Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
Cape May Pulls Out all the Stops this Festive Season
Christmas is quickly approaching, and the holiday festivities are in full swing in South Jersey. Cape May has a full schedule of events to keep you busy all the way through the New Year.
Cape May is a popular seaside resort at the tip of southern New Jersey’s Cape May Peninulsa and is traditionally a family favorite destination in the summer, with their pristine beaches, amazing restaurants, and numerous home-made ice cream spots. It is a place which people travel from all over to spend several weeks over the summer visiting; however, they also host several events around the holiday each year. The event schedule jam-packed this year, with something happening almost every day up until Christmas.
The beautiful La Mer Beachfront Resort (1317 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204) will be hosting a series of classic holiday movies to its lawn Friday and Saturday evenings. Bring warm clothing, your favorite blanket, and your holiday spirit and cozy up to The Santa Clause (December 17), Home Alone: Lost in New York (December 18), and A Christmas Story (January 1). The event is open for anyone to enjoy and runs from 5-7pm each day; however, there will be Adirondack chairs on the lawn and because space is limited, you cannot bring your own. There is also the option for fire pits with space for four guests for only $50, which includes complimentary buttered popcorn and table service. Reservations are required for firepits, and you can call (609)-8980-2244 to reserve your pit.
A family favorite returns to Congress Hall’s Ballroom (200 Congress Pl, Cape May, NJ 08204) on both the 22nd and 29th of December with Blue the Pig hosting his favorite game – Holiday Bingo! From 6-8 pm, players can enjoy a homespun dinner and a fun game of bingo with the family. Tickets cost $30 for children and $45 for adults, and reservations are required and can be made by calling (609-884-542) or e-mailing concierge@caperesorts.com.
Congress Hall is also hosting their eleventh annual Winter Wonderland, a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Attendees can expect magical experiences such as Breakfast with Santa, Congress Hall Express rides, and Santa’s workshop activities.Winter Igloos will see snow-white igloos set up on the Grand Lawn on Congress Hall under the warmth of the thirty-foot Tannenbaum. Parties of up to eight can enjoy a prix fixe menu in an intimate private dining experience. Reservations are now available Thursday-Sunday and you can choose from a dinner menu ($45 per adult and $25 per child) or dessert-only menu ($25 per person) plus a one-time $75 rental fee. For reservations and to take a look at the menu, go to https://www.caperesorts.com/congress-hall/igloos.
Kids have the opportunity to have a full breakfast buffet with their favorite man in red – Santa! From 7:30 am – 2 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Christmas Eve, for only $28 for adults and $16 for children (with children 3 and younger going for free). Don’t forget to dress up in your holiday best to have a photo with Good
‘Ol Saint Nick by the poinsettia tree.
For the slightly more cynical of us around the holidays, there is the chance to have brunch with none other than the Grinch himself! The grumpy host will be taking over Exit Zero Filling Station (110 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204) from 12-4 pm, and each kids’ menu will include a cookie decorating kit. Prices vary and they do not require reservations, so for more information, visit their website: https://www.exitzero.com/happenings?rq=grinch.
Finally, The Elf Dash is a great opportunity to patronize local businesses and spread the belief that there is still magic in Christmas. This coming Saturday (18th), come dressed in your favorite festive gear and be ready to promote Christmas spirit while raising funds to help provide gifts to the Cape May Community Schools. A minimum donation of five dollars is required where each participant will receive a wristband, and the Elf Dash website will post where the proceeds have been donated. Check in is at 5pm at Rotary Park. Cape May, NJ,08204, and to register or check the map of the route, head to https://elfdash.com/dash-details/.
So, although you may traditionally associate Cape May as a summer destination, their full schedule of Christmas events is sure to have something that will lure you in and give you that Christmas feeling as we approach the big day. Cape May may even become your new holiday tradition!
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
