December Events in Cape May

If you're spending time a the shore this month, here are some events you might want to check out through the Holiday Season.

All events are sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. 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 by joining in 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: Holiday Traditions through the Years” exhibit while enjoying warm Wassail punch and traditional cookies. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Holiday Chefs’ Dine-around: 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. Wine will be available for purchase. Reserve early; limited to 34 people! $125 per person (gratuity included). Monday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.

35th 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. Continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27. Adults $25, children $20 (ages 3-12).

Lamplighter Christmas Tour: Relive the memories of Christmas past by joining in 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: Holiday Traditions through the Years” exhibit while enjoying warm Wassail punch and traditional cookies. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org

On-going events and tours:

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 Christmas). $5 per packet (Only one packet is needed per family).

Cape May Lighthouse, Oil House and Museum Shop: Climb this 1859 structure with 199 steps to the watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. Museum Shop carries souvenirs, books, videos and other maritime items. The Lighthouse is located at Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township. Open 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6 through 21 and daily from Dec. 26 through Jan. 4. Admission to the Visitors’ Orientation Center and the ground floor of the Lighthouse is free. Tower admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3-12).

Cape May’s Christmas Carol Tour: Enjoy a charming Victorian holiday tale on an evening trolley ride through Cape May’s festive streets. Then, visit the authentically decorated Emlen Physick Estate for a living history holiday presentation. The tour includes a visit to the Carriage House for holiday refreshments and the Gallery exhibit “An Old-fashioned Christmas: Holiday Traditions through the Years.” Tours are offered in the evening and last about 2 hours. Offered daily; times vary. No tours on Dec. 6, 11, 13, 24, 25, 27 and 31. Adults $15; children (3-12) $7.50.

Carriage House Tearoom and Café: An English tradition brought to Victorian Cape May, featuring a Tea Luncheon of sandwiches, salads, soups, breads, pastries and beverages, and Elegant Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and beverages. The new café menu also offers heartier fare with a selection of entrée salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps. Carriage House Tearoom and Café is on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Tearoom is closed Dec. 24 and 25.

Combination Trolley/ Emlen Physick Estate Christmas Tours: Guided trolley tour of Cape May’ Historic District, followed by a guided tour of the 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, decorated in authentic Victorian style. Learn about Victorian Christmas decorations and traditions. Offered daily (no tours on Christmas); times vary. Adults $18; children (3-12) $9.

Designer Show House Luncheon Packages: Combine a tour of the 1915 Otis Townsend residence decked out for the holidays with lunch at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café. Tour and luncheon packages are available from11:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday through Sunday, Dec. 21; and daily Friday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 4. $30 per person. Free trolley shuttle from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth and the Emlen Physick Estate.

Emlen Physick Estate Christmas Tours: 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. Can also be combined with a historic district trolley tour. Offered daily (no tours on Christmas); times vary. Adults $10; children (3-12) $5.

Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides: Members of the East Lynne Theater Company 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 daily; times vary. No tours Dec. 6, 11, 13, 24, 25 and 27. Advance reservation strongly recommended.

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 Christmas); times vary. $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12).

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 $8 per seat. Your ticket is also good for admission to the Carriage House Gallery exhibit plus a 10% discount at any of MAC’s Museum Shops. Offered daily; times vary. No rides Dec. 6, 11, 13, 24, 25 and 27.

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 or one of Santa’s elves. Santa will greet children as they board the trolley and afterwards in the Carriage House. All seats $8. Offered Saturdays and Sundays through Saturday, Dec. 20; times vary. Advance reservation strongly recommended.

Self-Guided Audio Tour of Cape May: 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 Christmas) from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Hill House office at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Rental fee: $10 per unit.

Taste of Christmas Tour: Build up your appetite on a walking tour of Cape May’s Historic District dressed up for the holidays and then enjoy lunch at the famous Mad Batter Restaurant. Offered Fridays at 11 a.m. Tours last about one hour. Adults $20; children (3-12) $15. Space is limited. Advance reservation strongly recommended.

Walking Tour of the Historic District: Designed for those who like history up-close and in detail. Knowledgeable guides lead a stroll down the streets of Cape May’s Historic District. Offered Fridays at 11 a.m. (Separate admission for Taste of Christmas Tour) $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3 -12). Tickets are available at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.

Winery Cellar Tour and Tasting: Visit the Cape May Winery and tour the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown, get an introduction to the winemaker’s art, and enjoy a barrel tasting with cheese, fruit, and a sampling of 5 to 6 kinds of wine. Admission $20. Tours are offered Saturdays, through Dec. 27, Friday, Dec. 26, Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. Additional tour is offered on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s Victorian heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. 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.

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Author: Press Release