Cape May’s December Calendar of Events Announced

CAPE MAY –
Through Jan. 1, 2013
Cape May’s Holiday Season: Seven weeks of special holidays tours and events including the 39th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours (Dec. 1, 8, 15), Plus Lamplighter Christmas Tours, Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, Emlen Physick Estate Christmas Tours, Holiday Inns Tours, Evening Holiday Lights Trolley Rides, Evening Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, Santa’s Trolley Rides, and more. 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.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: An exhibit of holiday traditions through the years complete with model trains beneath the boughs of a giant Christmas tree and much more! At the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, through Jan. 1. The Gallery is open daily (except Thanksgiving and 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-
Through Dec. 14
East Lynne Theater Company presents “Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas”: Three of Alcott’s tales, including the opening of “Little Women,” beautifully brought to life in storytelling fashion by Gayle Stahlhuth. A holiday treat for the whole family. Nov. 23, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14; Nov. 24; and Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. Tickets: $25 general; $15 students; ages 12 and under free. Sponsored by East Lynne Theater Company in association with 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.
Through Dec. 30
Cape May Stage presents “A Tuna Christmas”: It’s 24 hours before Christmas and times are tough. Bertha Bumiller’s drunken husband hasn’t come home, her kids are messes, and a Christmas Phantom is destroying the town’s decorations. Two actors. Twelve days of Christmas. Twenty-four hilarious characters to put a jingle in your sleigh. Performance schedule is as follows: Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., Thursdays at 8 p.m. The Robert Shackleton Playhouse is located at the corner of Bank & Lafayette streets. Admission: $35 Adults, $30 Seniors (62+), and $15 Students. Sponsored by Cape May Stage in association with 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.
Dec. 1
39th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour: This self-guided tour, 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 home-baked treats. Includes admission to the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and the Carriage House Gallery “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 1. Adults $25, 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 Traditions Lecture: Much of what we associate with the celebration of Christmas comes from the Victorian era, including Christmas trees, cards, carols and our image of Santa Claus. Learn how Prince Albert brought Christmas traditions to England from Germany when he married Queen Victoria, and how these traditions spread to America in this richly illustrated lecture at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Washington and Franklin streets. 2 p.m. Dec. 1. Admission $10. 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.
Breakfast with Santa: Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., as children visit with Santa and hear a Christmas story. Christmas lists accepted. Treats for the kids. Adults $15; children $10 (ages 3-12). 10 a.m. Dec. 1. 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.
Dec. 2-4
A Dickens Christmas Extravaganza: Join world-renowned lecturer on Charles Dickens, Dr. Elliot Engel, and immerse yourself in the storied world of Dickens with lectures and performances offered daily. Also featured are lectures by members of the Philadelphia and New York City Dickens Fellowships. Included in the Extravaganza is a Dickensian-style feast at the Washington Inn, along with a wine tasting and a holiday tour of Cape May. Dec. 2 through Dec. 4. $150 per person includes all lectures and performances and a proper Victorian feast at the Washington Inn. All-inclusive packages are available at participating inns. Some events are available for individual purchase. Presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information or for tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Dec. 7-9
Cape May Wine Weekend: Triple your enjoyment by packaging together a four-course Wine Tasting Dinner at the Washington Inn Friday evening, a Saturday afternoon Winery Cellar Tour at Cape May Winery and a Sunday Wine School Class for a weekend of total indulgence. Admission $135 (gratuity not included.) 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.
Dec. 8
39th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour: This self-guided tour, 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 home-baked treats. Includes admission to the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and the Carriage House Gallery “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 8. Adults $25, 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.
Brunch, Bingo & Lace: C’mon girls … this is all about you! Leave the kids and your significant other behind and join us for a morning of brunch, bingo and a fashion show just for you from the lovely ladies at Cape May’s Lace Silhouettes and the Cotton Company. Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. $25 includes brunch buffet, fashion show, bingo and eligibility for prizes. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8. 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.
Breakfast with Santa: Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., as children visit with Santa and hear a Christmas story. Christmas lists accepted. Treats for the kids. Adults $15; children $10 (ages 3-12). 10 a.m. Dec. 8. 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.
Dec. 9
Cape May Wine School, “It’s All in the Bubbles: Sparkling Wines for the Holidays”: Before you pop the cork, prepare for holiday celebrations with a tasting of sparkling wines at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St. 1 p.m. Dec. 9. Admission $30. 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.
Dec. 10
Cape May Second Stage presents, “37 Stories In Which I Come Off Badly”: Funny, sad, and hard to believe … but it’s true! More mortifying, humiliating, jaw-dropping, and hilarious things have happened to Jody Cook than you can shake a stick at! Join him in a cabaret performance at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse as he exposes his tortured soul and unburdens his cold heart with a tear in one eye and a smirk in the other. Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. The Robert Shackleton Playhouse is located at the corner of Bank & Lafayette streets. Admission: $20. Sponsored by Cape May Stage in association with 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.
Dec. 14
Mad Batter Wine Dinner-Happy Holidays: Celebrate the holidays early with a festive five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines at the Mad Batter restaurant. Dinner is limited to 60. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. $75 per person (tax and gratuity included). 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.
Dec. 15
39th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour: This self-guided tour, 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 home-baked treats. Includes admission to the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and the Carriage House Gallery “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 15. Adults $25, 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.
Breakfast with Santa: Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., as children visit with Santa and hear a Christmas story. Christmas lists accepted. Treats for the kids. Adults $15; children $10 (ages 3-12). 10 a.m. Dec. 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.
Dec. 26, 27
Chefs’ Dine-Arounds: Enjoy a five-course gourmet feast, with each course served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants. Wine will be provided with each course, with a representative from the sponsoring winery on hand to explain the pairings. A trolley shuttle between restaurants is provided. Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. $125 per person (gratuity included). Reserve early; limited to 34 people. 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.
Dec. 29
Cape May Wine Trail: Spend the afternoon visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. Board the MAC trolley at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., then enjoy lunch at Lucky Bones Backwater Grille. After lunch the trolley will take you to Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, where you’ll learn about viniculture and visit the tasting rooms. $60 per person includes lunch, wine tastings at each vineyard and a wine tasting glass. Limited event, reserve early. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29. 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.
Ongoing tours and events:
A Cape May Christmas Tour: New in 2012! View some of Cape May’s grandest mansions by the sea on a narrated trolley tour along Beach Avenue, then tour one of Cape May’s famous Bed & Breakfast Inns. Offered Mondays through Thursdays through Dec. 20, at 12 p.m. $15 for adults and $10 for children (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.
Cape May Family Treasure Hunt: Discover the fun of exploring Cape May and uncovering its architectural elements from a kid’s perspective. Packet includes clues sheet and map that will take you on a self-guided discovery tour, set to your own pace (answer sheet also included). Available daily, year-round (except Dec. 25). $5 per packet (Only one packet is needed per family). Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and Preservation New Jersey. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
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 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 1 through Dec. 23 and daily Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, 2013, Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. 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 $7 for adults, $3 for children (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.
Cape May Lighthouse Museum Shop: Located in the Oil House on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse (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 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 through Dec. 23 and daily Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, 2013. Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township. Proceeds benefit the on-going restoration and preservation efforts of 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.
Carriage House Gallery Shop: Located in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., the Carriage House Gallery 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; hours vary. Closed Dec. 25. The Carriage House Gallery is fully-accessible and proceeds benefit the on-going restoration and preservation efforts of 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.
Combination Trolley/Physick Estate Christmas Tours: Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Cape May’ Historic District, followed by a guided tour of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., authentically decorated for the holidays. Offered daily except Dec. 25; tour times vary. $18 for adults, $9 for children (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.
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides: A member of the East Lynne Theater Company will regale you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. Adults: $10; children (3-12): $7. Offered Fridays through Dec. 21; Dec. 22; Sundays through Dec. 23; Nightly, Dec. 26-Dec. 31. Hours vary. Tour begins and ends at Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street. Advance reservation strongly recommended. 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.
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 Dec. 25; tour times vary. $10 for adults and $7 for children (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.
Holiday Inns Tours: Get into the Christmas spirit at three of Cape May’s festively decorated Bed and Breakfast Inns. You’ll be treated to a holiday presentation at each inn. Offered Mondays through Thursdays, through Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. $15 for adults and $10 for children (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.
Holiday Lights Trolley Rides: Ride through Cape May’s Historic District to see cheerfully decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play Christmas music. Rides last about 30 minutes and cost $10 per seat. Offered Nightly through Dec. 31. Hours vary. No tours Dec. 1, 8, 12, 15, 24 and 25. Tours leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street at Ocean St. 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.
Lamplighter Christmas Tour: Relive the memories of Christmas past on this self-guided evening tour of five of Cape May’s finest Bed and Breakfast inns, specially decorated for the holidays. Innkeepers will share their holiday spirit at each location. The tour also includes a visit to the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit while enjoying warm beverages and traditional cookies. Adults: $20; children $15 (ages 3-12). 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 28 and Dec. 29. 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.
Physick Estate Christmas Tour: Visit the 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, decorated in authentic Victorian style. Learn about Victorian Christmas decorations and traditions on this guided daytime tour. The tour also includes a visit to the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate where you can see “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit. Adults: $10; children (3-12): $5. Offered daily. Hours vary. No tours Dec. 25. 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.
Physick Family Christmas House Tour: Visit the 1879 Physick Estate decorated in true Victorian holiday style, where you will enjoy a unique Christmas living history experience with members of the Physick Family household of the 1890s. Adults: $12; children (3-12): $6. Offered daily. (No tours Dec. 1, 8, 12, 15 24, 25, 31) Hours vary. 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.
Santa’s Trolley Rides: Bring the kids to the Physick Estate on weekends for a ride around Cape May with stories and songs led by Mrs. Claus. Santa will greet children with a sweet in the Carriage House. All seats are $8. Offered Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16, and Dec. 22. Hours vary. Advance reservation strongly recommended. 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.
Self-Guided Audio Tour of Cape May’s Historic District: Discover the Historic District of Victorian Cape May at your own pace with Acoustiguide Inform hand-held units. Tour comes complete with a map and index for 96 historic buildings on 69 sites. Available daily (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hill House office located on the grounds of the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Rental fee is $10 per unit. 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.
Self-Guided Wine Trail: Spend the afternoon touring the wineries of Cape May County at your own pace. Visit Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and taste the unique flavors at each. Offered daily (except Dec. 24 and Dec. 25) from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 and includes a map with the wineries listed and a tasting glass. 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.
Self-guided Wine & Brewery Tour: New in 2012! What’s brewing in Cape May? Some great spirits, as you’ll find out on this tour of two area wineries, Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery, plus the new Cape May Brewing Company. Take a tour at each stop and sample some of their products. Admission is $13 and includes map with directions. Offered Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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.
Spirit of Christmas Tour: Hear about Victorian holiday traditions on an evening trolley ride to the authentically decorated Emlen Physick Estate for a living history holiday presentation: “A Physick Family Christmas.” The tour includes a visit to the Carriage House for holiday refreshments and the Gallery exhibit “An Old-fashioned Christmas.” Tours lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Adults: $18; children (3-12): $13. Offered daily at various times. (No tour Dec. 1, 8, 12, 15, 24, 25, 31). 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.
Winery Cellar Tour & Tasting: Spend an afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Rd. Tour the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and then visit the winery where you’ll be introduced to the winemaker’s art. Savor a barrel tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit. Admission is $20 and includes a complimentary souvenir tasting glass. Offered at 3 p.m. daily. (No tours Dec. 23 through Dec. 25). Purchase tickets in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth. 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.