Experience the Victorian-era magic of Cape May this holiday season
Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC on Flickr
If you live in New York City, you’re already in one of the most magical places to spend the holidays. But, if the itch to get out of town sets in this season, a short jaunt south offers Victorian seaside charm set to twinkling lights. Cape May, New Jersey, a longtime summer destination, is even more alluring in December with quaint holiday memories around every corner. From Santa visits with the kids to cocktails for the grown-ups, here’s your guide to a holiday weekend in Cape May.
Where to stay
For families: Congress Hall
Billed as “America’s first seaside resort,” the butter-yellow house built in 1816 is Cape May’s pride and joy.
It was built as “a simple boarding house for summer visitors to one of America’s earliest seaside resorts. Its owner, Thomas H. Hughes, called his new boarding house ‘The Big House.’The locals had other ideas, though. Convinced the building was far too large to ever be a success, they nicknamed it ‘Tommy’s Folly,” according to the hotel’s history. Today, it remains a bustling waterfront hotel.
And for the 14th year in a row, “Winter Wonderland” has descended on the property with lights and decor, a carousel, a shopping village, and plenty of seasonal eats and drinks. The hotel even does its own tree lighting (December 5 this year).
Throughout the season, little ones can have breakfast with Santa; there’s a Christmas Day buffet ($89 per adult), and on New Year’s Eve, the “Glitter Ball” ($230 per adult).
For couples or solo: The Virginia Hotel and Cottages
Stay in an adult-sized gingerbread house! This classic Victorian hotel is perfect for couples, friends, or even a solo trip as it’s an adults-only property. So, it’s no surprise the hotel’s big holiday event is centered around a grown-up holiday treat: champagne. The Schramsberg Vineyards Sparkling Celebration is on Dec. 11 and features sparkling wines paired with a curated menu ($295 per person).
Also being served this season, a New Year’s Eve package that includes dinner for two with a room. But even if you can’t make it to the events, the Virginia Hotel is a beautiful option all season long.
The 1879 Victorian house is located less than a block from the beach and has a charming front porch from which to watch horse-drawn carriages on Jackson Street. It’s decked out in its holiday best – including tiny climbing Santas on the front facade. For a bit more space and privacy, the hotel’s two cottages offer suites.
For foodies: Beach Plum Farm
If you’re looking for something a little more rural away from the hustle and bustle of the town center, Plum Farm — a 62-acre working farm — offers a unique experience. “Unlike conventional hotels, the farm’s intimate cottages are designed to immerse guests in the land itself.
Throughout the month, Beach Plum Farm offers a series of curated, small-scale holiday events that feel rooted, meaningful, and local,” a release describes. The farm is home to six individual cottages that are great for a family or group — and they come complete with a tree during the holiday season.
But the main attraction of this getaway is the food and produce: farm-to-table meals and a farmers’ market. During the season, Holiday Harvest Dinners are served in the barn — all dolled up for the holidays — and include farm-to-table vegetables, organic meats, and homemade desserts. They are served at a communal table, encouraging camaraderie with the other guests, and they’re BYOB. There’s also a New Year’s dinner.
Bed & Breakfasts:
Cape May is known for its multitude of Victorian houses-turned-bed-and-breakfasts. Here are three festive options that really go all out for the holidays.
You can’t miss this beauty all lit up for the holidays. Located on tree-lined Ocean Street just a short jaunt away from the water, this 1881 house is decorated to honor its history with plush, ornate furniture and handcrafted Victorian-style wallpaper. Aside from breakfast, the 10-room (all named for royals) inn also serves traditional afternoon tea.
A larger option — 27 rooms — Angel of the Sea also offers traditional Victorian charm by the sea. It’s billed as Cape May’s “most romantic bed and breakfast,” and it has the views to back up the claim; envision sunset over the ocean from the patio with a nightly wine and cheese pairing and brisk winter walks on the sand. The beachfront inn also has an afternoon tea and, of course, breakfast.
Another festive stay right downtown is The Mason Cottage. Built in 1871 as a family home for a Philadelphia developer, it has two sets of stairwells, as one side of the house was for the owners and the other for their son and his wife. The 10-room inn is decorated in a modernized Victorian scheme with “designer” Christmas trees during the holidays.
What to do:
During the holiday season, Cape May is bustling with activities. Here are just a few to mark on your calendar:
West Cape May Christmas Parade
The annual parade kicks off Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse. A true community event, it’s funded solely by donations.
Tree lightings
There are multiple opportunities to catch a tree lighting. The Emlen Physick Estate, Congress Hall, and the city of Cape May all host one. The Borough of West Cape May is holding its lighting on Dec. 5 in preparation for the parade the following day.
Take a stroll and check off your shopping list at the Washington Street Mall, an outdoor shopping strip chock full of local goods — and it’s all lit up for the holidays!
Take a trolley ride to meet Santa — and Mrs. Claus joins! Or, skip the North Pole and take an open-air holiday lights trolley ride that tours the city’s Victorian houses.
Stroll the historic district as homeowners open their doors to show off beautifully decorated interiors. Adding to the atmosphere, carolers will be filling the streets with cheer. There are three tours this year on Dec. 6, 13, and 20. Tickets include admission to the Emlen Physick Estate, an authentically decorated historic estate.
Caroling in Victorian Cape May Walking Tour
If you’d rather sing yourself, all new this year is the Caroling in Victorian Cape May Walking Tour, during which a guide will lead the group through carols.
