CAPE MAY— It’s never too early for a little Christmas cheer!
The holiday spirit has taken hold of Victorian Cape May, the man in the red suit has landed with his eight tiny reindeer, and the Christmas elves have finished decorating the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., with thousands of twinkling lights just in time for Cape May’s Holiday Preview Weekend, Nov. 19-21, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).
Start celebrating the holidays early with a long weekend of festive tours, activities and food and wine events that are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Come to the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank, on Sat., Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
Join MAC representatives, public officials, Mayor Ed Mahaney and the Cape Harmonaires at the gazebo for a round of Christmas carols. Old Saint Nick arrives at 7 p.m. and flips the switch to light thousands of bulbs on the giant 60-foot Christmas tree. Children can meet with Santa, sit on his lap and bring their Christmas lists.
Warm beverages with freshly baked cookies are available in the Carriage House Tearoom & Café. The authentically decorated 1879 Emlen Physick Estate complete with Victorian Christmas vignettes will be open for free, self-guided tours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is free to the public.
Emlen Physick Estate Christmas Tours are offered daily during Holiday Preview Weekend. The Estate is decked out in authentic Victorian style.
You will learn about Victorian Christmas decorations and traditions on this guided daytime tour. This tour can also be combined with a historic district trolley tour. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). Tour times vary.
The wonders of the season are all on display for “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years” at the Carriage House Gallery located on the grounds of the Physick Estate, Working LGB trains weave through a Christmas village, decorated trees and old-fashioned toys recreate the traditions of Christmas past. Christmas artifacts ranging from the Victorian era through today will be on display. Enjoy the images and traditions of the holidays and reminisce. The exhibit opens Friday, Nov. 19 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 2. The Gallery is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas); hours vary. Admission is free.
New in 2010! Start your holiday shopping early during the Holiday Preview Crafts Show on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Star of the Sea Parish Hall, Ocean St. above the Washington Street Mall. Find unique hand-made items and gifts from dozens of crafts vendors. Admission is $1 donation.
Triple your wine experience Holiday Preview Weekend. The Cape May Wine Weekend combines a Wine Tasting Dinner, a Winery Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class for a weekend of total indulgence. The weekend begins on Friday, Nov. 19 with a four-course dinner at the Washington Inn featuring wines themed to the Sunday Wine School Class. Guests will be treated to individual attention from the wine steward. On Saturday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m., visit the award-winning Cape May Winery for a tour of the vineyard, an introduction to the winemaker’s art, and a barrel tasting with cheese and fruit. On Sunday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m., learn the finer points of fine wines at a Wine School Class at the Washington Inn. The complete package is $135 per person.
The Winery Cellar Tour and Tasting on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. can be purchased separately from the Cape May Wine Weekend. Spend an afternoon touring the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and then visit the winery, where you’ll be introduced to the winemaker’s art and enjoy a barrel tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit. Admission is $20 and includes a complimentary tasting glass.
Children can deliver their Christmas lists to Santa himself during Breakfast with Santa. On Saturday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m., visit the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., for a breakfast buffet the whole family can enjoy. Children get a chance to visit with Santa, bring him their Christmas lists and hear a Christmas story. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-10). Treats for the kids are included.
For a true taste of Cape May, take the Cape May Innteriors Tour and Tea on Saturday, Nov. 20. Sample the very best this city has to offer as you tour the interiors of four Victorian bed & breakfast inns and guesthouses, and enjoy a light afternoon tea at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café located at the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-12). The tour runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org.
Cape May – The number one reason I didn’t vote for Donald Trump was January 6th and I found it incredibly sad that so many Americans turned their back on what happened that day when voting. I respect that the…
