There’s nothing like visiting Cape May, NJ, at Christmas. It’s a picture-perfect destination for the holiday season. Visitors delight in the charming Victorian buildings twinkling with holiday lights. Plus, there are plenty of holiday events to spread holiday cheer.
Discover the best Cape May Christmas events for an unforgettable holiday season.
ICONA Avalon Winter Wonderland (November to February)
Location: ICONA Avalon, 7849 Dune Dr, Avalon, NJ
Dates: Weekends throughout November – February
Experience the magic of the cozy season at ICONA Avalon’s Winter Wonderland. Go ice skating on the synthetic rink or warm up by the fire pits. Dine on seasonal food and drink specials at the Avalon Brew Pub. Enjoy live music on select Saturdays at Sandbar Village. Check out local vendor stands from late November to mid-December for holiday shopping. Winter Wonderland is open every Friday through Sunday, starting in early November. It is open all winter, with a break from 12/22-12/26.
Christmas at the Hangar (November)
Location: NAS Wilwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ
Date: Last Saturday in November
Enjoy a unique holiday event at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum. During this event, the historic airplane hangar fills with festive cheer. Visitors can enjoy a photo op with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, craft tables, and local vendors for holiday shopping. Stop by the beer and wine garden or enjoy a snack from participating food trucks.
Holiday Lights Trolley Rides (November to December)
Location: Starting & Ending at the Ocean Street Trolley Stop
Dates: End of November through December
Historic red and green trolleys take visitors on Cape May Christmas trolley tours. Ride through the streets and view the decorations as you listen to holiday music on this unique tour. Each ride lasts about 30 minutes. Bring a blanket for extra warmth since the trolleys are open-air. Tours are available from late November through December 31.
Annual Sip & Shops (November to December)
Location: Willow Creek Winery, 168 Stevens St., West Cape May, NJ
Dates: Weekends from the end of November through Christmas
Get last-minute gift shopping taken care of at the Annual Sip & Shop series at Willow Creek Winery. The winery hosts a series of shopping events. Visitors can peruse a variety of artisan shops in an open-air market to find the perfect gifts. The series runs from the last weekend of November to the weekend before Christmas.
Breakfast with Santa (December)
Location: ICONA Diamond Beach, 9701 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood Crest, NJ
Dates: First two Sundays of December
Bring the holiday spirit to life for your little ones at Breakfast with Santa at ICONA Diamond Beach. This event takes place in the scenic Ocean View Ballroom on the first two Sundays of December. The hearty buffet includes waffles, French toast, an omelet station, and more. Dress in holiday attire because the ticket also includes a printed photo with Santa!
Cape May Tree Lightings (November & December)
Location: Wilbraham Park, Rotary Park, Emlen Physick Estate, & More
Dates: Last weekend in November / First weekend in December
Cape May is ablaze with holiday cheer during several Tree-Lighting Ceremonies. At the West Cape May Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wilbraham Park, visitors can enjoy seasonal music, a holiday sing-along, and light refreshments. At the Rotary Park Tree Lighting, visitors can partake in caroling or enjoy a visit from Santa Claus! At the Emlen Physick Estate, a band performs before Santa and his helpers light the tree.
Christmas Candlelight House Tour (December)
Location: Historic District in Cape May
Dates: Saturdays in December
Join Cape May MAC for a Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour. The museum offers the tour on three Saturday nights in December. The tour is self-guided and takes approximately 20 minutes. Along the way, visit several homes, inns, and churches decorated for the holidays.
West Cape May Christmas Parade (December)
Location: From the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse to the end of Carpenter Lane
Date: First Saturday in December
The Annual West Cape May Christmas Parade fills the streets of Cape May with holiday cheer. Vehicles and floats decked with holiday lights parade down the street. Local marching bands and dance groups perform seasonal music. There’s even an appearance by Santa Claus! This long-running event is in its 58th year and takes place on the first Saturday in December every year.
Enjoy the Holiday Season at ICONA Cape May
Cape May truly comes alive during the holiday season. The plentiful seasonal activities and charming decorations capture the joy of Christmas.
After a day of seasonal fun, unwind in comfort and style at ICONA Cape May, one of the best Cape May hotels on the beach. With a prime location and modern amenities, this charming boutique hotel is the perfect place to enjoy Cape May Christmas magic. Book your stay at ICONA Cape May and make this holiday season one to remember!
