Cape May, New Jersey — a quaint holiday escape for East Coasters — is an underrated winter destination just a quick drive from New York City and Philadelphia, letting travelers skip the airport chaos.
Each December, this charming Victorian beachfront town transforms into a festive holiday wonderland that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Cape Resorts Properties – Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, New Jersey, isn’t just a summer beach town – it’s one of the Northeast’s most decorated holiday destinations, where the entire Victorian seaside city leans into a sense of timeless, small-town magic that feels stolen from a classic holiday film. In December, the country’s oldest seaside resort community transforms into a glowing wonderland of twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriages, historic house tours, artisan markets, and cultural programming that makes it a true winter escape. At the heart of Cape May’s holiday magic are the Cape Resorts properties historic charm and thoughtful seasonal experiences:
Congress Hall
Anchoring all of this holiday spirit is the tradition of the grand old seaside hotel going all-in on the immersive Christmas experience. Congress Hall transforms the lawn into an elaborate Christmas village complete with carousels, Santa’s Workshop, holiday vendor huts, and fireside lounges serving hot cocoa and cocktails. While the hotel’s Winter Wonderland programming is a standout, it also reflects Cape May’s broader commitment to historic preservation and community celebration. Travelers choosing to stay here aren’t just checking into a hotel – they’re stepping into an entire town that chooses to embrace its Victorian heritage in the most magical, all-hands-on-deck way.
Beach Plum Farm
Anchoring this seasonal celebration is Beach Plum Farm, a 62-acre working farm just a few minutes from Cape May’s historic downtown. 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. The farm’s Harvest Dinner Series is the star attraction, transforming the property’s rustic Market Barn into a winter dining hall lit by lanterns and candlelight. These ticketed, communal dinners celebrate the winter harvest: organic meats, freshly dug root vegetables, and handmade desserts sourced largely from the farm itself. It’s not just a meal – it’s a storytelling experience that honors Cape May’s agricultural heritage and its new generation of regenerative farmers. Guests may mingle with the local chefs and farmers while enjoying pairings with regional wines, making it a compelling reason to plan a December trip specifically for these evenings.
The Virginia Hotel
Another Cape Resorts property that delivers Cape May’s holiday spirit at its most sophisticated and intimate is The Virginia Hotel, an adults-only, 24-room Victorian landmark. The Virginia Hotel is more than a place to stay – it’s a curated December destination, with the crown jewel of its holiday programming being the Grand Champagne Dinner in the Richmond Room. Held for one special evening in mid-December, this limited-seat dinner transforms the hotel’s richly paneled private dining room into a candlelit salon ideal for just 18 guests. Executive Chef Jason Hanin crafts an elegant multi-course menu designed to showcase and pair perfectly with prestigious French Champagnes. This isn’t a typical hotel holiday buffet; it’s a culinary event with an ultra-exclusive feel, perfect for travelers who want to make their December visit truly special. That event is the hook that draws visitors but the hotel’s appeal goes deeper. The hotel itself is a study in timeless holiday atmosphere: an 1879 building beautifully restored to offer fireside lounges, richly patterned wallpapers, and vintage details, all decked out in holiday décor. Even guests not attending the Champagne Dinner can find themselves immersed in Cape May’s grand holiday aesthetic the moment they walk through the front door.
Cape May, New Jersey
While many holiday travelers flock to the usual snowy mountain resorts or bustling urban Christmas markets, Cape May offers a winter escape unlike any other. Beyond Cape Resorts’ beloved seasonal traditions, this Victorian seaside town pairs sweeping ocean views and salt-kissed air with a 19th-century architectural backdrop. Its entire National Historic Landmark District, the only town in the U.S. with this designation in its entirety, transforms into a living stage for immersive holiday experiences.
December is the peak season for the town’s calendar of holiday events, which go far beyond basic tree lightings. This season visitors can experience:
- Cape May’s Historic District Organization hosts candlelight walking tours, allowing visitors to admire Victorian homes adorned with fresh pine and beautiful Christmas trees, while costumed guides share local lore. Travelers can also hop on the decorated trolley tours for special narrated rides throughout the streets, lined with gingerbread-trimmed inns and mansions, many dating back to the 1800s.
- The renowned Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) runs Historic Holiday House Tours, allowing visitors a rare glimpse inside immaculately restored private homes, inns, and churches decorated for the season. The tours sell out well in advance each year, a testament to their appeal to architecture lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking authentic local traditions.
- Meanwhile, the town’s Washington Street Mall – a brick-paved pedestrian shopping district – becomes a hub of carolers, pop-up craft vendors, and independent boutiques offering hand-crafted gifts.
Beyond the town itself, Cape May’s coastal position adds another layer of December appeal. While the ocean is too cold for swimming, it provides a winter backdrop for beach walks, shell-collecting, and sunrise pictures. Cape May is also one of North America’s premier birding destinations, even in the winter. December is a prime time for seeing rare seabirds, wintering raptors, and the Atlantic Flyway’s migratory visitors, drawing in dedicated birders. December also draws cultural performances in local theaters like the Cape May Stage, offering holiday plays in historic venues. The East Lynne Theater Company specializes in Victorian-era holiday storytelling that aligns perfectly with the town’s character.
Ultimately, what makes Cape May so compelling is this shared dedication to tradition, warmth, and storytelling. It’s not simply a beach town repurposing itself for winter; it’s a living historic district that turns its unique architecture, arts, and coastal landscape into the perfect holiday setting, offering travelers a truly one-of-a-kind way to experience the season.
