I’ve been a long-time fan of summer Cape May trips, but never considered a day at the Jersey Shore in the chillier months. That was until I saw a TikTok video from the Cape May tourism account highlighting the town’s holiday festivities. The video may have been less than a minute long, but it was more than enough to see that it was going to be a wonderful holiday day trip.
Driving towards Beach Ave., you couldn’t help but be enchanted by the elaborate displays on houses and parks with twinkling lights. I had never seen such impressive decor outside of a town center! My family chose to park across the street from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House and make Congress Hall our first stop. On the front lawn, you couldn’t miss the giant Christmas tree and wreath, as well as the light display of reindeer and sleigh, which you could sit in for a photo. If you made it before 6pm, you could also check out the holiday market, like a smaller version of the ones you could find in New York City and all with local vendors. The inside lobby and shops hallways had tons of garland, lights, and even an old-fashioned sleigh for a photo op.
Across the street, the Washington Street Mall had lights up throughout the walkway, and some of the stores had decorations in the windows or holiday-specific merchandise. I, personally, picked up an embroidered sweatshirt with a Victorian home and an old-fashioned sleigh that said “Victorian Cape May” (bonus: it was half off since it was after Christmas). The Rotary Park behind the street mall was dressed to be the most festive public park I’ve seen, complete with baubles in the trees and a sparkling Christmas tree in the gazebo.
It wasn’t just the major tourist destinations that were decorated, though. Several of the hotels, inns, and stores throughout the town were also made fully festive! Two of my personal favorites were the Victorious store, which added oversized pink bows, nutcrackers, and mirrorballs to its already pink facade, and the Virginia, which had a collection of Santas scattered across the windows, roof, and chimney top. It wasn’t just the properties near Congress Hall, either! After my family finished our small walking loop, we hopped in the car and went for a drive through the town. I loved the bed and breakfasts on Stockton Ave and Kearney Ave added lights to the Victorian trim, in addition to other unique and tasteful additions. One house not too far from the marina even had a small sleigh with eight reindeer on the roof!
My family has always loved seeing holiday lights and celebrations, and I can confidently say that Cape May is one of the most festive displays I’ve seen. There were several businesses closed for the season, but there were still plenty of stores and restaurants open until the new year. If you love Cape May in the summer, you won’t want to miss the lights and decor for the holidays. There is truly nothing more magical than seeing dreamy displays while being able to smell and hear the ocean! I was pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to add the shore to my future holiday plans.
Have you ever been to Cape May for the holidays? I’d love to hear about your experience!
