workshop – complete with crafts and activities – will take place inside the Terminal. St. Nick will also be available for self-photos with the young and young-at-heart. In addition, the Ferry’s ‘On the Rocks’ full pub menu and bar service will be available inside the Terminal.

Christmas Village will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 25-Dec. 17 and on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23. Beginning Dec. 26, the festival is open daily through Jan. 1, 2017. Festival hours are 5 to 9 p.m. The Christmas Village will not be open on Dec. 2-3.

Winter WonderFEST also includes 60 light displays, a two mile drive-through Light Spectacular, in-car Scavenger Hunt and a 3-D Experience inside Cape Henlopen State Park. The Light Spectacular inside Cape Henlopen State Park opens to the public on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more dates and times, please visit the Winter WonderFest website at www.wonderfestde.org.

Gehrke noted that special Ferry foot passenger packages have been developed to make it easier for New Jersey residents to enjoy day trips to Winter WonderFEST. These packages, detailed on www.cmlf.com, make it easy for families, friends and neighborhood groups to enjoy the full festival at reduced pricing. Packages must be reserved in advance by calling (800) 643-3779 and include 20 amusement tickets plus trolley tours to the light show. Additional custom packages are also available through the Ferry’s Guest Services Department.

Winter WonderFEST aims to bring together residents, visitors and non-profit organizations to build a holiday tradition, create an opportunity for people to create lasting memories for their family and friends, and raise resources to benefit Sussex County non-profits that focus on health, education, culture and the environment.

To reserve your Ferry combo-tickets for Winter WonderFEST, please contact our Guest Services Department daily at 1 (800) 643-3779 (FERRY) during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on the festival, please visit www.wonderfestde.org.