Cape May Sparkles During Seven Weeks of Holiday Tours and Activities

CAPE MAY — Cape May welcomes visitors with an abundance of good, old-fashioned cheer for the Christmas holiday during seven weeks of festive tours and events sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), from Nov. 16 through Jan. 1, 2013. Victorian Cape May at Christmas inspires sharing the season with family and friends. Soak in the sights, sounds and tastes of a Cape May holiday as you warm up on heated trolley rides, delight in the city’s Victorian Christmas decorations, indulge in festive food and wine events, share breakfast or dinner with the jolly man in the red suit, and much more this holiday season.
Cape May’s oldest and beloved holiday tour, the 39th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours, will take place on Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Each night from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., tour at least 15 Victorian homes, churches, inns and hotels that have been decked out for the Christmas season. Good old-fashioned cheer, Christmas carols by candlelight, strolling musicians and twinkling trees are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Hospitality centers offer hot beverages of the season and seasonal goodies. Admission is $25 for adults and $20 for children (ages 3-12) and includes entry to the authentically decorated 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and to “An Old-fashioned Christmas: Holiday Traditions through the Years” exhibit in the Carriage House Gallery located on the grounds of the Estate, as well as continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys. Christmas Candlelight House Tours are limited; advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Start celebrating early during Cape May’s Holiday Preview Weekend, Nov. 16 to Nov. 18.
Come to the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., for the free Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank, on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Old Saint Nick arrives at 7 p.m. and flips the switch to light thousands of bulbs on the giant Christmas tree. Children can meet with Santa, sit on his lap and bring their letters to the man in the red suit. Warm beverages with cookies are available in the Carriage House Café & Tearoom. Visitors are invited to bring extra canned goods and non-perishable food items to donate to the Cape May Community Food Bank. The authentically decorated Physick Estate 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.
New in 2012! Hop on board the trolley for a brand new tour this holiday season, A Cape May Christmas Tour. 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. Adult admission is $15 and children (3-12) are admitted for $10. Tours are at 12 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, from Nov. 26 through Dec. 20.
Physick Estate Christmas Tours are offered daily beginning Nov. 16. Visit the 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, decorated in authentic Victorian style and 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. Adult admission is $10; admission for children (ages 3-12) is $5. Hours vary; there are no tours Nov. 22 and Dec. 25.
Board a trolley at the Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street and visit the 1879 Physick Estat 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, during the Physick Family Christmas Tours. Members of Dr. Emlen Physick’s family invite you to share their Christmas traditions and experiences. Adult admission is $18; admission for children (ages 3-12) is $10. The house tour is available separately on a space available basis. Adult admission is $10; admission for children (ages 3-12) is $5. Offered on Nov. 23-Dec. 21; Nov. 24, Dec. 22, Dec. 29; Nov. 25-Dec. 30; Dec. 26 and Dec. 27. Hours vary.
The wonders of the season are on display at “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years,” at the Carriage House Gallery located on the grounds of the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Here you can experience an exhibit of holiday traditions complete with presents and model trains, and much more, all beneath the boughs of a giant Christmas tree! At the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, Nov. 16 through Jan. 1. The Gallery is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas); hours vary. Admission is free.
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, during the Lamplighter Christmas Tours. 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. Adult admission is $20; children $15 (ages 3-12). 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 23 through Dec. 28; Nov. 24 and Dec. 29.
Spirit of Christmas Tours feature a Victorian holiday tale on an evening trolley ride through Cape May’s festive streets, and then a visit to the authentically decorated Emlen Physick Estate for a living history holiday presentation. The tours include a visit to the Carriage House for holiday refreshments and the Gallery exhibit “An Old-fashioned Christmas.” Tours lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Adult admission is $18; admission for children (ages 3-12) is $13. Offered Mondays through Thursdays, Nov. 26- Dec. 20 at 6:45 p.m. (No tour Dec. 12).
Get into the Christmas spirit at three of Cape May’s festively decorated Bed and Breakfast Inns on the Holiday Inns Tours. You’ll be treated to a holiday presentation at each inn. Offered Mondays through Thursdays, Nov. 26-Dec. 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12). Holiday trolley rides are a jolly way to tour Cape May and see the sparkling holiday decorations. Get into the Christmas spirit and cozy up to your loved ones on a variety of heated trolley rides.
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides feature a member of the East Lynne Theater Company who will regale you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. Adult admission is $10; admission for children (ages 3-12) is $7. Offered Fridays, Nov. 23-Dec. 21; Saturdays, Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 22; Sundays, Nov. 25-Dec. 23; Nightly, Dec. 26-Dec. 31. Hours vary. The trolley rides begin and end at Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street (except for Nov. 17 trolley rides which depart from the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.) Advance reservation are strongly recommended.
Thousands of Christmas lights and holly transform Cape May during the holiday season. Take a Holiday Lights Trolley Rides 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 admission is $10 per seat. Offered Nov. 17 and nightly, Nov. 23-Dec. 31. Hours vary. There are no tours on Dec. 1, 8, 12, 15, 24 and 25. Trolley rides leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street at Ocean (except for the Nov. 17 trolley rides which leave from the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.)
Mr. and Mrs. Claus have made their way to Cape May from the North Pole to host 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 treat in the Carriage House located on the grounds of the Estate. All seats are $8. Offered Nov. 17, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 24-Dec. 16, and Dec. 22. Hours vary. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate great food and fine wine with good friends. MAC is offering many holiday-themed food and wine tours to help you satisfy your appetite for Christmas cheer. The man in the red suit is in town and visiting the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., for Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast buffet at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., as children visit with Santa and hear a Christmas story. Children are encouraged to bring their Christmas lists. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12) and includes a special treat for the kids. Breakfast with Santa is held at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8 and 15.
New in 2012! If you’d enjoy spending an evening meal with the man in the jolly red suit, bring the family to Dinner with Santa at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. This new event on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. is a family-friendly dinner buffet at the Inn of Cape May. Children visit with Santa, hear a Christmas story and Christmas lists will be accepted. Santa will have treats for the kids and everyone will enjoy a holiday meal. Adult admission is $25; admission for children (ages 3-12) is $15.
Triple your holiday spirit by packaging together a four-course Wine Tasting Dinner at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St., Friday evening, a Saturday afternoon Winery Cellar Tour at Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Road, and a Sunday Wine School Class at the Washington Inn, for a weekend of total indulgence, during the Cape May Wine Weekend, offered Dec. 7 through Dec. 9. The complete package is $135 (gratuity not included.)
The Cape May Wine School Class, “It’s All in the Bubbles—Sparkling Wines for the Holidays” is presented Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. by the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St., just in time for the holidays. Before you pop the cork, prepare for holiday celebrations with a tasting of various sparkling wines at the famous Washington Inn. Admission is $30 (gratuity is not included).
Spend the afternoon visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each on Cape May Wine Trails this holiday. First enjoy lunch at Lucky Bones Restaurant, 1200 Route 109, and then take the trolley shuttle to Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, where you’ll learn about viniculture and visit the tasting rooms. Admission is $60 per person and includes lunch, wine tastings at each vineyard and a wine tasting glass. Wine Trails are offered Nov. 24 and Dec. 29, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’d rather taste, sip and swirl at your own pace, then you’ll love the new Self-guided Wine Trail. Spend the afternoon touring Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and Natali Vineyards in Cape May County and taste wines at each. Admission is $8 and includes a map with the wineries listed and a tasting glass. Tours are offered from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 (except Nov. 22, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25) Admission is $8 and includes a map with the wineries listed and a tasting glass.
New in 2012! What’s brewing in Cape May? Some great spirits, as you’ll find out on the Selfguided Wine and Brewery Trail, a 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, Nov. 16 through Dec. 31, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Spend an afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Rd., during Winery Cellar Tours and Tastings. 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. Tours are offered at 3 p.m. on Nov. 17; Nov. 23 through Nov. 25, and daily Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 (No tours Dec. 23 through Dec. 25). Purchase tickets in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.
Get into the holiday spirit early on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m., with a five-course seasonal dinner at the famous Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson St. The Mad Batter Wine Dinner—Flavors of Fall celebrates the fall harvest with a five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines. Dinner is limited to 60. $75 per person (tax and gratuity included).
The famous Mad Batter restaurant is again host during the Mad Batter Wine Dinner—Happy Holidays offered Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with a festive five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines at the Mad Batter restaurant. Dinner is limited to 60 and admission is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included).
The Holiday Chefs’ Dine-Arounds on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 are the ultimate foodie extravaganza. 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 will shuttle you between restaurants. The Dine-Arounds begin at 6 p.m. and admission is $125 per person (gratuity included). Reserve early, this popular event is limited to 34 people.
C’mon girls … this one is all about you! Leave the kids and your significant other behind on Dec. 8 and join us at 9:30 a.m. for Brunch, Bingo & Lace, a morning of brunch and fashions, with a little bingo, from the lovely ladies at Cape May’s Lace Silhouettes and the Cotton Company. It all takes place at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Admission is $25 and includes a brunch buffet, fashion show, bingo and eligibility for prizes.
The Holiday Crafts Fair has become an annual holiday tradition for shoppers and this year the fair will be held at the new Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Avenue at Stockton. For two days — Black
Nov. 23, and Nov. 24 — you can shop for one-of-a-kind and handmade merchandise and seasonal decorations, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Adult admission is $2, free for children 12 and younger.
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 during the Christmas Traditions Lecture on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. Enjoy this richly illustrated lecture at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Washington and Franklin streets at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1. Admission is $10.
Attend a Dickensian feast and learn about Charles Dickens from Dec. 2 through Dec. 4 during A Dickens Christmas Extravaganza. Join world-renowned Dickens lecturer, 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. Admission is $150 per person and 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.
Attend live holiday theater productions by Cape May Stage and East Lynne Theater Company as part of your celebration of the holidays in Cape May.
Cape May Stage presents “A Tuna Christmas”: Come to Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Playhouse at the corner of Bank and Lafayette streets, and enjoy this lively holiday romp. 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. Performances are Nov. 23 through Dec. 30: Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. and Thursdays at 8 p.m. The Robert Shackleton Playhouse is located at the corner of Bank & Lafayette streets. Admission is $35 for adults, $30 for seniors (62+), and $15 for students. East Lynne Theater Company presents “Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas”: Three of Alcott’s tales, including the opening of “Little Women,” are beautifully brought to life in storytelling fashion by Gayle Stahlhuth in this holiday treat for the whole family. Performances are 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., at the The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for students. Children ages 12 and under are free.
Schedules are subject to change. Please visit our website at www.capemaymac.org for the most up-to-date schedule. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For 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. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.
Expand your palate and celebrate the most festive season of the year with friends and family over gourmet meals, fine wines and much more this Christmas season in Cape May. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is offering special food and wine events to savor the best flavors of the holidays in Cape May — the city the New York Times calls the “restaurant capital of New Jersey” — from Nov. 16 through Jan. 1, 2013.
Celebrate the fall harvest with a five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines at the awardwinning Mad Batter restaurant during the Mad Batter Wine Dinner—“Flavors of Fall” on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included). The dinner is limited to 60.
There are two opportunities for experiencing the Cape May Wine Trail this holiday season. Spend the afternoon visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. First, you’ll enjoy lunch at the popular Lucky Bones Backwater Grille, 1200 Route 109. Then take the trolley shuttle 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. These are limited events, so reserve early. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24 and Dec. 29.
The man in the jolly red suit will be coming to town and visiting the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., for Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Share a family-friendly breakfast buffet with Santa at the Inn of Cape May. Children can visit with Santa Claus and hear a Christmas story; they are encouraged to bring their Christmas lists. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages-12) and includes a special treat for the kids.
New this year is an additional opportunity to spend time with Santa Claus during Dinner with Santa on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly dinner buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., as children visit with Santa and hear a Christmas story. Christmas lists will be accepted and Santa will have treats for the kids. Adult admission is $25 and admission for children (ages 3-12) is $15.
Are you a wine lover? The Cape May Wine Weekend, Dec. 7 through Dec. 9, is triple your enjoyment — packaging together a four-course Wine Tasting Dinner at the Washington Inn on 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 for the entire package is $135 (gratuity not included.) Sunday’s Cape May Wine School Class, “Sparkling Wines for the Holidays” may be purchased separately. Before you pop the cork, prepare for your holiday celebrations by tasting delicious sparkling wines perfect for holiday celebrations, on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St. Admission is $30.
C’mon girls … this is all about you! Leave the kids and your significant other behind on Dec. 8 and join us at 9:30 a.m. for Brunch, Bingo & Lace, a morning of brunch, bingo and a fashion show at The Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., just for you from the lovely ladies at Cape May’s Lace Silhouettes and the Cotton Company. This morning event is a great way to bond with your girlfriends. $25 admission includes a brunch buffet, fashion show, bingo and eligibility for prizes.
Celebrate the holidays with a festive five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines at the famous Mad Batter restaurant during the Mad Batter Wine Dinner— “Happy Holidays” on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. The dinner is limited to 60 so reserve early. Admission is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included).
Attention foodies! Enjoy a five-course gourmet feast, with each course served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants, during the spectacular Holiday Chefs’ Dine-Arounds. These popular events sell out early so reserve ahead. Wine will be provided with each course, with a representative from the sponsoring winery on hand to explain the pairings. A trolley shuttles you between each restaurant and course. Holiday Chefs’ Dine-Arounds are on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. Admission is $125 per person (gratuity included). Limited to 34 people.
Spend an afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Rd. during the Winery Cellar Tour & Tastings. 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. Nov. 17; Nov. 23 through Nov. 25, and daily Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 (No tours from Dec. 23 through Dec. 25). You can purchase tickets in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.
Schedules are subject to change. Please visit our website at www.capemaymac.org for the most current schedule.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all.
For 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. For information about restaurants, accommodations
and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.