It’s no secret that Christmas in Cape May is a big deal. The town’s holiday celebrations start with Cape May’s holiday preview weekend (on the 22nd this year) and continue through the end of December. Each year, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC) puts on a schedule of happenings that honor the timeless traditions of Christmas. You can enjoy holiday house tours, the town tree-lighting, Christmas carols, and so much more.
Here are just some of the events on the docket this year.
Cherry Cherry House Tour | Dates and Times Vary
For those who love home interiors, Christmas decorations, or both, the Cherry Cherry house tour features an exclusive peek inside one of Cape May’s most beautiful homes, decked out for the holidays. Enjoy a walk through this 167-year-old house, privately owned by the Acker family. According to MAC, here you’ll find classic Christmas scenes from past and present including a tree decorated with ornaments from the Victorian era, a table set with Christmas dinner, and a Dickens village atop the window sill. All tickets are $10 and children under 10 are free. Purchase tickets here.
Dickens Christmas Extravaganza | December 8 – 10
The Dickens Christmas Extravaganza offers a series of lectures and performances put on by the Philadelphia Dickens Fellowship. World-renowned Charles Dickens expert and lecturer, Elliot Engle, and his colleagues will guide attendees through the storied world of Dickens, including his most famous work, A Christmas Carol, plus other Christmas stories. Engel’s lecture series on Charles Dickens was aired on PBS across the country and several of his articles have been featured in national newspapers and magazines. Buy as a package event at $175 for admission to all performances and lectures. Admission to individual lectures can be purchased for $15.
Lamplighter Christmas House Tour | Dates and Times Vary
In Cape May, there is no shortage of beautiful homes and inns decorated for the holidays. Why not take a peek inside?! The Lamplighter Christmas House Tour is a self-guided evening tour that visits Cape May’s most beautiful inns and private homes all dressed up for Christmas. Owners and innkeepers each share their unique take on holiday decorating. Visitors can walk at their own pace to truly take in the Christmas cheer. Also included in the tour is a trip to “An Old-fashioned Christmas” exhibit at the Physicks Estate.
An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit | November 22 – January 1
Perfect for sentimental lovers of Christmases past, “An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: Holiday Traditions through the Years”, uses nostalgic photos, a Dickens Village, and breathtaking holiday decorations to dazzle visitors with awe and Christmas wonder. The display is open daily at the Caroll Gallery except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Queen Victoria is always open through the holidays and happily welcoming guests. Our buildings are spectacularly decorated with the most exquisite Christmas decorations and lights. Did you know our inn is one of the most photographed buildings in Cape May during the holiday season? It’s true. Book your stay with us!
Events listed courtesy of MAC’s 2019 Christmas in Cape May program.