Cape May at Christmas 2026: A Weekend Trip From Haddonfield

Cape May in December feels like a different Shore. Gaslit streets, Victorian porches wrapped in greens, and a short drive from Haddonfield: about 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. Cape May MAC calls it America's only National Historic Landmark City. Here are three anchors for a day trip or overnight before the New Year.

Free tree lighting: Saturday, Nov. 21

Cape May MAC's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. It is free.

Per MAC's event page, the outdoor program runs about 5 to 8 p.m. Strolling musicians play from 5 to 5:30 p.m. The John Walter Cape Community Band performs at 5:30 p.m. Santa lights the tree around 7 p.m., followed by a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." A Holiday Preview Weekend craft show starts at 4 p.m. on the grounds. Hot beverages are for sale. Non-perishable food donations go to the Cape May Community Food Closet, and Toys for Tots collects gifts at the Carriage House Museum Shop. The first floor of the Physick Estate is open for free self-guided tours during the event window.

Candlelight House Tours: three Saturdays in December

The 52nd annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours run Saturday, Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It is a self-guided walking tour of homes, inns, churches and hotels in the Historic District.

Adult tickets are $45. Children ages 3 to 12 are $30. Cape May MAC recommends buying in advance. Maps and wristbands are picked up at the Physick Estate (Hill House office): Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. An express shuttle covers one or two farther stops. Wear shoes you can walk in for a few hours. Each Saturday has a different property list, so check MAC's page before you pick a night. Dinner packages with the Washington Inn (3-course dinner at 4 p.m., then the tour) are listed for Dec. 12 and 19 only.

Congress Hall Winter Wonderland: Nov. 27 to Dec. 31

Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, turns into Winter Wonderland from Friday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Dec. 31. Posted hours: Thursday 3 to 8 p.m., Friday 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (special hours may apply on select dates). Train and carousel rides are weather-dependent. The hotel's Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, Dec. 4, on the Grand Lawn.

Building the weekend

Pick one big evening and leave daylight for walking and shopping. For the full Christmas in Cape May lineup (trolley rides, Physick Estate Christmas tours and more), start at Cape May MAC's hub. Confirm times and tickets on the organizer pages before you book lodging.

Closer to home, see Haddonfield's tree lighting, Santa and Candlelight Shopping schedule. Prefer a Pennsylvania lights day trip? Longwood Gardens Christmas 2026 opens Nov. 20.

FAQ

When is Cape May's Christmas tree lighting in 2026? Saturday, Nov. 21, from about 5 to 8 p.m. at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Santa lights the tree around 7 p.m. The event is free.

How much are Candlelight House Tour tickets? Adults $45 and children ages 3 to 12 $30. Tours run Saturdays Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Buy in advance.

Sources

• Cape May MAC: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Cape May MAC: Christmas Candlelight House Tour
• Congress Hall: Winter Wonderland
• Cape May MAC: Christmas in Cape May

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