Christmas Candlelight House Tour

Offered on three Saturday nights in December, Cape May MAC launched this evening walking tour in 1974 and ever since it has been a highlight of the Christmas season in Victorian Cape May, America’s only National Historic Landmark City. Stroll along gaslit streets and visit homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels, most within walking distance of each other, to see lovely interiors decorated for the holidays. This self-guided walking tour, centered in a 3/4-square-mile area of the Historic District, is Cape May’s longest running Christmas tour and Cape May MAC’s largest annual fund-raiser. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and feel the holiday merriment as you explore participating properties on foot in Cape May’s Historic District.

Christmas Candlelight House Tour

Offered on three Saturday nights in December, Cape May MAC launched this evening walking tour in 1974 and ever since it has been a highlight of the Christmas season in Victorian Cape May, America’s only National Historic Landmark City. Stroll along gaslit streets and visit homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels, most within walking distance of each other, to see lovely interiors decorated for the holidays. This self-guided walking tour, centered in a 3/4-square-mile area of the Historic District, is Cape May’s longest running Christmas tour and Cape May MAC’s largest annual fundraiser. Ticket purchasers obtain a map and wristband the day before or day of the tour at the Physick Estate. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Trolley shuttles will not be offered as in years past. As in 2024, an express shuttle will operate between the Physick Estate and the one or two farthest points. Most properties are clustered within a 20-minute walk in the Historic District with some just a few minutes from each other, and that makes walking the most efficient way to see the most properties with the least time spent waiting. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and feel the holiday merriment as you explore participating properties on foot in Cape May’s Historic District.

The West Cape May Christmas Parade

The West Cape May Community Christmas Parade sets the stage for the area’s holiday season! Always held on the first Saturday in December, and now in its 56th year, the parade marches through town beginning at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse, heading South on Broadway, turning East on Perry, and finishing its route through to the end of Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May.

In the unfortunate event of inclement weather, the Parade will reschedule to (Sunday) December 3rd.  Notice of any rescheduling with be posted to the Borough’s website and social media pages.

Artists Holiday Marketplace

The Nature Center of Cape May will host their annual Artists Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 6th from 10 am to 3 pm. This year’s Artists Holiday Marketplace will feature 19 local artists and authors with their original handcrafted wares and books.  “We invite you to Shop Small and Shop Local this holiday season and support some of the Nature Center’s favorite local artists and authors.” Says Emily Reed, the Nature Center of Cape May’s Director. “Local art and signed books make great holiday gifts!” The Artists Holiday Marketplace is open to the public with plenty of free parking. Light refreshments and holiday goodies will be served. 

Local artists and authors will be set up in both of the main buildings with work of many different mediums, including: 
Susan Allen Woodcarver carving knotty driftwood into whales and other marine creatures.
Dr. Neeti Bathala Author of Moonlight Crab Count. Bruce Bieber Woodcarving, birds and fish.
Cindy Bilba – Coastal Artist working in watercolors and acrylics, creating paintings inspired by the movement, light and emotions of watery places. Her work reflects an intuitive connection to the sea and the peacefulness it brings. Author of Sea Glass Seeker, Seaglass and Shells. Mary Byrne Master potter creating functional and sculptural pieces.
HKM Jewelry – Heirloom Jewelry for ocean lovers who strive to protect our seas. Each piece is created using found objects from the Atlantic shoreline, molded and cast into replicas, or set like precious gems. 
Sydney Gary – Nature Inspired Painter.
Tina Giaimo – Award Winning Photographer and owner of Spirit Catcher Photography.
Ellie Kirk- Author of Bonnie Bailey and the Faire of Worlds an epic middle grade fantasy.
Don Merwin – Award Winning Nature Inspired Photography.
Sandy Mucha- Hand knitted hats and scarves.
Annette Patton – Coastal inspired artist working with shells and stones.
Janet Payne Jewelry Sea Glass and Cape May Diamond Jewelry in sterling silver settings reflect the strength and beauty of the sea. Inspired by the natural seascapes the ocean wears into driftwood found on the beach, Janet gently coaxes these images from the wood with acrylic paint, allowing the texture of the wood to become part of the painting.
George Reed- Handcrafted wooden birdhouses.
Carla Schaeffer – Mixed Media and Jewelry.
Brendan Schaffer – Eco-Clectic Art and outdoor sculptures.
Dale Watso  –Nature themed quilts and fiber arts.
Denise White – Tidings from the Sea Pottery creating whimsical fish tea light holders and holiday themed gnomes, trees and ornaments
Anne Wiggins – Hand knitted hats and scarves.
Stop by and get in the Holiday Spirit. Proceeds go directly to support our artist and author friends who have been so generous to us through volunteering and providing donations to our fundraisers.  Help us show our appreciation by shopping local and supporting Cape May’s amazing artist community. The Nature Center’s Gift Shop will also be open for your gift giving needs. The Center’s popular natural wreath making workshops will also be happening throughout the weekend. To attend a wreath making workshop please register in advance on Eventbrite.

Annual Crafts at Christmas Show

Come to the Annual Crafts at Christmas Show, we are sure you will find what you’re looking for.