Holiday tours in Cape May

Cape May Tours

Published on November 22, 2016

I’m always thankful to live in such a beautiful place – Cape May – but as we prepare for the holiday of giving thanks I’d like to show my gratitude for our amazing city and the devotion it shows to its Victorian heritage and delightful seasonal tours!

Christmas comes early in Cape May and there’s no shortage of events or activities to celebrate the festive season. If you are counting down the minutes until you can put up your tree after Thanksgiving, you could always get a start on the season as Cape May begins its celebrations on November 18.

Our friends at the Cape May MAC light up the holiday season on November 18 with its Holiday Preview Weekend with the tree lighting at the Physick Estate and start of its holiday tours. You can also visit the exhibit “An old-fashioned Christmas: Holiday traditions through the years” at the Carriage House Gallery or visit the Estate for free that weekend, though the MAC is asking for non-perishable food donations for the Cape May Community Food Bank. Then, for the next six weeks you can join the festive fun of its specialty tours, activities, and events happening around Cape May. Some of Anna Marie’s and my favorites include:

Christmas Traditions Lecture – On Saturday, December 3, learn how Prince Albert brought German Christmas traditions to England with his marriage to Queen Victoria for only $10!

Holiday Lights Trolley Rides – This specialty trolley tour will also share some of our Victorian Christmas traditions as you take in the lit up homes of Cape May and sing along with classic Christmas carols. Check the MAC’s website for tour dates.

Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides – Hear a ghostly tale as you ride through the Historic District to see the dazzling displays.

Dickens Christmas Extravaganza – Immerse yourself in the world of classic tales with the fantastic and entertaining Dickens lecturer, Dr. Elliot Engle, and exhibits devoted to the storyteller. Admission also includes a holiday feast and guests of The Queen Victoria are treated to a special hors d’oeuvres reception and dinner at the Merion Inn.

Holiday Inns Tour – A self-guided tour of decorated bed and breakfasts and a few private homes. Tickets are $15 per adult.

“A Cape May Christmas” by the Cape May Stage – This theater production intertwines stories of Saint Nick and Cape May’s Captain Mey through fireside storytelling. Tickets tend to sell out in advance so reservations are recommended.

Christmas Candlelight House Tours – On Saturdays in December (excluding Christmas Eve), you can take this self-guided tour of inns, homes, and churches decorated for the season. Sing along with the carolers, stop by the hospitality centers for warm drinks and baked treats, and stop in the Physick Estate. Tickets are $30 per adult and run on a limited tour basis so reserving your spot early is a must.

Mad Batter Wine Dinner: Holiday Spirits & Dueling Sommeliers – This limited seating event is a must for fellow wine enthusiasts! Not only will you dine at a favorite restaurant in Cape May but each of the five courses is accompanied by two pairings of wine. This special event is on Friday, December 9 and is $75.

Chocolate Lovers Feast – Sample creative chocolate creations at this seven-course dessert feast at the Blue Rose Inn. Seating is limited and the event is on Saturday, December 4.

Anna Marie and I also invite you to enjoy the holiday décor at The Queen Victoria and enjoy our three Christmas trees if you’re visiting during the season. We hope you stay to experience the most wonderful time of the year in Cape May and wish you a happy holiday season!