Recently voted one of the merriest Christmas towns in the country by Hallmark, Cape May, New Jersey, is ready to defend its title. The National Historic Landmark City is rolling out an incredible six weeks of holiday magic, transforming its pristine Victorian streets into a deeply nostalgic winter wonderland.
From November 20 through January 3, 2027, Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is offering a massive calendar featuring over 900 scheduled holiday tours, activities, and events. Whether you want to stroll through gaslit streets, ride a festive trolley, or dine in historic elegance, here is a look at the absolute best ways to celebrate Christmas in Cape May this season.
Historic Holiday House Tours
There is nothing quite like stepping across the threshold of an authentic Victorian home decorated for the holidays. Cape May MAC offers several ways to explore these stunning properties:
- Christmas Candlelight House Tours: The crown jewel of the season, these 53rd Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours run on December 5, 12, and 19. This self-guided evening walking tour allows you to explore multiple homes, bed and breakfasts, and inns, all clustered within the Historic District.
- Holiday Inns Tour: If you prefer an afternoon stroll, this daytime tour (running select dates in December) lets you step inside several landmark properties. You can also upgrade to the Holiday Inns Tour and Dinner at Washington Inn, which pairs the afternoon tour with a spectacular 4:00 p.m. dinner.
- Lamplighter Christmas Walking Tour: Stop and see inside a selection of specially decorated bed and breakfasts on this self-guided evening tour (Dec. 4, 11, 18, and 26), which also includes an option to add dinner at the Washington Inn.
- Physick House Museum Tours: Take a guided tour of the 1879 Emlen Physick House, voted the most beautiful building in New Jersey. For an immersive experience, book the Evening Yuletide House Tour, a first-person living history tour led by a guide portraying a member of the Physick family in the early 1900s.
Trolley Rides and Festive Lights
If you prefer to stay off your feet, Cape May offers several incredible trolley tours to take in the sparkling streetscapes:
- Holiday Lights Trolley Ride: Bring a warm lap blanket and listen to Christmas music and Victorian history while cruising through the brilliantly lit historic district.
- Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Rides: Hear tales of Christmases past, including spooky, recorded ghostly appearances at the Physick House and the weird games Victorians played during the holidays.
- All That Glitters: Learn how late-1800s Victorians in Cape May celebrated the New Year and shaped the social landscape of the seaside town.
Family-Friendly Fun and Exhibits
The season officially kicks off on November 21 with the massive 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Physick Estate, featuring a new craft show and Santa flipping the switch.
Families can also enjoy Santa’s Trolley Rides, led by Mrs. Claus direct from the North Pole, or share a morning meal during Breakfast with Santa at the historic Inn of Cape May. On December 26, the whole family is invited to the Episcopal Church of the Advent for a joyful, free Christmas Hymn Sing-Along.
Finally, no trip to Cape May is complete without visiting the Carriage House for An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit. Open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) with free admission, this beloved exhibit features a massive Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains, and nostalgic memorabilia beneath a giant Christmas tree.
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