Cape May knows how to dress for Christmas. Victorian porches glow after dark, shop windows invite you to linger, and a trip through town can turn into an evening of lights, laughter, and one more stop before heading home. Bring your winter coat, leave room for dinner, and make a little time for the season.

At Elaine’s, we’re celebrating right along with the town. From our tree-lighting and parade parties to Lunch with Santa and New Year’s Eve comedy, there’s plenty to build a holiday visit around. Here’s what to put on your calendar this November and December.

Celebrate the season at Elaine’s

Join us at 513 Lafayette Street for these scheduled gatherings. The December lineup runs from the first tree-lighting weekend through the final celebration of 2026.

Bring the family for Lunch with Santa, gather friends for a themed party, or finish the year with an evening of comedy. For reservations and event questions, call Elaine’s at (609) 884-4358. Dinner is offered à la carte on New Year’s Eve; the advertised $75 is the show-ticket price.

Keep an eye on our live music and events calendar

Fall Soiree information and registration

Holiday happenings around town

Pick a weekend, then build your day around the celebrations below. Some dates offer several events at once, so leave yourself time to enjoy the ones that matter most to you.

November 21 brings the first big holiday celebrations

Cape May MAC’s tree-lighting celebration at the Emlen Physick Estate runs from 4–8:30 PM. Browse the craft show from 4–8 PM, visit the decorated house during its free open house from 5–8 PM, and hear the community band at 5:30 PM. Santa lights the tree at 7 PM. Physick Estate celebration details

The Washington Street Mall also hosts its Holiday Preview Party on November 21. Make a stop for shopping as the holiday season gets underway. Washington Street Mall events

November 27 through December 31 at Congress Hall

Winter Wonderland returns to Congress Hall with its vendor village, festive food, carousel, and Congress Hall Express train. Regular hours are Thursday 3–8 PM, Friday 2–9 PM, Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, and Sunday 11 AM–7 PM. Special-date hours may differ, and rides depend on the weather. Winter Wonderland hours and activities

November 28 is a day for holiday shopping

Shop local on Small Business Saturday at the Washington Street Mall. You can also browse Cape May MAC’s Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Show at Convention Hall, 10 AM–4 PM. Holiday Crafts & Collectibles details

December 4 lights up Cape May

The City’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for 7 PM at Rotary Park. Congress Hall also holds its tree-lighting celebration that Friday; check its calendar for the evening’s program. Join us at Elaine’s before and after the town lighting to make a full evening of it. City of Cape May event calendar

December 5 and 6 bring crafts and the Christmas parade

Crafts at Christmas fills Convention Hall on Saturday, December 5, from 9 AM–4 PM, and Sunday, December 6, from 9 AM–3 PM. Browse handmade gifts before heading out for the evening festivities. City Crafts at Christmas information

The West Cape May Community Christmas Parade begins at 5 PM on Saturday, December 5. The route starts at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse, heads south on Broadway, turns east onto Perry Street, and finishes along Carpenter Lane. Elaine’s is celebrating before and after the parade. Parade information

December 11 is Hospitality Night

From 6–9 PM, participating Washington Street Mall merchants welcome shoppers with specials, light refreshments, music, and a visit from Santa. It’s a lovely evening to browse, choose a few gifts, and enjoy the decorated Mall. Hospitality Night details

December 12 and 13 offer music and holiday fun

On December 12, Elaine’s Whoville Party starts at 6 PM, while the City lists a Holiday Reception & Concert at Convention Hall at 7 PM. On December 13, Cape May Stage presents NIC+DESI In Concert at 7 PM. Cape May Stage performances and tickets

City Holiday Reception & Concert listing

December 18 through 20 makes a festive weekend

Start with Elaine’s Cousin Eddie Party on Friday at 6 PM. Saturday brings The Merriest Mall from 3–5 PM, with Santa, face painting, and live music, followed by Elaine’s Onesie Party at 6 PM. On Sunday, join us for Lunch with Santa from noon–3:30 PM. This is also a candlelight-tour weekend, so plan your reservations around the activities you most want to enjoy.

The Merriest Mall details

Memories from Lunch with Santa at Elaine’s · December 2025

Step inside Cape May at Christmas

Christmas Candlelight House Tours

Cape May MAC’s Christmas Candlelight House Tours take place December 5, 12, and 19, from 5:30–8:30 PM. These self-guided walking tours take you inside a changing selection of decorated homes, inns, churches, and other properties. The Emlen Physick Estate participates on all three dates; the Wilbraham Mansion is listed for December 19. Choose your date, reserve ahead, and follow the organizer’s instructions for collecting your map and wristband. Candlelight tour dates and tickets

Holiday Inns and Lamplighter tours

For an afternoon visit inside decorated inns and private homes, the Holiday Inns Tour runs December 1–3, 8–10, and 15–17, from 1–3:30 PM. The Lamplighter Christmas Walking Tour offers an evening option December 4, 11, 18, and 26, from 5:30–7:30 PM. Compare holiday house tours

The Physick Estate and an old-fashioned Christmas

The Evening Yuletide House Tour explores the decorated Physick Estate with a guide portraying a member of the family. It also includes the Carroll Gallery’s holiday exhibit. Book the departure that fits your visit. Evening Yuletide House Tour tickets

An Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Carroll Gallery is listed daily from November 22–December 31, with free admission. Its Dickens village, model trains, and Christmas tree make it an inviting stop for several generations to enjoy together. Check daily opening hours before visiting. Carroll Gallery exhibit information

See the lights and hear the ghost stories by trolley

Holiday Lights Trolley Rides travel past Cape May’s Christmas decorations with seasonal music and stories about holiday traditions. The trolleys are open-air, so bring warm layers. For little ones, Santa’s Trolley Rides include stories and songs with Mrs. Claus and a visit with Santa. All That Glitters explores Victorian holiday and New Year traditions. Holiday trolley schedules and tickets

If ghost stories are part of your idea of a Cape May getaway, look at the Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride. This approximately 30-minute evening outing combines Christmas history with tales of mysterious happenings. It begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop. Spirited Christmas trolley tickets

Cape May MAC also offers the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour, which focuses on local haunting stories. Check the booking calendar for availability on your travel dates; tour departures vary. Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour

Make time for Santa and a holiday show

Alongside Elaine’s December 20 lunch, the Inn of Cape May offers Breakfast with Santa on selected dates from late November into December. Reserve a seating through the organizer and check availability before making plans. Breakfast with Santa dates and reservations

Cape May Stage presents Murder for Two: The Holiday Edition from November 18–December 27. Regular performances are Wednesday–Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, with a special 2 PM matinee on December 5. The musical mystery offers an evening of comedy between shopping and sightseeing. Check the performance calendar for date-specific changes. Cape May Stage holiday show tickets

East Lynne Theater Company presents Fully Committed December 3–20, with a December 2 preview, at the Clemans Theater for the Arts, 717 Franklin Street. Regular performances are Wednesday–Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. This one-person comedy follows the chaos of a restaurant reservation desk during the holiday rush; the theater notes strong language and adult humor. Fully Committed details and tickets

Keep celebrating through New Year’s Eve

The week after Christmas still has plenty to offer. The Lamplighter tour returns December 26, and Cape May MAC lists a Christmas Hymn Sing-Along that day at 4 PM. Cape May Stage’s December 27 schedule includes Married, Single, and a Baby at 7 PM. Check the organizers’ calendars for locations, tickets, and availability. Cape May MAC Christmas programs

Then join us at Elaine’s on Thursday, December 31, for the Annual NYE Stand-Up Comedy Show at 7 PM. Your $75 show ticket includes a champagne toast, with an à la carte dining menu available. Gather your favorite people, settle in for some laughs, and celebrate the arrival of 2027 together.

Call (609) 884-1199 to reserve your $75 New Year’s Eve show ticket.

Make Elaine’s part of your holiday visit

A holiday outing doesn’t need to feel rushed. Choose your tour or show first, leave time for a meal, and enjoy the walk between stops. Book ticketed events early and confirm restaurant reservations separately, especially on parade and candlelight-tour weekends.

Families are welcome to dine at Elaine’s and join Lunch with Santa. For a couples’ getaway or a trip with adult friends, explore Elaine’s Boutique Hotel. The hotel is adults-only, and a room reservation does not include event tickets or a dining reservation.

Call (609) 884-4358 for Elaine’s event and dining questions, or visit Elaine’s to plan your holiday stay

Schedules are based on 2026 organizer listings and may change. Use the linked event pages to confirm current hours, tickets, and availability before traveling. All times are local to Cape May.

Holiday scenes from Elaine’s

Take a look at Elaine’s Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve decorations from a past holiday season. Press play below to watch.

A holiday glimpse of Cape May

Enjoy a quick tour of Cape May’s festive shops, seasonal treats, and Christmas decorations in this reel from NJ.com.

View the original reel and caption on Instagram