NEW JERSEY - The coastal town of Cape May, New Jersey, is ready to launch its famous six-week holiday season, and it all begins with a massive, family-friendly celebration on the grounds of the town's most historic property.
On Saturday, November 21, Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) will host the 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington St.). Running from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the evening is packed with live music, holiday shopping, Victorian house tours, and a grand entrance by Santa Claus himself.
A Full Evening of Festive Activities
The celebration officially kicks off at 4:00 p.m. with the debut of a brand-new Holiday Preview Weekend Craft Show. Visitors can browse the grounds and shop local for unique, handmade gifts for family and friends. To keep everyone warm as the sun goes down, hot dogs, pretzels, adult hot beverages, and hot chocolate will be available for purchase.
From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., strolling musicians will entertain the crowds across the estate grounds, leading right into a free performance of holiday classics by the John Walter Cape Community Band at 5:30 p.m.
Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the historic property for free. The Physick House Museum, meticulously decorated in true Victorian style for Christmas, will offer free self-guided tours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Out in the Carriage House, Cape May's Nostalgic Holiday Exhibit, "An Old-Fashioned Christmas," will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a massive Dickens Village and vintage running model trains.
Santa Arrives to Light the Tree
The main event happens at 7:00 p.m. on the outdoor stage, as Santa Claus arrives via a Cape May MAC trolley to greet the excited crowd, lead the countdown, and officially flip the switch to light the estate's massive Christmas tree.
In the spirit of giving, the event will also collect donations for the community. Visitors are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, as well as non-perishable food items or household necessities (such as dish soap, laundry detergent, napkins, and paper towels) to benefit the Cape May Community Food Closet.
The tree lighting is just the beginning of a massive season for the town. Over the next six weeks, Cape May will host more than 900 holiday tours, activities, and events, including the highly anticipated 53rd Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours. For a full calendar of events, visit capemaymac.org.
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